Venardos Circus to support Legacy Events for Education

The Venardos Circus made its grand entrance back into town this week and the traveling performers are already making a local impact. 

The circus, now stationed in the Hamlin Town Center, is donating the entire gate funds from one night's performance to Legacy Events for Education. 

Legacy Events for Education is an IRS recognized 501c3 that provides scholarship opportunities and grants to the students, clubs, classrooms, athletics, and performing arts departments at local schools including West Orange, Windermere, and Horizon high schools. 

Legacy has returned over $80,000 through scholarships and grants in the last five years including over $12,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in 2021 alone.

Funding for schools has become increasingly difficult, especially since the pandemic. 

Kevin Venardos, former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster, said the circus, at its core, is about building community. 

In addition to the message of working together to "Live Your Circus Dream" that is stitched into the fabric of the show, the circus specifically seeks out locations and partnerships where it can work together with local businesses to drive foot traffic to their shops while promoting a sense of community.

"We have been so blessed to connect with this awesome community in Hamlin and Horizon West, thanks to Boyd Development," Venardos said. "Like us, they want families to enjoy the world they live in, to interact with it and each other. To make home a place they actually want to spend time together. Those are values we share, and we’ve benefitted tenfold from whatever we have contributed."

Venardos added on, saying that it is natural for one to give back to their family. 

"We look at this place as a home and a community we’ll want to return to for many years to come," Venardos said.

President and Executive Director for the Legacy Events for Education David A. Terry said the partnership with Boyd Development and the Venardos Circus means the world to Legacy. 

"Just like Venardos Circus and Boyd Development, Legacy Events for Education's goal is to build community in Horizon West and beyond while raising funds to provide scholarships and grants for local high schools and their students," Terry said. "To raise money we provide fun opportunities for people to enjoy the community and meet their neighbors at events like our holiday markets featuring local artisans and businesses to the upcoming inaugural Central Florida Chili Cookoff Presented by Orlando Health in February 2022."

The special showing will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16. 

Tickets start at $27 for adults and $17 for children ages 12 and under for general admission, with premium and VIP seating available at an additional cost.

Tickets can be purchased through EventBrite here.

For questions or to discuss potential sponsorships and partnerships at upcoming community events, contact [email protected].