April kicks off with a bang and two great events on April 8. The Villagers are planning a historic hunt road rally and dinner. The MiMo (Miami Modern) Hunt starts at 4 p.m. at the Miami Woman’s Club followed by dinner, silent auction and museum tour at the Miami Auto Museum’s Dezer Collection, 2000 NE 146 St. in North Miami. Chairing this year’s event is fellow Rotarian Lorraine Sheldon whose interior design expertise makes any event worth attending. Join the race for $25, come for dinner $55 or buy a combo ticket for $75 (Kids 6-12 $20). With a Happy Days theme, this should be a fun family event.
For a more formal evening on April 8, with a Flamenco theme, you will want to attend the Coral Gables Woman’s Club “Fire and Ice” Gala featuring Jose Junco, a sought after ballet flamenco dancer, teacher/choreographer/soloist throughout the U.S. and Europe. The affair will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club clubhouse, 1001-9 East Ponce de Leon Blvd., at 7 p.m. In preparation for the event, Jose Junco visited the women at their March 15 meeting for a mini dance workshop enjoyed by all.
Jose Junco is a fabulous teacher getting the group to perform and entire dance in very little time. Flamenco is a lot harder than it looks; so, Jose’s teaching abilities are unparalleled. Over the years Jose has worked all over the world. Locally, Jose performed with the Greater Miami Opera in the role of the lead bull fighter in the opera “La Traviata” to great critical acclaim, as well as the lead dancer in “Diefledermaus” and “La Gioconda.” He danced with the Ballet Rosita Segovia and in conjunction with The Greater Miami Opera Young Artist Program in Miami, at The Joyce Theatre in New York City, The Civic Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa, and at the famous Flamenco “Tablao” Café de Chinitas in Madrid, Spain. Jose was even featured in the lead role of the Andrew Lloyd Weber Musical “Song & Dance.”
You can be assured that this Coral Gables Woman’s Club Gala will provide great entertainment throughout the night with guitarist, dancing, great food, drinks, silent auction and more. Best of all, proceeds will benefit the club’s children’s dental clinic that provides more than $225,000 in free care annually to the children of the working poor throughout Miami Dade County and have several members living in the Pinecrest Palmetto bay area. The clinic gets referrals from agencies, schools, and recently took on an additional 20 patients from referrals from St. Vincent de Paul. Tickets are only $75 per person and may be purchased. For information or tickets, visit www.gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
In other countywide news, the presentation of Coral Gables Kiwanis Nick Kotys Award took place at the Junior League offices with a lovely dinner program. This year’s winner was Kevaugh Dingle, a 6’1” 195 pound wide receiver from Miami Carol City High School, whose presentation was more memorable for many reasons this year. For those unfamiliar with this prestigious award voted on by head coaches, it recognizes the most outstanding high school football players in Miami-Dade County. As if winning the state 6A championship were not reason enough to celebrate, this 3 Star prospect by 247sports.com, looks forward to playing for the University of South Florida next year under new Head Coach Charlie Strong, formerly with Texas and, who this Gator remembers from his days a Defensive Coach at UF. Kevaugh was rated a #49 prospect in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel, #69 nationally at WR by ESPN, and 1st team All County by the Miami Herald.
One of the highlights of this awards dinner was the guest appearance of Craig Curry, Coral Gables High School’s first black quarterback who led them to a national championship in 1965. Curry has a remarkable story that deserves its own telling but, celebrating the 50th anniversary of that winning season and historical mark, made his attendance even more special. Coincidentally, this year’s Coral Gables Kiwanis President, Jason Bryce, has his own place in the history of that club. Jason is that club’s first black president. Among the many enjoying the evening were Kevaugh’s parents, Lynn Bauer, University of Miami’s Dr. Hal Wanless, former Coral Gables Mayor Dorothy Thomson, Jack Thomson, and Doug Kellner, to mention a few. Kudos to all involved.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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