Generosity often runs in the family. Parents who set the example of supporting their community frequently pass on that joy to their children. Albert Covelli and his daughter Annette Ford are great examples of such a family tradition.

For many years, Annette Ford watched her father, Albert Covelli, grow their family businesses, ultimately making Covelli Enterprises the largest Panera Bread® franchisee in the country. Beyond business skills, she also saw firsthand the impact his generosity and support had on so many lives in the Ohio and South Florida communities where he lived.

Annette, along with her husband Gavin, apply that legacy of involvement and giving back to the Central Florida community through their Central Florida Panera Bread locations. Panera generously supports Orlando Health events including the presenting sponsorship of the annual Walk For Winnie, which benefits the Alexander Center for Neonatology at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. Additionally, Panera also raises funds through their annual Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign in October benefiting UF Health Cancer Center – Orlando Health and their Valentine Cookie Campaign benefiting Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in February.

Most recently, Annette and Gavin made a significant gift through the Albert M. Covelli Foundation to the Marjorie & Leonard Williams Center for Proton Therapy. This gift has provided a new playroom for children and families who will undergo radiation treatment at UF Health Cancer Center – Orlando Health.

Instead of waiting in a traditional waiting room with only chairs and magazines, children now have a bright and cheerful room full of toys and art supplies. Child life therapists from Arnold Palmer Hospital will work with children to occupy their time and minds as they prepare for treatment at the Cancer Center.

“My father loved giving back,” Annette says. “And he especially enjoyed helping children who were going through difficult times, just like the families who will be visiting the Proton Center for therapy.”

“I want to continue my father’s legacy of helping our communities,” Annette adds. “He really instilled in me the importance of being a good citizen and I love being able to do that in a variety of ways through the Orlando Health Foundation.”

Beyond the initiatives at Panera Bread locations, Annette remains involved with Orlando Health as a member of the Foundation board.