J.D. Vance fundraiser at home of Golden Corral owner shut down residential streets
The campaign event also prompted heavy police presence in the neighborhood around Lake Virginia
Sept. 25, 2024
By Beth Kassab
A fundraiser reportedly featuring J.D. Vance at the home of Eric and Diane Holm shut down residential streets off Lake Virginia on Wednesday afternoon as rain started falling head of Hurricane Helene’s projected landfall in the panhandle.
Police from Winter Park and Maitland as well as Orange County deputies patrolled the area, including by boat. From across Lake Virginia, white tents could be seen in the backyard of the nearly 10,000-square-foot residence that belongs to the owners of Golden Corral.
The Holms were listed on a flyer posted on social media by Rep. Anna Eskamani for the lunch event (no word on whether it included an all-you-can-eat buffet or a chocolate fountain) as part of the event’s host committee. The flyer for the Trump campaign event featuring the vice presidential candidate also listed as “hosts:” Rep. Aaron Bean; Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson; Rep. Kat Cammack; Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis; Rep. Michael Waltz; Ricky Caplin and Nancy McGowan.
Seats started at $5,000 per couple, according to the flyer, all the way up to $100,000 per couple.
A Harris sign peeks out from a front yard near a fundraiser that reportedly featured J.D. Vance on Wednesday afternoon.
At least one house on a closed stretch of road near the event had a “Harris/Walz” sign in the front yard that was obscured by what appeared to be valet golf carts.
The Holms have hosted a number of charity events at their home, which features a room dedicated to their English Bulldog with a custom carrousel style bed, according to a 2019 story in Winter Park Magazine.
Holm is also known for his charitable work, including a Thanksgiving dinner for more than 20,000 at the Salvation Army in Orlando known as “Helpings from the Heart.”
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We love J.D. Vance
I wonder what the employees of Golden Corral would think of a $5k – $100k a plate luncheon and owners that support a party that voted against an increase in the minimum wage.
Did we the taxpayers pay for all of the police and security or is that something the Holms Family will pay?
It was a respectful, very well organized event that only had positive vibes, no negativity. I praise the hosts.
What a waste of city resources. We know the campaign or GC is not paying the city a penny for the use of our tax paid resources. Prove me wrong. Vote Blue!!
A Thanksgiving dinner for 20,000 sounds small to me when they’ve got millions. An entire room for their dog? Call me cynical. I love how these people call themselves philanthropists when really all they are is tax dodgers. Making millions off of Golden Corrals, how quaint.
Thanks for the local lunch updates
Excellent to see Winter Park supporting our future VP