Leadership Seminole telethon raises at least $12,000 for Recovery House renovation in Seminole County

Leadership Seminole’s class 35 telethon on a Seminole County stage raised at least $12,000 for Recovery House of Central Florida, hosts announced during the live broadcast, and corporate sponsors promised matching gifts to amplify early donations.

The one-hour segment’s hosts, Amy Sweezy and Catherine Clifford, told viewers a donation link and QR code were pinned to the stream and urged immediate contributions while Waste Pro matched gifts dollar-for-dollar during the program’s giving windows. Dr. King McCray announced the telethon crossed $10,000 early in the broadcast; later hosts reported the total had reached $12,000.

Why it matters: Recovery House operates as a low-barrier residential recovery program for men and offers clinical groups and life-skills training. Telethon organizers said funds raised during the event will go to renovating shared common areas—work they described as essential to residents’ dignity, community and long-term recovery—and said demolition is scheduled to begin March 1.

Organizers and sponsors. Recovery House executive director Ed Carr and leadership-class members repeatedly thanked local corporate partners. Waste Pro provided the on-air matching commitment during giving windows; other sponsors named on air included VyStar Credit Union, the Gennard Company, Wharton Smith Construction Group and Marsh (Marsh & McLennan Companies). Producers and on-site volunteers also referenced a silent auction and pledged in-kind support from Wharton Smith for the facility space used for the event.

What organizers said. Ed Carr, introduced as executive director, described Recovery House as a ‘‘low-barrier’’ program that accepts people without insurance or funds and offers a mix of shelter, education and clinical services. Carr said the house serves dozens of men at a time and emphasized that shared, comfortable common spaces support recovery by making residents feel valued and connected.

Voices from the program. Multiple alumni and current participants told personal stories on camera. One graduate said the program’s six-month structure and group work—combined with clinical groups led by the facility’s clinical director—helped him rebuild relationships and find employment. Alan Carlton, identified as a graduate and board member, said the program is planning a women’s facility called River House as a next step.

Next steps. Organizers said demolition and renovation of the Recovery House common areas will begin March 1 and that fundraising will continue after the telethon to support further upgrades and the planned women’s facility. The donation link and silent auction remained open after the broadcast, the hosts said.

"We want to give these guys a chance to live with dignity," Fritz Voltaire, director of business development for Recovery House of Central Florida, said near the close of the telethon, thanking donors and Leadership Seminole class 35 for choosing the organization’s legacy project.

The telethon included community partners, entertainment and on-air testimonials intended to encourage donations and raise awareness about local recovery services. Hosts closed the program by reminding viewers where to donate and thanking sponsors, volunteers and the Seminole County Office of Communications for production support.