The Junior Orange Bowl Committee is orchestrating yet another fabulous gala with a “Mad Hatter in Wonderland Gala” theme that serves to honor Bacardi, Barbara and Don Water, and the Orange Bowl Committee. The affair will be held March 18, 6:30 p.m., at the East Hotel at Brickell City Centre, 788 Brickell Plaza. Chairing this year’s event is Ana Rivera who is planning an extravagant affair with her hardworking committee. For more information, visit www.jrorangebowl.org/gala.
On the Walk scene, coming off three major walks held on February 25 for MADD, A Safe Haven for Newborns and Live Like Bella, the UN Women’s (USNC-UN Women) 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence…Stop the Violence Against Women & Children will have fewer conflicts. Their event is coming up on March 1, at Florida International University – Biscayne Bay Campus – 3000 NE 151st Street, Miami. This is a wonderful way to support the cause and spend a morning at this beautiful campus setting. The bib/shirt distribution begins at 9:00 a.m. and race start is 10:00 a.m. Admission is $30 and $20 Student Admission (With Valid Student ID) and free for FIU Students with valid Student ID. The US National Committee for UN Women (USNC-UN Women) is an independent non-profit, 501c3 organization that supports the global mission of UN Women and social, political and economic equality for women and girls around the world.
Rotarians continue to have great programs at their weekly meetings. Most recently, Coconut Grove Rotarians heard from Palmetto High alumna Katie Phang, a partner with Berger Singerman serving on their Dispute Resolution Team. Katie was a legal contributor on Fox News and has recently joined the team at MSNBC. Katie gave a most informative talk on fake news. Among the crowd enjoying the talk was Monty Trainer who was looking forward to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival that following weekend.
Yet another great program at the Coral Gables Rotary meeting was presented by Luba and Richard DeWitt, world travelers who have ventured to the most unlikely locations. Their presentation on February 23 at the Coral Gables Museum focused on their last adventure to Ethiopia, the fastest growing economy in Africa that has doubled in population in the last five years. The couple visited numerous tribes, learning about their culture untouched by the western influence.
Pinecrest resident Susie Tilson, a retired teacher from Pinecrest Elementary, has been filling her free hours with lots of volunteer work especially with the Coral Gables Woman’s Club where she serves as Vice President and Membership Chair. Susie recently orchestrated a lovely Orientation Luncheon for the Club’s new members who come from all over South Florida. It was a good opportunity during which new members got to become better acquainted with the board and their big sisters. President Debi Van Stone Moore, of Gulliver Schools, welcomed guests thanking all those who sponsored new members and applauding Membership Chair Susie Tilson on her efforts to coordinate the day and communicate with the numerous new members joining the club.
Off to a busy month, new and old member of the club met days later on February 15 for an art program making tote bags from last year Coral Gables Rotary Chili Cook Off t-shirts. The women will volunteering at several charity walks in the coming weeks as well as Rotary Club’s Chili Cook Off.
In the next issue I’ll talk about the March 2 presentation by Senator Bob Graham, and there’ll be more about the previously mentioned activities.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
Gloria A. Burns
