Updates
4,000 Lives a Year: Drowning—The Crisis No One Is Talking About
4,000 Americans drown every year. Many are children. Most are preventable.
The number no one is talking about: 4,000.
That’s how many Americans drown every year — unintentionally, needlessly. That works out to roughly 11 lives lost every single day…an entire classroom of children drowning every single week.
It is one of the leading causes of accidental death in this country, and it barely registers in the national conversation.
Every 11 Minutes, a Family's World Changes.
In the United States alone, someone drowns every 11 minutes. Many are children… and nearly all were preventable.
Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4 in the United States — more than car accidents, more than falls, more than anything else parents instinctively guard against.
And for every child who dies, eight more are pulled from the water alive — many of them with permanent brain damage, disabilities that will shape every moment of the rest of their lives.
While the death toll is devastating, the survival toll is larger, and quieter.
Then there's Florida.
Florida is not just high-risk. Florida is in a category of its own.
Year after year, this state ranks at the very top of national drowning statistics for young children — and Central Florida sits at the center of that crisis.
Florida has 500+ deaths per year from drowning.
We record more than 500 drowning deaths annually across all ages.
Why? Warm weather means year-round pool access. High home density means backyard pools behind thousands of residential fences — or without fences at all. And woven through every neighborhood in Central Florida: retention ponds and lakes. Quiet. Accessible. Deadly.
Drowning is a silent, quick death.
A child can drown in the time it takes a parent to answer a text message. Quickly. Silently.
In Florida, the water is always there — in the backyard, at the end of the street, around the corner. Distance is not protection. Knowledge is.
Prevention has to reach everyone.
Recently, you may have received an Amber Alert on your phone. When the alert came through our phones, it wasn’t just a missing child.
It said autism. It said water.
And anyone who understands what that means felt it immediately—this wasn’t just a search. It was a race. And this time around, it ended in heartache when 13-year-old Na’Sean Kirkland drowned in a lake near his Maitland home.
Children with autism — a population with significant presence in Central Florida — face drowning risk up to 14 times higher than their peers. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism under age 15. They are drawn to water and may not recognize its danger.
And racial disparities compound the crisis. Black children between ages 10 and 14 drown in swimming pools at rates nearly eight times higher than white children the same age — a gap driven almost entirely by historical inequities in swimming instruction and pool access. Prevention is also a matter of equity.
What the statistics don't show is the ripple — the siblings who watched, the parents who will never sleep the same way again, the coaches and first responders who carry what they saw for the rest of their lives.
‼️ 4,000 Americans who drown each year
❌ 500+ Floridians — among the highest per-capita in the U.S.
💔 32,000 Nonfatal drowning ER visits nationally, each year
😞 An infinite number of families forever changed — in ways no statistic can hold
This is why we exist.
The water isn't going anywhere. Neither are we.
The Winter Park Blue Dolphins Foundation exists because every single one of these numbers is preventable. Swim lessons. Pool barriers. Community education. Water safety awareness.
This is our mission.
Our mission is to make swimming a universal life skill in our community. We believe swimming is more than a safety measure—it is foundational to lifelong health and well-being.
We focus on safety, accessibility, participation, and opportunity because we believe stronger communities start in the water!
In addition to our current capital project of adding a 50m pool at Cady Way, we are also working on an ongoing mission of preventing accidental drowning.
With the help of community partners the City of Winter Park and Orlando Health, our programming is developing into a comprehensive approach to water safety:
✅ Free community swim lessons focused on real-world water safety
✅ CPR and rescue breathing certification classes for parents, teens, and caregivers
✅ Education campaigns to help families “waterproof” their homes and environments
✅ Outreach to underserved and high-risk populations
We don't measure our work in dollars raised or lessons taught. We measure it in futures that didn't end at the water's edge.
Data and statistics for this post were pulled from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/data-research/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/health-equity/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7024a1.htm
Safety: Why Every Life Skill Begins in the Water
We believe swimming is more than a safety measure—it is foundational to lifelong health and well-being. Stronger communities start in the water!
Long before the Cady Way Pool existed, the land where it sits today was the home of the Showalter Airpark.
