South Miami Rotarians were among the group of District Rotarians from West Palm Beach to the Keys and Bahamas who brought in a total of $62,870.00 for the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation with their Golf Ball Drop at The Biltmore Golf Course. This is the second highest total for this crazy Helicopter Ball Drop since it began, eclipsed only by last year’s total of $67,330. With thirty- eight Rotary District 6990 Clubs participating, the Drop raised $39.32 per capita. Over the last seven years, the Helicopter Golf Ball Drop has now raised $338,240. Kudos to Coral Gables Rotarian Chris Morrison and his fellow Rotarian volunteers for coordinating this effort that will benefit Rotary’s many humanitarian and educational programs.
Speaking of Rotary, on May 2, District Rotarians will be gathering for a fun night at Marlins Ballpark. If you are at the game that day, expect to see a crowd in Rotary blue and gold shirts. These types of activities are a great way for non-profit organizations and business groups to socialize. On a recent visit to Marlins Stadium, the writer joined community leaders and prospective season ticket holders for an opportunity to check out the many benefits offered to season ticket holders including hearing from Marlins president David Sampson in the players dressing room, getting photos in the dugout and having lunch in the dining room.
The Miami Marlins have been hosting several community groups for meetings as well and most recently provided their media room for a Forum of philanthropic organizations and charitable groups coordinated by Neighbors4Neighbors Lynn Cameron on a regular basis. This offers both groups a chance to learn more about their missions as well as an opportunity to seek out partnership that are mutually beneficial.
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce had a great Business Expo “March Madness” at The Biltmore Hotel on the same night that University of Florida’s new President was in town speaking to Gator Boosters also at The Biltmore Hotel. Several local Gators managed to attend both event including our own Chamber President Mark Trowbridge, the former president of the National Gator Alumni Association..
Finally, mark your calendars for May 1st and register to join the fun at the Westin Colonnade for an “over the top magical” Casino Night fundraiser presented by the Westin Colonnade and the Coral Gables Rotary to benefit Give Kids the World Village and the programs the Rotary Foundation of Coral Gables. With an Alice in Wonderland theme, guests may come in cocktail attire or appropriate costumes for the young at heart. 100% of the sponsorship dollars will go to charity thanks to the Westin and the many inkind donors. Event Chair Rotarian Steven Spann and his committee are especially pleased to work with Presenting Sponsor, the Westin Colonnade Coral Gables. Westin General Manager, Matt Lahiff, and Spann welcome the sponsors who have already committed support including CRB Geological, ECS Engineered Comfort Solutions, Liquid DJs/Illumene, and Waste Management. Sponsorships start at $2,000 and tickets start at $75 per person. For more information, call Gloria at 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 e-mail to gloriagalburns@aol.com.
