FL Governor's Wife AMOR Umbrella Initiative
Historical Memorial Weekend Gift
Delivered On Behalf of Veterans and their Supporters
In a heartwarming demonstration of unity and collaboration, AMOR Umbrella, alongside Civilian Minorities and Veteran Small Owned Businesses, came together to present a collection of both festive and historic gifts to Mrs. Casey DeSantis, the esteemed wife of veteran Ron DeSantis and the respected First Lady of Florida. This meaningful gesture was in celebration of Mrs. DeSantis’ successful recovery from breast cancer, while also serving as a token of gratitude for the DeSantis family’s unwavering leadership and dedication. Beyond conveying appreciation, this thoughtful act showcased the strength of communities uniting to support and uplift one another during challenging times. It stood as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of kindness and compassion in fostering resilience and solidarity.
As a heart-centered organization, , AMOR Umbrella extended a heartfelt gesture to Mrs. Casey DeSantis through a specially curated gift imbued with symbolism, respect, and profound gratitude. The gift comprised a signature heart-shaped pink AMOR umbrella, adorned with signatures from veterans to symbolize cancer awareness, alongside a military care package brimming with essentials such as coffee, a bullet thermos, and more.
This marked the second occasion on which AMOR Umbrella and its collaborators had reached out with a gift aligned with the agency’s mission. The inaugural instance occurred in 2021, when the organization presented a gift to Vice President Kamala Harris, commemorating women’s empowerment.
This initiative deeply resonates with AMOR Umbrella’s overarching mission to bridge the communication divide between veterans and civilians, fostering awareness and understanding for military families. With a significant demographic, including over 2 million women veterans, 1,983,236 military family members, and 19 million U.S. veterans, their primary objective is to provide unwavering support and amplify awareness for these communities.
To assemble and wrap this unique present, I personally traveled to Boston, MA to meet with our new acquaintances and collaborators who made an invaluable contribution to this project. Our objective was to exemplify the rich diversity within our military community, with each component of the gift bearing profound significance.
The trip to Boston was imperative to ensure that the gift was curated and packaged with meticulous attention to detail. The collaboration with our new partners was pivotal in realizing this project, and we extend our gratitude for their invaluable contribution.
Our gift not only embodies the diverse fabric of the military community but also serves as a tangible expression of our profound appreciation for Mrs. Casey DeSantis and her family’s steadfast leadership and commitment. It stands as a poignant testament to the transformative power of collaboration and its capacity to unite communities in shared purpose.
We can now say:
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!
The Historical Memorial Weekend Gift was mailed roughly at 810 AM on Sunday 31 May 2022.
Curious note: The post office were we mailed from is steps away from the original Boston Tea Party.Address: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, USA
What was Included?
Crafted with Mrs. Casey DeSantis in mind, this specially curated gift boasted a heart-shaped pink AMOR umbrella, adorned with signatures from veterans, serving as a poignant symbol of cancer awareness. Additionally, it featured a meticulously handmade leather travel case, skillfully crafted by Donald Dodson, a talented artisan and veteran. The collaborative effort between Nefertiti San Miguel and Niurka Castaneda resulted in a striking brown and pink case, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to the ensemble.
Included within the package was an illustrated novel titled “Venture into the Everglades,” a collaborative endeavor between Niurka Castaneda, the founder of AMOR Umbrella, and Masha Andreoni, a licensed therapist specializing in veteran care. This novel not only celebrates the natural splendor of the Florida Everglades but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about mental health wellness within the veteran community.
As a unique addition, Mrs. San Miguel designed a Furoshiki-style bag to complement the gift, adding a touch of elegance. Finally, the package was rounded off with a 50 Cal Ammo case military care package, brimming with treats such as coffee and a bullet thermos. Each component of the gift was carefully chosen, imbued with profound meaning, and served as a testament to the diversity and appreciation for the military community.
The AMOR Pink Signature Umbrella TM
It served as the primary inspiration behind the entire project. This distinctive pink umbrella was selected to symbolize cancer awareness and was adorned with personal signatures from numerous veterans and military women. It stands as a poignant and symbolic gesture, offering a beautiful and heartfelt expression of support, respect, and deep appreciation for the first family of Florida.