After World War II, Howard Showalter and his brother and cousin (all war veterans) opened a small airfield on this very property. The trio offered flying lessons for many Winter Park residents and later serviced Elvis, Howard Hughes and Walt Disney.
Image courtesy of the Winter Park History Museum.
But aviation was not the only part of Howard Showalter’s story.
As a young man back in Virginia, Howard worked as a lifeguard, and later, at 52 years of age, his training kicked in during a trip to New Smyrna Beach.
A young boy, Anthony J. Woodruff, began to struggle in the water. Seeing the distress, Showalter did what lifeguards are trained to do—he charged in after the swimmer, reaching him before any beach lifeguards could.
Howard successfully rescued Anthony, pushing him to safety, but in the process, Howard drowned.
His sacrifice saved a life, and his actions were honored with a Carnegie Hero Award.
Today, few people realize that the land where families now gather to swim, learn, and train carries the legacy of someone who gave his life protecting another person in the water.
It is a sobering reminder that in a state surrounded by water water safety is not optional—it is essential.
🛟 Safety Is Our First Pillar
Here at the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation, safety is the first and most fundamental pillar of our mission.
Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children under age 4, and far too many adults lack the basic swim skills needed to stay safe in pools, lakes, and oceans. In Florida—where water is part of everyday life—this challenge is especially urgent.
Our goal is simple but powerful:
Every child and adult in our community should know how to swim and feel confident in the water.
👉 How We Are Advancing Water Safety
Through partnerships and programs, the Blue Dolfins Foundation works to expand access to lifesaving swim education throughout our community.
✅ Monthly Free Swim Lessons
During the warm months, we host free swim lessons and water safety programs for children and adults, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent someone from learning these critical skills. Click here for more info.
✅ Learn-to-Swim Programs
Working in partnership with the City of Winter Park, we support structured learn-to-swim programs that help swimmers of all ages build confidence and competence in the water.
✅ Community Water Safety Awareness
Water safety is a shared responsibility. We collaborate with organizations including:
City of Winter Park
Local Orange County Schools
Down Syndrome Swimming
Together, we help spread awareness about drowning prevention and the importance of early swim education.
💕 And we’re thankful for Winter Park residents like Melissa Mishoe, whose grandfather was an Olympic swimmer, for her dedication and passion for young children learning to swim.
💪 Carrying the Legacy Forward
Howard Showalter’s story reminds us that knowing how to swim—and knowing how to help others safely—can mean the difference between life and death.
→ Every child who learns to float.
→ Every adult who gains confidence in the water.
→ Every family that understands water safety.
Each of these moments creates a ripple effect that spreads through our entire community: Stronger communities start in the water!
At the future Cady Way aquatic complex, we envision a place where safety comes first—where swimmers of every age and ability can learn the skills that protect lives.
Because the strongest communities begin with people who know how to care for one another.
And sometimes, that care begins in the water!
📊 Cady Way Project: 2025 Impact & Progress Highlights
2025 has been a year of real momentum for the Cady Way Revitalization Project—and we’re excited to share what you’ve helped make possible.
Thanks to the Winter Park community’s incredible support, 2025 has been a year of real momentum for the Cady Way Revitalization Project—and we’re excited to share what you’ve helped make possible.
Here’s what we’ve accomplished together so far:
📊 2025 Impact & Progress Highlights
Orlando Health secured and publicly announced as our official presenting sponsor, bringing long-term credibility, financial stability, and strong alignment with our mission of health, safety, and wellness.
More than 100 new individual and corporate donors joined the project this year, significantly expanding our supporter base and strengthening long-term sustainability.
Over $800,000 raised in new funding, bringing us meaningfully closer to completing all stages of the project.
Grant support secured from seven nonprofit organizations, strengthening our coalition around swim safety, public health, and equitable community access.
Three smaller fundraising events held, collectively raising more than $24,000 to support the project.
Featured in numerous local and regional news outlets, including Fox 35, Spectrum News 13, Channel 6, and Winter Park Magazine, increasing public awareness and community engagement.
Multiple in-kind donations secured, reducing overall project costs through donated goods, services, and professional expertise.
Project architect officially brought on board, marking a critical transition from planning to execution.
