Fred Rogers was an icon of kindness and encouragement for many Americas while they were growing up, from the start of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in October 1966 until the airing of the final episode on August 31, 2001. His famous sweaters, gentle teachings and catchy tunes captivated and affirmed our evolving personalities, as he told us that we “made today a special day, just by being you”.
Many Central Floridians are unaware of Fred Rogers’ devotion to, and love of, the Central Florida community. First arriving here in 1948 to tour the Rollins Campus as a possible transfer student from Dartmouth, it was on the tarmac of today’s Orlando Executive Airport that Fred met another Tar student who would later become his wife, Joanne Byrd. Fred and Joanne’s son John, Fred’s sister Elaine, and her son Dan would also subsequently become students at the Winter Park college.
More importantly, the Rogers fell in love with Central Florida and returned each January for Fred to write scripts and music when working on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, authoring and composing about half of the content for the TV program here locally.
Fred’s shows taught millions the values of being kind to our neighbors, to loving ourselves and those around us, and to the human need and benefit of being a part of a neighborhood of inter-connected, yet diverse, people…every one of who was special in their own way. Mister Rogers’ Week of Kindness is an opportunity to reflect back on those messages, and introduce others to world of Mister Rogers, through a series of activities and events in the Orlando area hosted by members of the cast and crew of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Please note that all events are free to the public, but require and advance reservation as each event is capacity controlled. Your voluntary donation of a new or gently worn sweater to benefit The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, and/or a new or gently worn pair of shoes to benefit Addy’s Operation Shared Shoes is greatly appreciated for those who are able to donate. Donation boxes are available at each event.
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023, 2:00pm–4:00pm
Venue: Woman’s Club of Winter Park
Join friends and colleagues of part-year Winter Park residents Fred and Joanne Rogers and we share warm stories and favorite memories of our former Winter Park Neighbors. Tea and light refreshments are included. There are very limited seats for this event.
Tickets are free but advance reservations are required. This event is capacity controlled.
Date: Friday, March 24, 2023, 8:00am–9:30am
Venue: First Baptist Church of Orlando
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood cast member and close personal friend of Fred Rogers, David Newell, headlines a discussion with Pastor Seth Kane of The Foundry (and author of the sermon series “The Gospel According to Fred”) as they share their observations, near and from a distance, as to how Mister Rogers lived out his faith as we celebrate an extraordinary life of faithfulness. This event is being held at First Baptist Church of Orlando, and due to the generosity of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Breakfast is included courtesy of Panera Bread.
Tickets are free but advance reservations are required. This event is capacity controlled.
Date: Friday, March 24, 2023, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Venue: Winter Park Chamber of Commerce
Join the cast and crew of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Original Orlando Tours for a fascinating look at Fred Rogers’ life, his years of time spent in Winter Park, how Winter Park played a critical role in the success and creation of episodes of the television show, and the legacy left behind by Fred and the rest of his family who also were a part of the fabric of the Winter Park community. Lunch is generously provided by Chick-Fil-A.
Tickets are free but advance reservations are required. This event is capacity controlled.
Date: Friday, March 24, 2023, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Venue: Winter Park Library
Take a peek behind the scenes of some landmark episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with show producer Margy Whitmer, Mr. McFeely cast member David Newell, and Hedda Sharapan, Senior Fellow (The Fred Rogers Institute) and Child Development Consultant (Fred Rogers Productions). Light reception follows the presentation.
Tickets are free but advance reservations are required. This event is capacity controlled.
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023, 11:00am-1:00pm
Venue: Original Orlando Tours booth at Taste of Oviedo in the Oviedo Mall
Come visit with our favorite Speedy Delivery man, Mr. McFeely (David Newell) at Taste of Oviedo. Get a selfie or pick up with an autographed photo from the man who was at Mister Rogers’ side from the very first episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
No tickets required! Look for the Original Orlando Tours booth.
All of these events are made possible by the generosity of our Central Florida Founding Neighbors.
Operation Shared Shoes is an organization with one goal, to provide new or lightly used shoes to every single person who needs them and cannot get them for themselves. We strive to make a difference in the community, and help those who are less fortunate.
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. Operation Shared Shoes emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 2017, we’re an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support.
The Mustard Seed of Central Florida helps rebuild the lives of families and individuals who have suffered disaster or personal tragedy by providing household furnishings and clothing. We create more stable futures for those we serve, and a more sustainable, environmentally responsible community for us all.
