Rotarians make huge impact locally and globally

Rotarians make huge impact locally and globally
Rotarians make huge impact locally and globally
Autoverks Classic Car Show offers more than just great car, live music and food. Pinecrest resident and Gables Rotarian Fred Baddour bought a used firetruck that now offers lots of fun as kids line up to take their turn knocking over stations with the water hose. Lucas Havs and his friend Madison Rodriguez are seen here enjoying their turn.

With a motto of Service Above Self, Rotarians are celebrating the approaching goal of eradicating polio worldwide with only two countries remaining. South Florida clubs have played an active part in supporting the cause as they also serve the community with numerous outreach programs and meetings that are informative and enlightening. In fact, the Rotary Club of MiamiDadelandPinecresthas some exciting speakers scheduled to address the club in September and October. On September 8, Randall Berg, the internationally renowned executive director of the Florida Justice Institute, addresses the nation’s “Out of Control Police Force” while the September 22 meeting featured Dr. Azik Wolf, head of the Miami Neuroscience Center and one of the world’s leading authorities n stereotactic radiosurgery. The October line up includes the Miami-Dade Public Defender Carlos Martinez on October 13, talking about, “Adult Prison is No Place for the Young” and then on October 27, the club will meet ex FBI agent Sam Martinez, the author of Systemic Evil: MAT PEREZ v. THE FBI.

Comprised of professionals and business executives who reside and/or work in the Kendall/Pinecrest area, the Rotary Club of MiamiDadeland-Pinecrestmeets for breakfast on the second and fourth Tuesday morning each month, 7:30-8:30, at the Dadeland Marriott Hotel, 9090 South Dadeland Boulevard, to discuss community service projects and hear an interesting speaker. The organization plans a club dinner and a networking event each month. For further information, contact Howard Horowitz, 786-346-6661, or visit online at hhtheman@yahoo.com or Ron Lieberman, 305-613-6744, miamilawyr@gmail.com.

Rotarians make huge impact locally and globally
Pictured are (l-r) Greg Martini, Annette and Walter Alvarez with Fred Baddour at Autoverks Classic Car Show.

In other Rotary news, Coral Gables Rotarians will be raising money in the Pinecrest area every third Saturday night as the Autoverks Classic Car Show returns to 8700 SW133 St., Miami, with live music by Zero Effect , great cars, photo op with a fire truck and food for sale with proceeds benefitting the Coral Gables Rotarians veterans projects. Ongoing monthly programs at the Veteran Hospital are one of many ways that club supports those who have given so much to insure our freedom. Yet another fundraising effort to support those veterans related projects will be at the Grove Bed Race.

On Saturday, November 7th, the Great Grove Bed Race, renamed Bed Race Evolution, Coconut Grove, will offer another opportunity to have each team use any sponsorship they receive to be directed to their favorite non-profit. Several Pinecrest residents and businesses have been part of this crazy fun day. Bed Race Productions’ Barbara Ferenzi and Daisy Lewis are masterful at orchestrating this family friendly day of festivities with performances by Hip Hop Kidz. Vanilla Ice and IHeart Radio Mobile Mike return with lots of other surprises for all to enjoy. The pit crew parade of beds and judging will be followed by an afternoon of races as spectators enjoy the show, food, beverages and vendors in a great outdoor setting along beautiful Bayshore Dr. Save this date… you will not want to miss it.

In other good news, South Florida non profits are getting on the band wagon for an upcoming event that offers any participating charity an opportunity to raise funds at no risk. On October 3, folk enjoyed an afternoon of festival fun on Historic Virginia Key Beach Park that includes a 5K race with PARK Project. Charities that registered online were able to keep half of the $40 race registration fee for their own charity. Gables Rotarians were one of many dozens taking advantage of this great way to raise funds for their charitable outreach projects. For more info on other PARK Project activities, call 786-571-7732.

Until next time, keep making each day count.

If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via e-mail to gloria@communitynewspapers.com.


Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

Click Here

Previous articleStudent Spotlight: Sabrina Ochoa
Next articleIs Mold Making You Sick?
A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.