Official pool blueprints received, finalizing the design for the new 50-meter aquatic facility.
A 1950s-era aircraft donated for Stage 3, adding a meaningful historical and educational element to the expanded green space.
Free swim lesson program launched, directly advancing drowning prevention and equitable access to life-saving skills.
Cady Way Family Magazine published its first issue, creating an online publication dedicated to:
– Share ongoing project updates
– Highlight community voices
– Promote water safety, health, and wellness
– Build long-term awareness and engagement
And perhaps most exciting (so far), we’ve officially broken ground on the beach volleyball courts—our first visible sign of construction at Cady Way.
👉 We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the grand opening event for the courts—more details coming soon!
Thank you for believing in this project!
Every one of these milestones is the direct result of community belief and support. What began as a vision is now visibly taking shape, and we are firmly moving from planning into action.
We are deeply grateful to each of you for being part of this journey. Thank you for helping us create a facility—and a community space—that will serve generations to come.
Winter Park to Break Ground on Cady Way Beach Volleyball Complex December 3
The Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation, the City of Winter Park, and presenting sponsor Orlando Health will break ground on the new Cady Way Beach Volleyball Complex on Wednesday, December 3 at 3 p.m. at Cady Way Park.
Winter Park, FL – December 1, 2025 – The Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation, the City of Winter Park, and presenting sponsor Orlando Health will break ground on the new Cady Way beach volleyball complex on Wednesday, December 3 at 3 p.m. at Cady Way Park.
The ceremony marks the first major phase of Cady Way Park's revitalization, which will feature three NCAA/FHSAA competition-level beach volleyball courts that will transform the historic site into a premier regional destination for aquatic and recreational sports.
"These courts are just the beginning of what will become a flagship facility for our community," said Joe Auer, president of the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation. "They will serve athletes, students, and families of all ages—encouraging healthy activity and community pride."
The ceremony will feature remarks from Winter Park Mayor Sheila DeCiccio, Orlando Health leadership, and members of Central Florida's volleyball community.
"This project enhances recreational opportunities for our residents and aligns with our commitment to health, wellness, and high-quality public spaces," said Jason Seeley, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Winter Park.
The larger revitalization plan includes a new 50-meter competition pool, upgraded locker rooms, and expanded programming. Fundraising continues for the aquatic phase, with pool construction expected to begin following final fundraising efforts.
"Orlando Health is proud to support this important project," said Ultima Espino, Senior Director of Sports Partnerships at Orlando Health. "Providing spaces that promote activity, family connection, and community well-being reflects what matters most to us."
Groundbreaking Event Details
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Cady Way Park North Field–2525 Cady Way, Winter Park, FL. Please park in Cady Way Parking Lot
Participants: City of Winter Park Mayor Sheila DeCiccio, Orlando Health leadership, Blue Dolfins Foundation representatives, local beach volleyball coaches and athletes, community supporters
Media opportunities: Interviews, photo/video access, event visuals
About the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation
The Blue Dolfins Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, promotes health and wellness through swim instruction, summer camps, and facility improvements. Dedicated to inclusivity and water safety, the foundation supports programs for swimmers of all abilities and offers scholarships for athletes pursuing higher education. A Winter Park swimming tradition since 1972, the organization continues to build community through sport and recreation.
About Orlando Health
Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $14 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $2 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 24, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.
High School Swimming: Why It Might be the Hardest Sport
High school swimming—where everyday athletes regularly compete against world-class swimmers, including Olympians
Photo: Julie Little, Grit Imaging
While the Blue Dolfins Foundation is committed to providing pool space for swim lessons and addressing the critical issue of drowning prevention, the new 50-meter pool will also play a pivotal role in supporting Winter Park High School athletes.
Both the swim and water polo teams currently share the school’s single 25-yard pool, and since both are year-round sports, pool time is always at a premium. The addition of a nearby 50-meter pool will ease this strain, giving athletes the space they need to train consistently. For swimmers especially, that year-round access is essential—not just for developing skills, but for staying competitive in a state where the bar is set at the highest level.
