On the third Saturday of every month, folks gather at Phil’s Autoverks just east of S. Dixie Hwy. on 133 Street, to check out dozens of amazing classic cars that line Phil’s parking lot. Gables Rotarian Fred Baddour, of CRB Geological and Environmental Services, orchestrates this fun filled event that includes a fundraising component for various charitable programs through food and raffle sales. The crowd enjoys the music of a live band, Tickets and Kings, as well as a real fire truck where children and adults can try out using the fire hose. Over the past year one of the beneficiaries of the show has been Gables Rotary’s veterans programs helping them underwrite costs of hosting monthly bingo games at the VA hospital bringing food and prizes to entertain the veterans. For the next several months, the funds will benefit another great group, Artificial Reefs International Preservation Trust, Inc.
In other fundraising news, members of Gulliver Prep’s Interact Club held their 9 Annual Fashion Show Benefit held March 10, at Gulliver’s Prep Campus. The affair raised more than $2,700.00 that will benefit Easter Seals, Chapman Partnership and Give Kids the World Village.
This year the club gave the show a twist by inviting some members of their sponsor Club, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, and their teaching staff to particpate modeling clothes from their high school days. Pinecrest resident, Greg Martini, Coral Gables Rotary President, made a statement in his shiney shirt from the 70’s while Rotarian Hank Langston, Dean of Faculty and more at Gulliver, wore madras shorts.
Congratulations go out to Vice President and Fashion Show Chair, Alissa Seleznov, and her amazing support staff Interact Club President Maya Dhairyawan and Public Relations Director Kayla Patel as well as Secretary Madison Wieder for a job well done.
Speaking of Gulliver, Gables Rotarian Catarina Jimenez visited the Gulliver Prep Campus to talk to their engineering students and discuss the need for water purification system. By the way, these amazing students already have a patent on a portable purification system that Catarina spoke to them about adapting to possibly utilize for the Maasai in Kenya for whom she has become involved. In fact, the same week she spoke to the students, she was leaving to spend two months with the Maasai for whom she had raised more than $27,000 for supplies, shoes, and more.
Finally, save the date, Wednesday, July 13, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m., for the Annual Give Kids the World Breakfast at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables. This breakfast, completely underwritten by the Westin, is only $10 and any charity that wants to sell tickets may do so and keep half of the money they collect for their charity. The other half would go to GKTW. This is a no risk way to raise money for special programs and the breakfast is amazing—full American breakfast buffet with ice cream sundaes for dessert. This is a fun event to share with children who love the idea of ice cream for dessert, something always available at Give Kids the World Village where children with like threatening illnesses are treated to a free vacation with their entire family. Several South Dade charities have participated over the years and more are welcomed. Those interested may send a request for tickets on consignment to Gloria@communitynewspapers.com or call 305-284-7379.
Until next time, keep making each day count!
If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via email to Gloria@communitynewspapers.com