Jr. Orange Bowl Committee gathered for a Summer Social hosted and sponsored by The Blue, the new upscale hotel on the Blue Monster Golf Course in Doral. The party, held July 28, served to introduce JOBC members to the Doral City Commission and many business leaders as well as recruit new volunteers and sponsors from the Greater Miami area.
Among the VIPs attending were Doral Mayor JC Bermudez with Vice Mayor Michael DiPietro; Doral Commissioners Pete Cabrera and Sandra Ruiz; Mayor Don Slesnick, of Coral Gables, and Mayor Billy Bain, of Miami Springs. Almost 100 people gathered to enjoy a night of networking with JOBC members. JOBC President Marti Bueso introduced the dignitaries and thanked The Blue’s General Manager Steven van Hemert, Executive Chef Josh Wahler and Food and Beverage Manager, George Rodriguez, for their generous support.
Among the almost 100 community leaders attending the event were Chuck and Nancy Little, Jim Borgmann, John and Pam Admire, Joey Deyerle, Paula Franco, John Sorgie, Ann Goodrich, Rich Lopez, Gus Machado, Jr., Kathleen Kauffman, Nubielena Medina, Enid Miguez, Don and Ceci Slesnick, Dr. Randy Groh, David Bobbitt, Carol Bovee, Dallas Brown, John Burns, Robin Preston, and Mark Pidal, to mention a few.
By the way, Azul, the beautiful new spa at The Blue, is offering a mother/daughter package for $49 that includes pedicure and manicure for two with lunch. To take advantage of this terrific offer, call 305-597-8600.
On July 18, The Children’s Bereavement Center (CBC) held a Harry Potter Movie Event at AMC Sunset Place as a dedicated fundraiser that featured giveaways, goodies, and appearances by costumed Harry Potter “characters” prior to the private screening.
A partner event was also held in Aspen for CBC supporters who spend their summer away. Children from the Buddy Program in Aspen were invited as guests to that private screening.
Proceeds from these events help CBC provide services. It is South Florida’s only nonprofit bereavement and resource center helping children and their families after loss. It provides free support groups for over 350 family members monthly. Established in 1999, the CBC is entering its 11th year of serving the children/families in our community.
Information, resources and sponsorship opportunities can be found by visiting www.childbereavement. org or by calling 305-668-4902.
The weekend of August 1, several South Floridians traveled to Boston to participate in the Pan Massachusetts Challenge, a 200 mile bike ride to benefit “The Jimmy Fund” at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. More than 5,000 people accepted the challenge to raise $4,200 each and complete this journey with the common goal of helping the millions of people affected by cancer each year.
Now in its 30th year, the Pan Massachusetts Challenge has raised over $239 million dollars for cancer research and care. 100 percent of the rider-raised donations go directly to cancer research and not a single dollar to administrative or organizational expenses. Among the locals participating were Lee Kessler, Chris Coffey and Eric Mertens.
Until next week, keep making each day count.
Keeping up with what’s happening in our community is quite a challenge and I am certain there are many activities I miss. If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via e-mail to < galburns@aol.com >.