Why High School Swimming Is Unlike Any Other Sport
When most people think of high school sports, they picture Friday night football games, basketball tournaments, or soccer rivalries. A chance to try something new as a freshman and hopefully find a fun activity to enjoy. While that may be true for some sports at Winter Park, there are certain sports where year-round play has created an environment where true newbies often don’t stand a chance of making the team.
And here in the state of Florida, swimming is in a league of its own.
World Class Swimming in the Sunshine State
Florida isn’t just another swim state—it’s one of the global epicenters of the sport. The best swimmers in the world come here to train with year-round clubs.
At the 2016 Olympics for example, the state of Florida boasted over 60 Olympians that trained with local swim clubs. The state of Florida trained 6 swimmers who competed for Team USA and then claimed another 56 swimmers that represented other countries while competing in Rio. If the state of Florida had been a country, we would have placed 8th in the overall medal count just based on swimming medals alone!
This explains why the pool deck at a high school dual meet can oftentimes look more like a world-class event. Many Florida high school swimmers train year-round with elite club programs, compete at national meets, and some even qualify for World Championships, Olympic Trials, and the Olympics themselves.
Back in 2014, Bolles School in Jacksonville had Santo Condorelli, Ryan Murphy, and Joseph Schooling on the same relay. Not only did they absolutely crush the high school state and national record, but just a year and a half later, two of the boys medaled at the 2016 Olympics, with Joseph Schooling even out-touching Michael Phelps for gold in the Butterfly! That same year Caeleb Dressel swam for Creekside High School, located in the Jacksonville area, and he also medaled in Rio.
More recently, Emma Weyant won multiple high school state swim titles for Riverview High School and then, just few months later, won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Imagine Olympic medalists lining up behind the blocks against local teenagers.
The David vs. Goliath Matchup—Every Week
No other high school sport offers this dynamic. You don’t see high school football teams playing the Kansas City Chiefs, or the local basketball squad facing off against the LA Lakers. Yet in Florida swimming, that’s exactly what happens: the average high school swimmer shares the pool with some of the best athletes in the world.
At Winter Park High School this year, senior swimmer Ian Heysen is returning from competing at a world championship in Romania and the South American Games in Rio de Janeiro, while sophomore swimmer Denzo Senekal is currently ranked number one in the nation for backstroke and freestyle.
But the Wildcats are not unique. High school swim teams across the state have their own elite swimmers, creating a true battle when it comes to the championship season.
Winter Park’s legacy speaks for itself: the boy’s team has brought home 14 state titles, while the girls have earned 12. In 1984, Winter Park High School saw 7 of its swimmers at the U.S. Olympic Trials, the most of any high school in the nation.
That’s an impressive record, but the true story goes beyond state championships. It’s about the level of competition these athletes face every single season.
Why the New Pool Matters
While the first priority for the new pool at Cady Way is more space for residents and swim lessons, a secondary benefit is a state-of-the-art facility for these athletes to train year round. Right now, Cady Way has only 6 lanes with a very shallow end and with hundreds of athletes and city residents wanting to swim daily, the current pool space is painfully restricted. An additional pool will alleviate this.
As for Winter Park High School, the competition may be fierce, but it also forges resilience, discipline, and camaraderie that last a lifetime. And for the fans in the stands? It’s like watching the future of Team USA unfold in your own backyard!
To help make the new pool a reality, consider spreading word or making a tax-deductible donation.
The 50m Pool is Underway: ✅ Blueprints Submitted
The blueprints for the new pool have been submitted to Myrtha Pools in Italy!
We’re thrilled to share a major milestone in the Cady Way Revitalization Project — the final blueprints for our new 50-meter Olympic pool have been officially submitted to Myrtha Pools in Italy!
🎯 That means the pool shell is now in production and will be shipped to Winter Park in just a few months.
🏊♀️ This pool has been a dream for years, and with your support, it’s becoming a reality. Soon, we’ll have a state-of-the-art aquatic facility that will serve our swimmers, families, and the entire Winter Park community for generations to come.
‼️ Most importantly, this pool will enable thousands more to learn to swim over the coming years. Florida is currently the leader in drownings for children under age 4 (and second in the nation for drownings for children under 14.) We're on a mission to change that.
💙 Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’re building history.