The AMOR Brown & Pink Signature Travel Carrier Case TM
It stands out as a unique, practical, and adaptable travel accessory. Crafted from sturdy and resilient leather, its artistic flap boasts a double heart clip strap, designed for both shoulder and cross-body wear, marrying functionality with style. Tailored specifically for this initiative, this holster measures approximately 37" in length, ensuring versatility and convenience for its wearer. Crafted by Donald Dodson, the owner of Dodson Designs, a company that is owned and operated by veterans, this carrying case is a true work of art. The attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are evident in every aspect of its design. Designed by Nefertiti San Miguel of Etnia Fusion & Niurka Castaneda, founder of AMOR umbrella, it proudly bears the "Made in USA" label.
AMOR umbrella & Etnia Fusion Military Wooden Tags
Frank Manteau, a fellow veteran and former Marine, crafted a set of bespoke wooden military tags that embody the missions of AMOR Umbrella, the event organizer, and Etnia Fusion, the collaborating designer co. behind the gift assembly. These distinctive tags were meticulously crafted with care and precision by Kamikaze Wood Werks, a business owned and operated by veterans.
Aroma de Amor - Military Care Package Espresso & Dark Roast Coffee Bundle with Novel
We're passionate about the art of storytelling, and we love nothing more than connecting with people who share our passion over a steaming cup of coffee. Coffee has long been an essential part of military culture, so when we decided to create a care package for our community, we knew we had to include our favorite beverage. That's how Aroma de Amor was born, a specialty coffee brand designed to bring people together. Our care package came packed in a sturdy 50-caliber ammo case, filled to the brim with our signature espresso blend and America dark roast, two delicious coffees that represent the diverse tastes of military coffee drinkers. Espresso is a classic favorite, and a nod to Governor DeSantis' Italian heritage, while dark roast is beloved by soldiers in the field, on garrison, and during deployments alongside their brothers and sisters in arms. To keep the coffee hot or cold, we enlisted the help of another veteran, Jose Roberto Alanis, who designed a bullet-shaped thermos perfect for outdoor adventures. And to make the experience complete, we partnered with Really?Designs to create a companion canteen cup, beautifully printed with our logo. Our care package didn't stop at just coffee and its accessories. We also included an autographed copy of our novel, Venture into the Everglades, which chronicles our team's adventures and experiences. And to top it off, we designed a special greeting card with AMOR umbrella that expressed our gratitude for all our troops have done for us. We firmly believe that good coffee and great storytelling have the power to bring people together and create a sense of community. With Aroma de Amor and our care package, we hope to spread that sense of unity to our military family, wherever they may be.
Embroidered Drawstring Bag & Face Mask Stylish Camo set
To keep our coffee safe and secure during transport, we packaged it in two durable, waterproof, polyester drawstring bags. And because we care about both style and safety, we also included a matching camo face mask, complete with the same double heart embroidery. After all, when you're serving your country, you should always look your best, even in the midst of a pandemic. We chose a camo design for our bags and mask because it fits perfectly with our military-inspired theme. And while we take our coffee seriously, we also know that life is about more than just caffeine. That's why we wanted to create a package that was not only functional but stylish and fun, too. With our embroidered Camo double heart bags and matching face mask, you'll be ready to take on whatever challenges come your way. Whether you're out in the field, at home, or on the go, you'll always have a touch of military-inspired style and practicality at your fingertips.
Furoshiki Designer Style Bag
Introducing the Furoshiki Designer Style Bag, a one-of-a-kind creation by the talented Nefertiti San Miguel, made exclusively for our initiative. This stunning bag was inspired by the traditional Japanese practice of Furoshiki, which involves wrapping, carrying, and protecting items using a square piece of cloth. And in this case, Nefertiti designed it to hold our special military ammo care package. The Furoshiki Designer Style Bag is more than just a means of carrying your coffee and other essentials; it's a work of art in its own right. Made with the highest quality materials and crafted with precision and care, this bag is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of our community. And with its unique design, it's the perfect complement to our care package, elevating the entire experience to a new level of style and sophistication. We're proud to offer this exclusive Furoshiki Designer Style Bag to our military family, knowing that it was created with the same dedication and commitment that you bring to your service every day. So why settle for a plain old bag when you can have something truly extraordinary? Order yours today and experience the beauty and practicality of Furoshiki for yourself.
An autographed copy of the book "Venture into the Everglades & Greeting card
As part of our FL GOVERNOR'S WIFE GIFT INITIATIVE, we included a signed greeting card designed by Niurka Castaneda and an autographed copy of the short illustrated novel "Venture into the Everglades," signed by both co-authors Niurka Castaneda and Masha Andreoni.
An autographed copy of the book "Venture into the Everglades & Greeting card
The novel tells the story of a group of friends who embark on a therapeutic fishing adventure, which unlocks healing, discovery, and connection on a soul-deep level. Inspired by a trip to the Everglades with Fishing with America Finest, a veteran nonprofit dedicated to healing veterans, the novel showcases the magical ecosystem of the Everglades and its stunning landscapes and exotic wildlife.
That first trip with Fishing with America Finest it did not only inspired the novel but also the first filmed episode of our new veteran focus tv show.
Learn more about the veteran focus TV show and how you can be part of it as a guest, sponsor or by being part of our filming crew here
Umbrellas of Hope Television show (UHTV) is on a mission of Giving & Restoring HOPE One Story at a Time by highlighting organizations and individuals contributing to our military and veteran community with a WARM HEART and a HELPING HAND instead of just a verbal thank you for your service.
Get full access and immerse yourself in this veteran focus show, made for veterans by a veteran.
UHTV is available to watch in legrity, and all streaming devices.
Here's what other have said
Did you know that the number of UHTV fans has doubled in this year alone? We must be doing something right! Let us know what keeps you coming back for more, please feel free to add it to any one of our review sites below. This enables us to continue providing the best experience possible for you, and helps others understand how AUTV can make their life easier
MEET THE COLLABORATORS
This initiative would have not been possible without the guidance and collaboration of many people, some that choose to remain anonymous and other listed here. We cannot say thanks enough for all their help. We will keep updating this page with more details and pictures in order to tell you the whole story. We will keep updating this page with more details and pictures in order to tell you the whole story.
Donald Dodson Dodson Designs
Nefertiti San Miguel Etnia Fusion
Andy Nelson Fortis LLP
Masha Andreoni Empowered Veterans of America
Frank Manteau Kamikaze Wood Werks
Donald Dodson is the owner of Dodson Designs where he crafts fine handmade leather goods with a creative flair. A life-long artisan who loves sharing his interests with others, he has explored many arts including jewelry, printmaking, pottery, woodworking, and painting, all of which he uses in his current work. He is most passionate about creating something that is not only artistic, interesting, and creative; but something that has an inherent practical use to the client.
There were so many parties involved in this effort that we turned to the best legal advisor that we know and trust when comes to any legal matters, he is not only a brilliant Attorney at Fortis LLP, but a veteran as well: Andy Nelson
Masha was born in Miami Beach the same year her parents emigrated from the former U.S.S.R. (side note: Made in Italy ;). Upon arriving, her parents chose law enforcement and nursing as lifelong careers. Widowed at 33, she discovered her newfound passion and will to go on by serving those who served. Today she is a licensed therapist, proud single mother, and founder of Empowered Veterans of America.
Frank joined the United States Marine Corps right out of high school. As 7 1/2 years of service he entered back into the civilian sector where he has held many position from security, bounty hunter, auto parts sales, scare actor, haunted trail director, wed designer, heavy equipment shop service writer, wood shop owner, and many others.
He is the owner of both Kamikaze Wood Werks and also in the treats business. 4 years ago he and his business partner Cassandra turned the joke of calling Marines Crayon Eater into a reality by bring the first colorable chocolate crayon to market. They created Crayons Ready-to-Eat.
We cannot thank enough to all the individuals, organizations, veterans and supporters that showed up, inspired me to start this movement and collaborated to make it a reality. More pictures to follow illustrating the epic efforts invested into this year long project.
