Giving makes you rich.

Rotary, the Salvation Army, the arts and children around the world. Named Top Philanthropist of the Year in 2023.

A philanthropic force

Business as a force for good.

In Orlando, Theodora Uniken Venema is a dedicated philanthropist actively contributing to Rotary, the arts, ballet and the Salvation Army. Her commitment to service reaches an international scale through Rotary.

Her influence in the arts is seen in her passionate support for ballet and cultural organizations, and her work with the Salvation Army shows a commitment to the essential services that make a community more compassionate and resilient.

2023Philanthropist of the Year

2011Rotary President of the Year, D6980

Her causes

Where she gives.

Time, leadership and resources, locally in Orlando and around the world.

Rotary Club of Orlando members ringing bells for the Salvation Army

01.

Rotary International

A legacy member of Rotary International’s Arch Klumph Society, supporting education worldwide. A Rotary Bequest Society member, Paul Harris Fellow and Rotary Foundation Major Donor.

Twice president of Rotary Orlando Evening and Rotary President of the Year for District 6980 in 2011. As a board member of Rotary Orlando she hosts and mentors Rotary International high school exchange students from other continents.

The Orlando Rotarian

Classification: Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate.

02.

The Salvation Army

Theodora serves as a Salvation Army spokeswoman and advisory board member, and sponsors its work in Orlando. “Doing the most good” in the community.

In November 2025 the Salvation Army teamed up with the Rotary Club of Orlando, with Rotarians volunteering for the season’s bell-ringing.

Read the story

Theodora in a red gown at the Fête Minuet in Winter Park

03.

The arts & dance

Theodora supports the arts and dance through the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Museum of Art and Opera Orlando.

In the Netherlands, her art collection, with work by Dale Chihuly, Marius Bauer and Isaac Israëls, will be left to the Groninger Museum for future generations.

Around the world

Founder & sponsor.

Giving that reaches children and families far beyond Florida.

i.
Hagere Salem Water WellFounder. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
ii.
Jireh OrphanageFounder. Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.
iii.
Kids Beating CancerExecutive board, 2014 to 2015.
iv.
Ronald McDonald HouseSponsor, 2006 to 2015.
v.
Florida Hospital Transplant HouseBoard member and Major Donor Wall, 2014.
vi.
“Ernie for Autism”Sponsor, May 2026.

Community

Club Holland Orlando

A Dutch social club founded in 1997, hosting typical Dutch events throughout the year including Koningsdag and Sinterklaas. Theodora served as its president from 2012 to 2014.

Club Holland Orlando on Facebook

Watch

Rotary recognition.

The Rotary Foundation recognition and Rotary Club of Orlando students.

RotaryThe Rotary Foundation Recognition and RCOF Students

Way Of LivingKerstspecial, aflevering 2: Downtown Brokers

Work with Theodora

Join her cause.

Partner on a Rotary project, sponsor a Salvation Army drive or invite Theodora to speak.

Say hi Call 407-557-5446