A Glam Weekend at the UCP Gala & Guess Who I Saw at Starbucks

What a glam weekend we had in Orlando at the UCP gala! From dressing up for a formal evening to dancing the night away—and supporting an amazing cause in the process—it was truly unforgettable. And you'll never guess who I saw at Starbucks.

One of the biggest highlights for me? Seeing Cheryl Hines again! We were in the same graduating class at Leon High School in Tallahassee, and even back then, she had a sparkle that made her stand out. It’s no surprise to me that she’s now a successful actress—she’s always had that something special.

A sweet moment happened the very first night. My husband and I were riding the elevator down to the poker event, and I had my cookbook in hand (I brought it to give to Cheryl). A sweet couple from North Carolina was in the elevator with us, and the husband asked, “Is that your cookbook?” When I said yes, he replied, “Wow! You have your own cookbook? How do I get one?” I told him he could purchase it on my website, and by the time we reached the poker room, I got a notification—he bought the book right then and there! Such a kind and unexpected interaction to kick off the weekend.

The entire weekend was hosted at the Caribe Royale, a beautiful resort we actually visited back in 2011 with our kids. The pool area is especially stunning, with waterfalls, a curvy slide, and rocky landscaping that our children absolutely loved years ago. On the day of the gala, we carved out some time to relax by the pool. It was a gorgeous, sunny Florida day, and the place was packed—we were lucky to snag the last two open chairs and just soak it all in.

Friday Night: Celebrity Poker for a Cause

The festivities kicked off with Celebrity Poker Night, where guests gathered for a fun and lively evening of fundraising. I even got to play a few rounds with RJ Mitte’s girlfriend, Kennedy—she was lovely and so easy to talk to. RJ Mitte, who’s best known for his role in Breaking Bad (confession: I’ve actually never seen the show), was incredibly warm and engaging. We spoke both nights, and he couldn’t have been more down-to-earth.

Saturday: A Night of Glamour, Music & Meaning

The formal gala on Saturday night was held at the Caribe Royale’s convention center. The theme was “Music Through the Decades,” and the ballroom buzzed with elegance and energy. Think: 1,000 guests, evening gowns, sharp suits, and a live band that kept the dance floor moving late into the night. And even the band Kiss (sort of).

Before the gala began, we met a friendly couple from Ft. Lauderdale, Michael and Julia, while walking over from our hotel. In a fun twist of fate, we later found out we were assigned to the same table—Table 92. Out of a thousand guests, what are the odds? Their group was from Kosher Wines, and they were kind enough to share their incredible wine with us—a delicious bonus!

During the evening, there was a moving award ceremony and a sweet dance performance by children, but one of the most touching moments came when Cheryl Hines took the stage and shared a personal story. She spoke about her nephew Michael, who had cerebral palsy and was the reason she became involved with UCP. Sadly, he passed away last year at the young age of 20. Her words were heartfelt and raw, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

And of course, the night ended with dancing, laughter, and a photo with Cheryl and Secretary Kennedy—a wonderful way to wrap up an already incredible evening. It was such a joy to briefly see her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., our Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Guess who i saw at Starbucks

Speaking of RFK—Saturday morning brought an unexpected surprise. I was standing in line at Starbucks grabbing my coffee, and who’s in front of me but RFK Jr.—in shorts and a t-shirt, surrounded by five massive bodyguards. He went mostly unnoticed until he reached the counter and the barista realized who he was. She was so excited she nearly fainted—and gave him his hot tea on the house. Definitely a moment!

A Glam Weekend at the UCP Gala

The best part of the weekend? UCP of Central Florida raised over $704,000 to support individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy. The generosity in that room was incredible, and the event reminded us just how powerful community and compassion can be.

We returned home with full hearts, beautiful memories, and a renewed appreciation for time together, both with each other and with people doing meaningful, important work.

Until next time, Orlando. 🌟 Now back to baking...

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