POINCIANA – An endeavor intended to encourage community pride has now been going strong for two years.
The Association of Poinciana Villages will host its second annual Poinciana Beautiful Awards Gala on Saturday. The program was initially started as a way to get residents of the nearly 27,000-home community to care for and maintain their homes.
“We are very proud of our community and how it has stepped up to say ‘We are Poinciana Beautiful,’” said Mark Maldonado, general manager of APV, in a statement. “Our goal is to have every member of the community take part in this program and be proud to show off their wonderful homes.”
Saturday’s event is to recognize the homeowners who went above and beyond in beautifying their home and yards. One resident will be recognized from each of the nine villages.
In addition to the winners, other prizes will also be given to attendees. There will be food and live entertainment. Carol Saragusa, an actress with Walt Disney World, will emcee the event while Nova Era, a classical jazz group, performs for a second straight year.
“Excitement and interest in this annual event continues to grow, as we have received over 100 entries this year,” Trish Moore, communications coordinator of APV, said in an email. “Residents have seen their neighbors getting involved, which has inspired even more people to join in.”
Maldonado previously told The Ledger that the beautification program was also an effort to show there was more to operating a homeowners’ association than just levying fines. Saturday’s event will last from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Poinciana Community Center, 395 Marigold Ave.
According to APV spokeswoman Michelle Griffith, the event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and can be done at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ef01mogz30d390bc&oseq=&c=&ch.
Mike Ferguson can be reached at Mike.Ferguson@theledger.com or 863-401-6981. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson.