2015 Smartride raises more than $950K for HIV Charities

2015 Smartride raises more than $950K for HIV Charities
2015 Smartride raises more than $950K for HIV Charities
Pictured are (l-r, back row) Linda Hartell, Mayra Dominguez, Carmen Suarez, (front row) Vicky McGroarty, Dr. Iris Torres and Martha Black.

Those participating in Smartride for HIV charities held earlier this month will have seen the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, a group of women from all over South Florida who annually host two water stops during this 165 mile two day bike ride from Pinecrest to Key West.

Smartride founder, Glen Weinzimer, is a long time friends of this club that has supported the ride almost from the beginning and one that is close to their hearts. Making costumes and decorating their pit stop is a job the ladies love and one very much appreciated by the riders such as this writer’s fellow Rotarian, Alfredo Iglesias. Congratulation go out to all those who participated in this massive event.

Smartride is one of many outreach activities this club does in addition to supporting their own free children’s dental clinic.

Coral Gables Woman’s Club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month and typically alternated between a business and a program or fun night meeting.Women for South Miami or any other area wanting to serve the community are encouraged to attend. During the most recent meeting, members were treated to a talk by Noureen Ahmed, a student at the University of Miami who spoke about HOBY, a leadership program developed and initiated by Huge O’Brien, whom many may remember played the role of Wyatt Earp on television. Noureen experienced this program as a shy high school sophomore and related how it changed her life. Those with children going into their sophomore year may want to ask their child’s school about this incredible program.

2015 Smartride raises more than $950K for HIV Charities
Coral Gables Women’s Club members are pictured at one of the water stops they manned for 2015 Smartride the weekend of Nov. 14.

Speaking of UM students, CRU held a Vision Breakfast at the University of Miami Student Union recently during which Christian students of all denominations and several alumni shared testimonials that both educated and inspired the audience.

The event sponsored by such notables as Allen and June Morris, Ron and Anita Shuffield, to mention a few in a long list. The morning included a silent auction that helped raise funds for various worthy programs. Among the many taking the podium to inspire and share were some amazing young people including Brad Kaaya, UM Quarterback; Brittany Viola Gonzalez, US Olympic Diver and UM AIA Staf; Davon Reed, UM Basketball; Leslie Nghib, PhD/ UM professor and Andrew Loper, FIU student and Destino Leader.

Those participating in Smartride for HIV charities held earlier this month will have seen the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, a group of women from all over South Florida who annually host two water stops during this 165 mile two day bike ride from Pinecrest to Key West.

In other recent events, the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired held its 10th Annual See the Light Luncheon at Riviera Country Club on Thursday, Nov. 12.More than 200 of South Florida’s philanthropists and community leaders attended this lunch, generously underwritten by Nostro Jones PA, GenSpring, Comcast and Brown & Brown Insurance. The always entertaining Coral Gables Chamber President & CEO, Mark Trowbridge, emceed the program. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres provided by Norma Jean Abraham and a special keynote presentation made by Comcast’s Accessibility Team. Miami Lighthouse also honored Exile Books for their recent exhibition “Listen To This Building” which made downtown Miami architecture and its buildings accessible to the blind. Monster Sound Productions also stepped up to partially underwrite the audio/visual needs for the lunch.

Those who have friends of family suffering from Alzheimers will have a great way to support the Alzheimers Association. A Holiday Family Fun Day 5K Race presented by Mitchell & West, LLC, is scheduled for 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5. Held in front of Coral Gables City Hall, the park lends itself to the various fun activities on hand for the children that morning. Look for cash prizes, trophies and awards for racers in multiple divisions. Miami’s Community Newspapers will be on hand as will several other businesses supporting this cause. Those interested in participating should visit online at www.familyfunday5k.com.

Until next time, keep making each day count.

If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via e-mail to gloria@communitynewspapers.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.