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OFM_MenoftheYear_0622FINAL.qxp_DEPT 5 / 20 / 22 12 : 47 PM Page 1 2022 MEN OF THE YEAR These 8 LOCAL RESIDENTS are making a difference in Central Florida and beyond with their philanthropic efforts and spirit of giving . BY MATT COSENTINO n addition to all of the entertainment options , the arts and Iculture offerings and the beautiful weather that make living in Central Florida such a delight , we are also blessed to have a seemingly endless supply of residents who consistently put others before themselves . It is our honor every June to shine a spotlight on some of them with our annual Men of the Year story . Whether they are dedicating their careers to life - changing services , volun - teering in their free time to effect change or inspiring others to give back , these distinguished gentlemen do not do what they do for awards or recognition , but out of a sincere desire to uplift their communities . That only pleases us more to bring a little bit of attention to their efforts . 28 ORLANDO FAMILY june 2022 ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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OFM_MenoftheYear_0622FINAL.qxp_DEPT 5 / 20 / 22 12 : 47 PM Page 2 OF THE YEAR MAN BOB RIVERA cancer diagnosis is bound to slow down even the most energetic person , but since being Atold he had follicular lymphoma about a year ago , Rivera has managed to keep his foot on the gas pedal , especially when it comes to the nonprofit he founded in 2017 . He started Future Dreamers & Achievers as a means to support underprivileged children who strive to continue their education at the collegiate level , attend trade school or enter the workforce . The organization provides scholarships and mentoring to help pave the way to a future filled with accomplishments . “ When I was younger , I was in a middle - income family and I was lucky enough to have two parents who guided me , ” Rivera says . “ Some of these students need our guid - ance and our help . It’s my passion to help them and we also have a very strong board of directors — everyone is here to help them succeed . It’s up to them afterward to succeed but we’re going to give them all the tools . ” Rivera , who also owns a record label , has combined his love for music with his char - itable work by making Concerts for Scholarships one of the signature programs of Future Dreamers & Achievers . Just last month they held an event hosted by comedian Tommy Davidson and fea - turing musical acts from the 1980s and ’ 90s where they awarded two $ 5,000 scholarships to local stu - dents . Rivera’s plan is to have six smaller events a year at venues like the House of Blues and Walt Disney Theater , as well as two or three major shows with A - list artists at Amway Center , with the goal of awarding between $ 300,000 and $ 400,000 in scholarships . A native New Yorker who has lived in Central Florida since 1986 , Rivera has a 28 - year - old daughter and a grandson . His family members , along with Future Dreamers & Achievers , are moti - vating him in his recovery from cancer , which he says is going well . “ I’m very high on God . You have to be , because He’s the one guiding you . I’ve had this cancer for over a year and that has never stopped me from following my passion . ” ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM june 2022 ORLANDO FAMILY 29
