Guest post written by: Juliana Ossa, Advertising and Public Relations student at UCF, class of 2013. Ad 2 Orlando member. Tweeting @Juliana_Ossa  Email

The 2012 Orlando ADDYs took place on Feb. 17, a night that celebrated local Central Florida talent and creativity in the advertising industry. Guests were greeted for hors d’oeuvres and drinks at The Abbey on Eola Drive in downtown Orlando, and the award show winners were unveiled upstairs at The Mezz. The night closed with an after party back at The Abbey.

The black and white themed gala was hosted by John Forsythe and Leslye Gale from the Magic Morning Show on Magic 107.7. Talent from local agencies as well as local area students were the guests of the night. As an advertising and public relations student myself, this was a great opportunity for me to not only get to see the best of advertising excellence and talent in Central Florida, but also  to network with local professionals in the industry. This was my first ADDY Awards and I can definitely say it has marked one of the best and most memorable nights I’ve lived so far.

The unveiling of the winners revealed Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group as the leader of the night, taking home 18 awards total in the categories of Book Design, Mixed Media, Photography, Special Event Invitation, Online Games, Radio, Internet Commercials, Television, Logo, Illustration, and Sales Kit. Caspar P. Blattmann, student at Valencia College, dominated the student awards with 11 awards total in the Consumer or Trade Publication, Campaign, Newspaper, and Interactive Media categories.

UCF Marketing, Think Creative and Push are also highlights of the night, each taking home 10, six and five awards, respectively. UCF Marketing was awarded in Special Effects, Email/E-cards, Audio/Visual, Specialty Advertising, Illustration, Newspaper, Website, and Photography. Think Creative won in the Brochure, Point of Purchase, Vehicle Graphic Advertising, Poster, and Annual Report categories. Push dominated in the Interactive Media, and Television categories.

We also saw Hard Rock International, Beloved, squarefactor, and Ad 2 Orlando taking home each 3 awards. The rest of the winners include Costa DeVault, Acropolis, Hooah, MMGY Global, Evok, Clear Channel Outdoor Orlando, Engauge, Red Rocket Studios, and Technetium.

Student entrants also awarded were Alfred Confiado, Jenny Plucinsky, Dominic Virginio, Nora Baz, and Rudolph S. Joseph, Jr.

All in all, more than 270 entries were judged from more than 50 local Orlando area agencies that submitted the best of their work. This marks a 20 percent increase from previous years.

The ADDY Awards got their start in the 1960s in District Four of the American Advertising Federation, which comprises of Florida and the Caribbean. Today, the ADDYs are the largest competition in the advertising industry, celebrating excellence in creativity nationwide.

My friend Melissa just drove back from New Orleans and picked me up a Real King Cake! Well actully a couple for me to try!

Sampling and tasting: Bavarian Cream, Apple and now Strawberry! Who knew?!

Who ever gets the baby gets to host the big party next year! (The History Here)

I must visit this Rouses – Wait – they Deliver! 

Memory Miles Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run Benefits Relay for Life Hosted by HCRC

The Sandi Sandor Memory Miles Breast Cancer 5k

Sandi Sandor’s the mother of HCRC member Rita the Chi-tah, she wanted to join her daughter in a 5k when she felt better one day but that day never came because on March 25, 2011 she lost her battle to breast cancer. Join Rita as she walks this 5k on the 1 year Anniversary of Sandi’s death in her memory.   Join the community in this Inaugural Walk/Run in Memory of Family or Friends lost to Breast Cancer. Proceeds will go to the Hunters Creek Runners Club Relay For Life American Cancer Society. Rita says, “”I am walking this 5k in memory of my Mom, because I CAN! ”"

DoorStep Delivery in Orlando is the business partner for this campaign! (Great video from last month.) 

Homeless 2 Home is a page sponsored by the Department of Children and Families. It was organized after Central Florida became the focus of national media attention for a growing epidemic across America. While the numbers of children and their families living in vehicles or motels, with loved ones, even shelters may be overwhelming, the Department of Children and Families, along with faith-based, corporate, local businesses, public schools, government entitites, media, and nonprofits can together make a difference – one family at a time.

If you have time, energy or $ to donate email Contact Anna_obrien@dcf.state.fl.us

Find out more @ www.facebook.com/Homeless2Home 

NBA player Adonal Foyle founded Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF) to empower youth to grow into healthy & well-educated adults.