Coach Joe Auer
P.S. And, if you didn't catch this major media coverage from Fox35 News, take a look:
Making Waves: Melissa’s Mission to Keep Kids Safe in the Water
A leading advocate here in Central Florida, few people are as passionate about swim lessons as Melissa Mishoe
Donor Spotlight: Melissa Mishoe
When it comes to water safety, few advocates are as passionate or persistent as Melissa. A long-time champion for youth swim education and a generous donor to the Cady Way Revitalization Project, Melissa believes every child should learn to swim — not someday, but now.
As a proud member of Rowdy Gaines’ Step Into Swim’s Champion Board, Melissa has seen firsthand how early swim instruction saves lives. “Swimming is more than a sport,” she says. “In Florida, it’s a life skill. We are surrounded by water — pools, lakes, coastlines — and every child should have access to learn, play, and grow safely in it.”
1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden
A Legacy in the Water
Melissa’s love for swimming runs deep — it’s in her blood. Originally from Ohio, she grew up surrounded by the sport. Her father and grandfather were both competitive swimmers, and her grandfather, Joe Morris, even qualified for the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm. Though illness kept him from competing, he went on to become the team captain of the University of Cincinnati swim team, passing down a legacy of leadership and dedication to the water.
That legacy made an impact early on. As a teen, Melissa trained as a junior lifeguard — training that would later prove life-saving. That same summer she pulled a struggling boy out of the same Michigan lake where she learned lifesaving. Thanks to her quick response, that boy not only survived — he grew up to become a pediatrician in California.
Melissa’s story is a powerful reminder that swimming isn't just a sport — it’s a skill that can shape lives, and sometimes even save them.
Take a listen to her story below as she tells it to legendary swimmer Rowdy Gaines:
More Than a Pool: A Vision for Every Child
Melissa's support goes beyond simply advocating for Olympic-sized competition pools. She’s also a vocal proponent of smaller teaching pools — warm-water spaces that are perfect for introducing young swimmers to the water, and equally valuable for therapy, rehabilitation, and adaptive swim programs. These accessible teaching pools, she believes, are key to making sure no child falls through the cracks when it comes to water safety.
That’s why Melissa’s contribution to the revitalization of Cady Way is so important. Her vision aligns perfectly with our goal to create a space where children of all abilities can learn to swim in a safe, welcoming environment. With her help, we’re not just building a pool — we’re building a future where drowning is no longer the leading cause of death for young children in Florida.
We're proud to have Melissa in our corner. Her advocacy, generosity, and heart for children inspire us every day.
Airports & Bowling Alleys—The Surprising Story of Cady Way Pool
Airports and bowling alleys— the surprising way they led to Cady Way Pool
See the surprising story of Cady Way below…
Our big event to fund the Cady Way Revitalization Project is this Sunday, February 23 at Primrose Lanes sports bar. The silent auction is now open, so check it out. While the auction is accompanying our fundraising event at Primrose Lanes.
We chose Primrose Lanes Sports Bar as the fundraising venue for a very specific reason—not only is it a fabulous place but it has a direct tie-in to Cady Way Pool. Get ready for a doozy of a story to see how they are intertwined!
Now on the the story!
✅ Part I: Cady Way was Originally an Airport
In 1945, World War II veterans Howard and Sandy Showalter, along with their partner Ford "Buck" Rogers, established Showalter Airpark right on the land where Cady Way Pool currently sits.
Recognizing the growing interest in flying and the need for accessible flight training, the trio transformed 100 acres of scrub pine land into the first private airport in the area, Showalter Airpark. The airpark featured grass runways, hangars, and support facilities, quickly becoming a central hub for pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and aspiring airmen.
Click a picture below to learn more about the Airpark:
Thank you to the Winter Park History Museum and Orlando Memory for the photos.
Several prominent Winter Park residents took flight lessons, including attorney Hope Strong as well as two of his sons. Even his wife took lessons!
Over time, the need for larger, paved runways led the Showalters to switch their focus to the Orlando Municipal Airport (now Orlando Executive Airport).
Though the Showalter Airpark ceased operations in the early 1950s, its legacy lived on, as the site would later be repurposed for the Winter Park Pines, Cady Way Pool, and eventually Showalter Field and the surrounding sports complex.
