Networking, clubs, arts and sports make for dynamic community

Robert Beans and Bill Puertas at Profit Inc. event check out two of Miami’s Community Newspapers
Robert Beans and Bill Puertas at Profit Inc. event check out two of Miami’s Community Newspapers
Robert Beans and Bill Puertas at Profit Inc. event check out two of Miami’s Community Newspapers

Profit Inc., one of Miami’s oldest business networking organizations, meets on a regular basis at 94th Aero Squadron with socials at various member businesses and locations around town. Most recently, Profit members were invited to a social evening at Tarpon Bend courtesy of past president Robert Beans, owner of Bay Plumbing.

Profit Inc. is a great way to grow your business aside the usual chamber vehicles and welcomes those interested to visit <www.profitinc. org> for information. Among those enjoying the event on May 29 with this writer were Bill Puertas and Vanessa Socarras. As always, Wayne Eldred’s Tarpon Bend was a happening place and perfect for any social gathering.

On the cultural arts front, Terry Schechter, the well-known Miami-based arts advocate, has joined Miami City Ballet (MCB) as its director of Community Outreach and Special Projects. Terry also will continue to serve as executive director of the Miami Art Museums Alliance (MAMA). This active woman has served as president of Funding Arts Network (FAN) for three consecutive two-year terms and is a member of the board of trustees at Perez Art Museum Miami, board member at Brickell Avenue Literary Society, and an advisory board member at Miami Theater Center.

In sports, there is a new game in town. The new indoor football franchise, the Miami Inferno, played its inaugural home game at BankUnited Center on Sunday, May 25, with Pete Taylor as head coach of a team that overpowered the opponent.

Coconut Grove residents Christina Burns and Rey Redlich are pictured at the Miami Inferno’s home opener.
Coconut Grove residents Christina Burns and Rey Redlich are pictured at the Miami Inferno’s home opener.

The new indoor football franchise’s home opener, despite a lopsided game, entertained the crowd. Cheerleaders, canon firing goodies, T-shirt tosses, and even a kids race in a big bubble down field and back. All provided laughs and lots of excitement.

Kudos to Chad Dittman and his staff for bringing football lovers an affordable option during the NFL’s off season. Look for a more competitive home game on June 15 as they play again the Corpus Christi Fury. Parking is free and tickets are very affordable. For information, visit <www.miamiinferno. com>.

On the club scene, the women of the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club once again hosted the Tucker Elementary Graduation party on May 19. Education chair Susie Tilson orchestrated the event with several other volunteers from the club including Barbara Lapsley, Dr. Iris Torres Rivera, MaryAnn Etkin, Vicki McGroarty, Ana Lam, Linda Hartwell and club president Mayra Dominguez. The students enjoyed lunch, dancing and presented the club with artwork they created which will be framed and hung in the club’s May Van Sickle Children’s Dental Clinic.

These women continued their outreach efforts with several members helping NPH USA with a big luncheon fundraiser on May 20, and then a social working fun night on May 21 when 16 members came to help make Florida souvenirs for the International Convention to take place in Arizona.

Our very own Debi Van Stone was chosen as the Florida Leads winner and she will bring the souvenirs representing Florida. Among the many helping with that project with this writer were Kate Swain, Nancy Desmangles, MaryAnn Etkin, Linda Hartwell, Patricia Hendon, Mitzy Jenner, Barbara Lapsley, Ruth Martinez, Maria Mendez, Margie Shanti, Kate Swain, Iris Torres-Rivera, Claire Frances Whitehurst, and Andy Young.

On June 26, Coral Gables Rotarians will be honoring their Coral Gables Citizen of the Year at the Courtyard Marriott during their luncheon.

Finally, mark your calendars for the annual “Scoops of Hope” Breakfast at the Westin Colonnade on July 23 to benefit Give Kids the World. Charities interested in participating may sell tickets and keep half of the proceeds for their non-profit programs.

Chef Thomas Russo always provides an incredibly yummy buffet topped off with ice cream for dessert, a meal that is completely underwritten by the Westin Colonnade. This is a great way for groups to raise funds with no risk. Tickets are $10.

For more information on how your organization may participate, call 305-968-3090. 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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