More than 100 guests gathered at Coral Gables Art Cinema on Aug. 1 for a private showing of the movie, Dunkirk.
The event was a fundraiser sponsored by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, joined by the Miami consulates of the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.
Guests enjoyed an opening reception partaking in wine and canapés. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit several veterans groups in the Miami area.
The British Consulate’s Odille Bernard, public affairs assistant, coordinated the evening’s arrangements including WWII British military uniforms and kits provided by Military historian Dr. Anthony Attwood.
Col. Steve Williamson, USA (retired), chair of the GMCC’s Military Affairs Committee, greeted the attendees, and David Prodger, British Consul General in Miami, provided the historical context surrounding this 1940 event where more than 300,000 British, French, Dutch and Belgian troops were evacuated from the French port city of Dunkirk to England.
Among the many helping sell tickets and attending the event were Global Ties’ Annette Alvarez with husband, Walter; British Consul General Miami Alexander Miles and assistant Odille Bernad; former Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick and former Gables Commissioner Jeannett Slesnick, as well as many Rotarians involved in military volunteer work such as Gables Rotarians George Reeves and Yoli Woodbridge who volunteer at the Miami International Airport Military Lounge; Raul Mas; Efrain Sora of Sora Global, and Coral Gables Woman’s Club president Deborah Van Stone Moore of Gulliver Schools.
Rotarians visiting the Coral Gables Club should take note. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables, which typically meets for lunch on Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables is tying something new. On Aug. 24, instead of a lunch meeting, the club will have an After Hours event from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Registration fee will cover heavy hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks. There will be a cash bar.
Speaking of Gables Rotarians, the club’s community service community chaired by Rebecca Kibbe arranged for a dozen members, friends and family to volunteer to serve dinner July 31 at the Chapman Partnership. This was a welcomed relief for the people working there who do this three times a days every day. It is non-stop work but most rewarding for all who participate. Among the many volunteers that night with this writer were Greg, Nancy and Joey Martini, Terry and Charlie Gomes, Yoli Woodbridge, Frank Sexton, Sally Baumgartner Goodman, Mike Mio, Ana Fournaris, and Bill Quesenberry.
Finally, after 41 years, The Giving Tree, a gift and yarn store in Coral Gables will be closing its doors. Owner, Joan Reitsma, in keeping with her store name, has supported countless charities over the years and is holding a series of benefits for local charities giving 20 percent of total sales for sales event back to the organizing charities. Best of all, customers are getting a minimum of 25 percent off all merchandise and some items are discounted even more.
Jim Shore and Precious Moments collectibles, for example, are buy one get one free. There are lots a new Christmas items from which to choose as well.
Coral Gables Children’s “Free” Dental Clinic already has benefited and, by the way, other charities wishing to hold similar events are encouraged to contact Joan at 305-527-3204.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