Don’t miss the next KLF event, Fri. Feb 24th – this comes around once in a blue moon or when NBA All Star Weekend comes to our hometown of Orlando, Fl! Get your tickets at http://www.KLFevents.com/

Follow on Twitter then…

RSVP on Facebook then buy TIX ! 

All entries must be submitted by 1 April 2012. Get up and running by registering today!

Have you asked a question today? What did you do with it?

Did it take you somewhere new? Did it bring you here?

The Google Science Fair is an online science competition seeking curious minds from the four corners of the globe. Anybody and everybody between 13 and 18 can enter. All you need is an idea.

Geniuses are not always A-grade students. We welcome all mavericks, square-pegs and everybody who likes to ask questions. Simply upload your project here to win some life changing prizes.

Everyone has a question. What’s yours?  Updates on their Google+ page: https://plus.google.com/u/0/108818810955465968635/posts

More Information @ http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair/

FREE to Sign-Up for the 5K or 1Mile loop! Be heart healthy and spread the word!

Imagine the impact if we reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20% by 2020!

This is the official website: www.GreaterOrlandoHeartWalk.org

Check out American Heart Association’s new social media/new media/creative fundraising tips!

I have a modest goal of $150 – consider donating $25 today and telling 25 friends!  Click Here!

Tier Nightclub Private VIP Party

Going to find out who is behind the tweets… @Tiernightclub

Your Top 5 Social networks?

Facebook?

Twitter?

Linkedin?

Pinterest?

Youtube?

Yelp?

Tell us ! email us @ info (at) centralfloridatop5.com

Credit: The Pioneer Woman

Full disclosure: I’m single this Valentine’s Day … and I couldn’t be happier. In fact, I was last year, too — and it was the best Valentine’s Day I’ve had in years. Let me explain why.

I had a Valentine for eight years back-to-back — and while they were three different guys (all great in their own “unique” way, of course), the result was often the same. Most recently: We booked a “couples massage” — romantic, right? (Totally my idea.) And it would’ve been great, too, had we not spent the time before it arguing about how I wasn’t “allowed” to have a male masseuse. Year before that, I received a “gold dipped rose” which was promptly donated to a pawn shop following the break up. And my favorite … the year that was spent with three other couples in a cramped bedroom of a fraternity house, gathered around a makeshift dinner table eating penne alla vodka — made with literally a handle of Popov vodka.

But, before you judge me and call me a cynic for feeling this way on the most romantic holiday of the year, let me say that I’m not necessarily hating on those that are happily in a relationship and spending the evening together. Instead, my point here is to shed some light on the fact that you don’t need a “better half” to enjoy the day. Spend the night celebrating that you’re a better whole on your own.

Last year, I made spur of the moment plans with two of my best friends. Our night included sake bombs, Chinese take out and an impromptu dance party in my living room at 3 a.m. Needless to say, it was a night I’ll always remember.

Valentine’s Day holds the same cache of New Year’s Eve. So much pressure is put on what you’re going to do, that often times, the reality never quite lives up to the dream. (And if it does — hold on to your man/woman, because you’re lucky.)

So if you’re like me … and you’ll be trading in lovers for friends … and chocolate for beer, here are a few ideas of pro-single activities in Orlando this Valentine’s Day:

• Get free beer with the purchase of an entree at Tijuana Flats. (They’re calling it “Smack my @$$, I’m single.”)
• Head to Hamburger Mary’s for Tuesday BINGO with Miss Sammy and Carol Lee for guaranteed laughs. (I’ve never been to BINGO here, but trivia night never disappoints.)
• Head to a dive bar (may I suggest my favorite: PR’s Taco Palace) and treat the night like any other. Bonus at PR’s: reduced price tequila shots when the train passes.
• Book a manicure/pedicure at your favorite salon for you and some friends.
• Wait and celebrate tomorrow at the Enzian with My Bloody Valentine on the lawn.

And don’t forget that when it comes down to it … Valentine’s Day is a holiday about spreading love — whether that’s love between you and your significant other, best friends or family. No gold dipped roses or Popov pasta necessary (or suggested, for that matter).

All my single ladies (and gentlemen!) … how are you spending February 14 this year? Tell us in the comments.

Jenni is a single girl living in Central Florida — but don’t let her fool you, she actually loves love … today she just loves her best friends and sarcasm a little more. Ask her out on a date Connect with her on Twitter at @jenniizzo.