South Miami Rotarians continued with the distribution of dictionaries to local schools. The most recent donations were made as Rotarians Diana Phillips, Charles Ruiz de Castillo, Irene Smith, Noelle Galperin, Britt Steinheardt, visited Ludham Elementary and addressed their third grade classes.
After giving the children a brief talk about Rotary, each of the 100 students were presented with their dictionary and then had them test their skills at finding various words.
Then the students wrote their names inside on a book plate that read “RCSM presents this book so students of Ludlam Elementary School, Friday September 25, 2009. This book belongs to: Student’s name.” This is one of many outreach programs the Rotary Club of South Miami does each year to promote education. Visiting Rotarians are welcomed to join them on Tuesdays, at Carrabba’s in South Miami for their weekly lunch meetings at noon.
A plethora of special events pack our calendars with non-profits trying to raise funds to meet increasing demands on services. The Junior Orange Bowl Committee held a “Beach Party Bingo” fundraising auction at the Miami Rowing Club.
Chair Cecilia Dubon Slesnick chose a perfect setting for that theme party featuring a Bacardi Bar, some classic music, great picnic type food including pulled pork and incredibly delicious desserts. Adding to the fun during the evening was MetroZoo’s Ron Magill. The always funny and entertaining Magill was the auctioneer and emcee for the live auction part of the evening helping the JOBC raise needed funds for this year’s schedule of events. Among the many helping make the evening a success were Frandley DeFilie, Joey Deyerle, Kira Grossman, Patrick Harris, Maggie Hill, Joanna Noriega, Robin Preston, Veronica Ramirez, Ivon Rodriguez de Perez, Don Slesnick III, and Bonita Whytehead.
Mark your calendars for October 24, for a Gala to benefit Dress for Success Miami. Co chairing the evening will be Irene Korge, Norma Jean Abraham and Amaris Jones. This “Dress to Impress II Gala,” to be held at The W Hotel, South Beach, will feature an elegant evening of fashion, fine auction, entertainment and gourmet cuisine to benefit disadvantaged women in South Florida.
Internationally renowned jewelry designer Judith Ripka will be honored that evening and Louis Aguirre, entertainment reporter for WSVN-TV and anchor for Deco Drive, will emcee. For more information email < miami@dressforsuccess.org > or call 305-444-1944 Ext. 301.
The YMCA of Greater Miami has named Patrick G. Morris chief development officer. Morris will be responsible for the design, implementation and management of a comprehensive development program. Prior to joining the YMCA, he was a principal at the marketing firm Think Factory and president and CEO of the non-profit organization Hands on Miami, an organization he helped found 15 years ago. Morris has more than 20 years experience conducting community outreach campaigns.
Finally, mark your calendars for the Community Foundation of Pinecrest’s Garden Pop fine art exhibition preview night on November 7 at Pinecrest Gardens. For more information, go to www.cfofp.org. Until next week, keep making each day count.
Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest., a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers. Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via e-mail to < galburns@aol.com >.