✅ Part II: Colonial Lanes
Similar to Showalter Airpark, Colonial Lanes was also opened by World War II veterans. Bob Berzin and Don Berg, both former Army Air Patrol fighter pilots, were the founders and operating partners behind 13 bowling alleys throughout the area, but Colonial Lanes was their flagship.
The grand opening of Colonial Lanes was a celebrated community event, attended by local dignitaries, including Orlando Mayor Robert S. Carr and Miss Florida of the time, Ms. Tauscher. For nearly six decades, Colonial Lanes remained a cornerstone of Orlando’s social and recreational scene, fostering a strong sense of community among generations of bowlers and families.
The lanes became a beloved landmark in Orlando’s Milk District, and even into his 80s, Berzin remained deeply involved in its operations, making daily visits to oversee the business. After his death, the property changed hands until the venue reopened in 2023 as Primrose Lanes Restaurant and Bowling Club.
✅ Part III: Colonial Lanes and Cady Way Coming Full Circle
Berg and Berzin are the key to this story coming back to Cady Way Pool. The duo went on to develop multiple business ventures, including Winter Park Pines, along with the land that was donated for the pool in the late 1950s!
✅ A Final Touching Note
We’re proud to swim in a place with such a storied history. There’s one more piece that is worth mentioning, and aligns with our mission of providing swim lessons that are accessible to everyone.
On October 9, 1965, Howard Showalter, then 52-year-old, tragically lost his life while heroically rescuing 11-year-old Anthony J. Woodruff from drowning at New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Anthony, who was not a strong swimmer, ventured beyond a submerged sandbar approximately 150 feet from shore and became fatigued in the deep riptide, began calling for help. Showalter, who had been a lifeguard in his youth, swam 85 feet to reach the struggling boy, who was flailing in 10-foot-deep water about 275 feet from shore. A lifeguard finally made it to the duo and helped get the boy safely to shore.
Showalter, however, had drifted farther seaward. Rescuers retrieved him with the aid of an inflated raft, but he could not be revived. In recognition of his selfless act, Showalter was posthumously honored by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
✅ We’ve Got an 1950s Era Plane
As a nod to Showalter’s history and to honor Howard’s selfless act, a plane has been donated for our renovation project at Cady Way.
Thanks to the generosity of local developer Scott Fish, we have acquired a 1959 Piper Comanche from the Charlie Bradshaw estate. (Bradshaw was instrumental in the development of Lake Highland Prep.) We plan to put together and display this plane in the green space at Cady Way to inspire future generations to reach for the stars!
Special thank you to Coach Joe and Blue Dolfin and Florida Institute of Technology swimmer Connor Bryant for transporting the plane. Watch below:
✅ Silent Auction Now Open
As you most likely know, we are raising money to revitalize the Cady Way Pool and the surrounding area.
Our Blue Dolfins Foundation is making this happen for the City, providing 100% of the funding through a mixture of private and corporate funds from well-known community partners. However, more private dollars are needed.
👉 We currently have a silent auction with some fabulous items—you can bid and be a hero to our cause! While the auction is accompanying our fundraising event at Primrose Lanes, you DO NOT have to be present at the event to bid and win an auction item.
📌 Donations are 100% tax-deductible and can be made in almost any form: cash, checks, Venmo, or even stock gifts. Gift some stock before the end of the year and take advantage of the deduction while avoiding those gains!
👉 Contact Anne Gustin for more info about how to arrange this.
Thank you for your excitement about this project and for being a part of the Blue Dolfins family, 50+ Years Strong!
Huge News: Orlando Health Sponsors Cady Way’s New 50m Pool & Aquatic Complex!
We’ve been sitting on a pretty exciting announcement and we FINALLY have the clearance to make it: Orlando Health has come aboard as the presenting sponsor for the Cady Way Revitalization Project!
We're so excited to share this big news! Thanks to Orlando Health’s generous partnership, the upgraded facility will be a true hub for health, wellness, and recreation in our community.
This means we’re a huge step closer to starting construction on our brand-new 50-meter competition pool, which will be called the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Pool.
And as you know, we’re adding three NCAA/FHSAA competition-level beach volleyball courts, revitalized green spaces, and much-needed modern upgrades to the pool and locker rooms—all while keeping the historic charm of Cady Way intact.
