Rotarians gather for monthly social to share ideas | Coconut Grove Chambers 45th Annual Golden Coconut Awards

Rotarians gather for monthly social to share ideas
Rotarians gather for monthly social to share ideas
Pictured with Jim DeFede (center) are Profits Inc. president Stacy Alonso (left) and Mike Sutta.
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]istrict Rotarians gathered recently for a monthly social at Chart House in Coconut Grove giving members a chance to share ideas and projects.

With a motto of “Service Above Self,” Rotarians here and around the world are helping with projects as large as eradicating polio worldwide to those as small as providing scholarships, serving the homeless and helping veterans.

Several Rotarians at this Rotary 2 Rotary event moved on to attend the Coconut Grove Chambers 45th Annual Golden Coconut Awards at

The Kampong later that evening. Hundreds attended the affair to cheer on the honorees and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks in that lovely setting.

Among the many award finalists was Coral Gables Rotarian Jesus Guzman, president of Shell Lumber & Hardware, who was up for Business Leader of the Year. Winning that particular award was third generation Coconut Grove resident Peter C. Gardner, who founded Pointe Group Advisors in 2003. For more on the many awards winners, visit www.CoconutGroveChamber.com.

Rotarians gather for monthly social to share ideas
Jesus Guzman, finalist for Business Leader of the Year at Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce’s 45th Golden Coconut Awards on Jan. 8 at The Kampong, is pictured with his wife, Elaine.

Golfers will want to register for the upcoming Rotary Golf Classic for Scholarships being organized by Miami- Dadeland-Pinecrest Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Foundation of Coral Gables to be played at The Biltmore Golf Course on Feb. 6. Participation for individual golfers is $185 and includes green fees, cart, appreciation gift bag, breakfast and awards lunch buffet with open bar. Luncheon and open bar only is priced at $40. Registration deadline is Feb. 2.

Following the lunch, witness a Rotary International District 6990 Helicopter Ball Drop for the benefit of The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. Golf balls are on sale throughout the district with chances to win some great prizes if your ball lands closest to the hole.

For more information on the golf event or the drop, contact Chris Morrison at 305- 582-7690 or Maria Avalos at 305 305-1535. CBS4’s Jim DeFede entertained the members and guests of Profit Inc. at the organization’s Jan. 8 lunch meeting with tales from Gander, Newfoundland. Prefacing his remarks by saying that his book, The Day The World Came To Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland, is heartwarming, touching, and emotional, he acknowledged to the crowd’s delight that it is nothing you would ever expect from his pen.

DeFede’s intimate presentation was much like that of a storyteller around a camp fire with a captive audience that could not help but be touched by some of the stories he shared. His book brings new light to a small community of only 10,000 who accommodated 7,000 people and 67 planes that were diverted to their town on 9/11.

Rotarians gather for monthly social to share ideas
Pictured at Chart House for Rotary 2 Rotary event are Perrine-Cutler Ridge Rotarian Mike Kesti (left) and Gables Rotarian Chris Morrison.

For a town with so little, they opened their homes and hearts for a week and made lasting friendships that continue to this day. Profit Inc. meets the at twice a month at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant.

DeFede also took questions from the audience on assorted current events. Among the many enjoying DeFede’s talk were Profit Inc.’s president Stacy Alonso; past presidents Dr. Joe Briggle, Robert Beans, and Kemp Mobley; CBS4’s David Sutta, Mike Sutta; Fernando Obregon; Don and Mara Van Orsdale, and Dr. Gayle Carson.

Until next time, keep making each day count.

If you want to submit information for this column, please send your news via email to gloriagalburns@aol.com.


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A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.