By Jim Carchidi
October 2, 2026
The influence of food on community and philanthropy will be the focus of the next Winter Park Institute (WPI) event. A conversation with renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés will take place at 5:30 p.m. on October 20 at Warden Arena, on the Rollins College campus. The event is presented through a partnership with Orlando Health and will be moderated by WESH 2 News anchor, Nancy Alvarez.
Stories of service
Andrés’ belief in food as a means of bringing people together has guided his professional career, but his faith in the ability of people to make a difference has inspired his charitable efforts. As founder and executive chairman of José Andrés Group, he is behind more than 40 global venues and has been recognized by Michelin and the James Beard Foundation. Andrés’ is also part of the Central Florida culinary community with Jaleo at Disney Springs.
He became an influential voice in the humanitarian community in 2010 with the founding of World Central Kitchen. The organization demonstrates the healing power of food by providing meals to communities in crisis. Andrés has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2018, he published We Fed an Island: The True Story of Rebuilding Puerto Rico, One Meal at a Time - a document of his work with communities in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
During the WPI conversation, Andrés will share stories and discuss the meaning of leadership, service, and acting on behalf of people in need.
Meaningful conversations
The October 20 event will be the latest in the WPI series of public speaking engagements with recognized leaders. Founded by Rollins College in 2007, the Institute transitioned to a nonprofit organization in 2021 to continue its mission of promoting civic engagement and community connections. Past speakers include Dr. Jane Goodall, Maya Angelou, and Sir Paul McCartney.
Ongoing impact
WPI Executive Director Lindsay Kist told The Orlando Real that community programming reaches beyond the auditorium for each speaking event. An October 26 dinner at The Ravenous Pig will bring Central Florida business leaders together to discuss themes from Andrés’ conversation that can benefit Central Florida. And WPI's "Pages for the Ages" intergenerational book club will connect Rollins College students with senior residents to share We Fed an Island.
WPI and Orlando Health will also make a donation to Special Hearts Farm, a Winter Garden-based nonprofit providing training, supported employment, and business opportunities in farming and gardening for individuals with disabilities and unique abilities.
“One of the things we are trying to do at the Institute is keep the engagement from ending when the speaker event ends,” Kist said. “We want to focus on the community touchpoints, and how the event themes can bring about new conversations.”
For ticket purchases and information on upcoming WPI events, log onto winterparkinstitute.org.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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