Read the official press release here: https://bluedolfinsfoundation.org/updates/mcsescuhryl8doejz5t8ywexcxqc52
Here’s How You Can Help!
Even if you are not in a position financially to help, you can assist in other ways:
Spread word about this project! The more people who are excited, the faster this will get funded.
Let us know of a business, organization, or individual who would be a good fit to make a donation toward this worthy cause. Remember, we are a nonprofit!
Do you know a business who might be willing to make an in-kind donation? We’ve already had very generous offers for concrete, labor, landscaping, countertops, etc. These in-kind donations reduce the fundraising amount. We need more!
Do you have a good fundraiser in mind? We are so grateful for Kelly’s Ice Cream for our recent ice cream night and Barnie’s Coffee just provided coffee for our fundraising booth at this past Saturday’s Track Shack race.
Press Release: Orlando Health Leads Transformation of Cady Way Pool, Enhancing Community Connection and Wellness
Winter Park, FL – February 10, 2025 – The Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Winter Park, is proud to announce Orlando Health as the presenting sponsor for the highly anticipated renovation of the iconic Cady Way Pool and its surrounding recreational area.
The addition of Orlando Health’s support marks a significant milestone in the project, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of community health, wellness, and recreation. The revitalized park is a step forward in creating a top notch facility for Winter Park residents to enjoy for generations to come.
With this generous partnership, the renovation will introduce a new 50-meter competition pool, to be known as the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Pool. In addition, three NCAA/FHSAA competition-level beach volleyball courts, and revitalized green spaces—all while preserving the facility’s historic charm. Additionally, modern upgrades to the pool and locker rooms will ensure the facility remains a vital resource for families, athletes, and residents for generations to come.
“Partnering with Orlando Health as our main sponsor underscores our shared commitment to health, safety, and the well-being of the Winter Park community,” said Joe Auer, president of the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation. “This partnership will allow us to bring a state-of-the-art aquatic center and beach volleyball facility to life, providing unmatched opportunities for residents to learn water safety, stay active, and connect with one another.”
The current Cady Way Pool holds a storied history, having hosted world-class athletes, including Catie Ball’s 1966 world-record-breaking performance in the 100m breaststroke and 1996 Olympian Jilen Siroky, a former Blue Dolfin. Today, it proudly continues this legacy as the training ground for Lauren Bergquist, a six-time American record holder and international Team USA swimmer for Down Syndrome Swimming.
Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities it serves. This sponsorship highlights its dedication to supporting initiatives that improve community wellness and safety, and encourage active lifestyles across all ages..
“Orlando Health is proud to support the revitalization of Cady Way Pool,” said Ultima Espino, senior director of sports partnerships at Orlando Health. “This facility plays a vital role in drowning prevention, fitness, and family recreation— initiatives that make a positive impact in the community. ”
Currently serving more than 200 families daily, Cady Way Pool offers more than just competitive swimming. Programs include swim lessons for all ages, Special Olympics training, CPR and water safety certifications, police department training, and summer camps, making it an essential community resource. With drowning remaining the leading cause of death for children under age four, the renovated facility will play a critical role in water safety education.
“This project represents a huge step forward for our city,” said Jason Seeley, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Winter Park. “With the incredible support from Orlando Health and the partnership with the Blue Dolfins Foundation, the new Cady Way Pool will offer unmatched amenities that promote health, fitness, and safety while fostering community pride.”
Once complete, the renovated Cady Way Pool and beach volleyball complex will join Winter Park’s roster of premier athletic facilities, offering residents and visitors an exciting destination for recreation and competitive sports.
See Concept Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_e7jD2bD5B7qnjHo86-DdhiyOuILOGmn?usp=sharing
About Orlando Health
Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $12 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $1.7 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 23, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter.)
About the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation
A Winter Park swimming tradition since 1972, the Blue Dolfins Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, promotes health and wellness through swim instruction, summer camps, and facility improvements. The foundation is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and water safety, supporting programs that benefit swimmers of all abilities, while offering scholarships for athletes pursuing higher education.
Learn more: https://www.bluedolfinsfoundation.org