Andrea Eliscu Honored at National Philanthropy Day

Receives Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award in Recognition of Four Decades of Service with Orlando Health  

Orlando, FL (November 23, 2011) – Friday, November 17, 2011, marked a very special day across the nation as communities gathered to celebrate individuals, corporations and organizations that made a difference in the lives of others throughout the year. In Orlando, inspirational stories of philanthropic leadership and positive community impact resonated throughout the ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton® Orlando Grande Lakes.  

The story of one woman’s unwavering mission – the elevation of her community, empowerment of women and the advancement of health education and research – led to Andrea Eliscu’s nomination and selection for this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award.  

Andrea Eliscu’s volunteer and philanthropic support of Orlando Health began nearly four decades ago in 1972 when she began working as an RN but refused to take a paycheck, instead signing them over to the Nursing Scholarship Fund.  

In 1993, Andrea became closely involved with the Orlando Health Foundation through Women Playing For T.I.M.E. (Technology, Immediate diagnosis, Mammography and Education). WPFT’s annual golf and tennis events were successful; however, Andrea envisioned a venue with an even larger reach. The answer: pink dragon boating, a breast cancer survivor sport. Andrea was the driving force behind bringing dragon boating to Central Florida, WPFT acquiring two dragon boats and WPFT being named the charitable beneficiary of the Annual Walgreens Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival at Walt Disney World.  

“Andrea has an incredible gift for bringing people with similar interests together, inspiring them to see and own a vision, and work as a team to accomplish things that are much greater in scope than if they were each working independently,” says Karen Jensen, vice president and executive director, Orlando Health Foundation.  

This year, WPFT raised $550,000 for cancer research and programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, bringing the total to more than $8.5 million over the past 19 years.  

“We are extremely fortunate to have enjoyed and benefited through Andrea’s strong partnership for nearly 40 years,” adds Karen. “Her visionary leadership and tireless efforts have left a lasting legacy that will touch the lives of countless people, bringing hope, healing and empowerment to patients and their family members who seek care at Orlando Health.”