Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Orlando.
Hi Sam, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At the end of a party my family planned for my father, in January of 1999, for his 60th birthday, he announced to the guests, “This has been such a terrific event, let’s do it again next year! However, next year you will pay to attend the party and we will donate the proceeds to charity!” The invitation was received with thunderous applause, marking the inception of the Orlando Family Foundation for Charities. Over the last 26 years we have held this event at Orlando’s Event Center. With the help of our valued friends and colleagues, we have raised over $1.8 million dollars for local charities.
Here is What makes our Foundation unique:
•Tables of 10 are purchased in the name of an St. Louis 501C3 charity of your choice.
•For every table purchased in the name of that charity, the charity receives one chance in the drawing.
•At the end of the evening three names are drawn and those three charities split the proceeds from the evening. Of course, the more tables a charity has in its name, the better the chance of winning. Because no one knows who will ultimately take home the money, the event buzzes with suspense and electric energy from the moment attendees arrive.
We look at our event this way.
Best Case Scenario – your charity goes home with up to $50,000.00 to further their particular mission. Extra monies, not included in their annual budget!
Worst Case Scenario – you and your guests have a wonderful evening of entertainment, and exquisite cuisine worth, well more than, the price of their ticket.
In either case three worthwhile local charities will reap the benefits of this enjoyable evening.
Winnings have ranged from $12,000 for each charity, in our humble beginnings, to $50,000. This year, Hope Ignites St. Louis, Nurses for Newborns, and Redifining Independence, each took home $52,000 to further their wonderful work in our community. A full list of winning charities can be found on our website, Orlandofamilyfoundation.org
In 2000 we started with a formal event that included hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, open premium bar, with silent and live auctions, averaging around 300 guests. It has now evolved into a more exciting event, boasting a fun party vibe. The evening now has a sold-out guest count of 500. It consists of 8 uniquely themed food stations, open premium bar, and live band with dancing, along with our silent and live auctions.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having this event continue over 26 years, the biggest challenge is keeping it fresh and different each year. In the beginning the events were a new theme every year.
When Covid hit, and after closing in 2021 and 2022, we were nervous about the return wondering if the event had lost it’s momentum. We then rebranded ourselves from a formal themed dinner to trendy cocktail party vibe.
We also have bit of a challenge in that guests are spending money on a fundraiser without knowing exactly where those funds are going. Most are content with attending a fun event knowing that the proceed will going to a worthwhile charity.
It is difficult to count on funds from larger companies because of this challenge and we have to depend on our family’s close connection to our community.
Given the longevity of our event, attrition is always a concern, but through word-of-mouth of our attendees, we have been able to sell out each year.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Orlando Catering and Event Design?
The Orlando family business started with my father’s love of food and catering from the basement of our small home in Richmond Heights, St. Louis. In 1978 catering operations moved to the kitchen of our restaurant, “The Filling Stations ” a car themed restaurant in South City. In 1981, with the 2nd generation now involved, we opened the first Orlando Gardens Banquet Center in strip-mall in South St. Louis County. The catering business continued from at homes and event venues throughout the area. In 1989 growing pains encouraged us to build a free standing Orlando Gardens Banquet Center (our current headquarters). In 1990 we opened a 2nd location in a strip-mall on Watson Road. This success in these to Banquet Centers prompted us to open a third location in Maryland Heights.
In an effort to develop a wooded area adjacent to the south county Orlando’s and entrance to a popular bike and walking trail, my parents wanted to realized their long time dream of becoming proprietors of a log cabin bed and breakfast. The Lodge at Grant’s Trail was built on existing property owned by the family. This unique, 9 room bed and breakfast was designed to compliment the family’s core special event business. A great room and adjoining “four seasons” room allows them to host intimate events for up to 125 guests.
Today we now have the third generation of the family actively involved in our future, we continue to grow Orlando Catering and Event Design. We are a preferred caterer at more than 30 venues across the metropolitan area. We pride ourselves in unique menus and creative presentation.
A recently completed renovation of our South County location and remarket as Orland’s Event Center. This beautiful new 2026 look will most definitely keep us at the top of the wedding market in St. Louis.
We pride ourselves in almost 6o years of event experience producing great food, innovative presentation and outstanding service.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Helping my mom and dad cater an event for 10,000 people at an event where Tony Orlando and Dawn were performing when I was 10 years old.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Orlandogardens.com
- Instagram: @orlandobanquets
- Facebook: @orlandobanquets
- Twitter: @orlandobanquets
- Other: https://Orlandofamilyfoundation.org
