Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

One of the objectives of local award-winning author Yvonne David's story-become-play "Out of the Apple Orchard"-which premieres on Monday, Dec. 19, at the Orlando Repertory Theatre-is to bring attention to the reality of hunger in America, as well as within the Central Florida community.

"It's an excellent vehicle for making the public aware of the severity of food insecurity for people who are suffering with hunger," David said.

For this reason, David has made sure that the net proceeds from the premiere will benefit Jewish Family Service Orlando and St. Vincent de Paul Society.

"'Out Of The Apple Orchard' brings to life the blight of one hungry family in the 1900s. Even today, one in seven Americans do not have enough to eat," stated Eric Geboff, executive director of JFS Orlando. "That is 48.1 million people including 15.3 million children and 5.4 million seniors."

Since 1978, JFS Orlando has provided social and emergency assistance services to those in need in the Central Florida community. Its goal is to alleviate hunger and provide assistance to those in need by providing counseling for families and individuals, food through its Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry, transportation for the elderly, and much more.

"We are thrilled to have this partnership with Yvonne David and the Apple Tree Series. Proceeds will stay locally as JFS Orlando fights poverty and hunger everyday right here in Central Florida," said Geboff.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul is a worldwide Catholic organization founded over 180 years ago by a group of Catholic lay people in Paris France. Today, St Vincent de Paul is represented in over 150 countries including the United States.

"The Society serves those in need regardless of race, creed, ethnic or social background, gender or political opinions. The work of the society includes any form of help that alleviates suffering or deprivation and promotes human dignity and personal integrity in all their dimensions," said Joe Mazloom, president of St Vincent de Paul Holy Family Conference, Orlando.

St. Vincent de Paul Orlando was established in Central Florida in 1988. This nonprofit organization helps people by providing compassionate and spiritual support services such as jail and prison ministry, food, medicine, job training/locating employment, person-to-person support, financial assistance for housing and utilities, and much more.

"Out of the Apple Orchard" will open on Monday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton Street, Orlando. Further performance dates and times and ticket prices can be found at http://www.appletreeseries.com or by calling 407-437-4909.