Faces of Philanthropy: Kelly Ordoñez 

Kelly Ordoñez 

St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Orlando 

WPGC Vice Chair

CFOCF DAF Fundholder 

I currently serve as the Director of Finance for Olive Garden at Darden Restaurants.  As a CPA and proud graduate of Villanova University, I began my career in public accounting at KPMG before finding a professional home at Darden where I can blend my passion for people and hospitality in every meal our guests share at our restaurants. 

My husband, Hector and I have been married for 13 years and are blessed with three school aged children who attend St. John Vianney school, where we are also parishioners.  Family is at the heart of everything we do—whether it’s coaching or cheering on our children in the Catholic Youth Sports league, spending time with our parents and siblings who live nearby or simply reading a good book as a family before bed.

Through a connection my father formed with The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, Hector and I were introduced to Madelyn Weed when we established a Donor Advised Fund with the Foundation in 2021.  Getting to know Madelyn and the Foundation was a blessing, which ultimately led to my invitation to become a Founding Member, and currently on the Executive Committee, of the Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle (WPGC).  The idea of pooling resources with women across Central Florida to make a greater impact resonated deeply with me. 

A favorite quote from Mother Teresa continually reminds me that meaningful philanthropy begins in and close to home- “Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, and the lonely right where you are—in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and in your schools.”  Through WPGC and The Catholic Foundation, I have seen firsthand how time, talent, and treasure can be used to serve Christ by serving others in our own community.

Faces of Philanthropy Q & A with Kelly Ordoñez:

Q: How does your Catholic faith guide your philanthropy?

A: Growing up, my parents set a strong example of generosity. Every week, we placed our offertory envelope in the parish collection basket, making giving to our Church a foundational part of my life. My Catholic faith teaches me the importance of giving generously and willing the good of others. I believe that any gifts we have are blessings from God, and it’s only right to use them to glorify Him and serve others.

Q: What inspired you to join the Women’s Giving Circle?

A: WPGC has opened my eyes to the great needs of our Central Florida community and the organizations that faithfully say “yes” to meeting those needs each day.  Each year, I’m inspired by the organizations we support through our annual grants, and I see the impact of our collective giving in their follow-up reports and visits.  This deeper understanding of local needs has also encouraged Hector and me to recommend grants from our personal Donor Advised Fund to further support local causes. 

Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of women givers?

A: Start donating with your very first paycheck.  Don’t wait until you have “more money” as that is subjective.  Pray about the portion you are called to give, trusting fully in God’s providence and His promise to provide for our needs.  I am often reminded of the poor widow in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, who offered two small coins.  Jesus tells us that “from her poverty, (she) has offered her whole livelihood” (Luke 21:4).  Though her gift appeared small in the eyes of the world, it was given with great love, and Jesus knew her heart.  God sees our intentions, and when we give generously and faithfully, no gift is ever insignificant. 

Click here to learn more about our Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle.