CBS4’s Jim DeFede entertained the members and guests of Profit Inc. at the organization’s January 8th lunch meeting with tales from Gander ,Newfoundland. Prefacing his remarks by saying that his book,, “The Day The World Came To Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland,” is heartwarming, touching, and emotional, he acknowledged to the crowd’s delight that it is nothing you would ever expect from his pen. DeFede’s intimate presentation was much like that of a story teller around a camp fire with a captive audience who could not helped but be touched by some of the stories he shared. His book brings new light to a small community of only 10,000 who accommodated 7,000 people and 67 planes that were diverted to their town on 9/11. For a town with so little, they opened their homes and hearts for a week and made lasting friendships that continue to this day. DeFede also took questions from the audience on assorted current events. Among the many enjoying DeFede’s talk were Profit Inc.’s President Stacy Alonso; Past Presidents Dr. Joe Briggle, Robert Beans, and Kemp Mobley; CBS 4’s David Sutta, Mike Sutta; Fernando Obregon; Don and Mara Van Orsdale; and Dr. Gayle Carson, to mention a few. Profit Inc. meets twice a month at the 94th Aero.
For information on this networking group, among the oldest in Miami-Dade County, contact Linda Wolonick at (954) 370-0041.
In other news, District 6990 Rotarians gathered for a monthly social in January at Chart House in Coconut Grove giving members a chance to share ideas and projects. With a motto of “Service Above Self”, Rotarians here and around the world are helping with projects as large as eradicating polio worldwide to those as small as providing scholarships, serving the homeless and helping veterans.
Several Rotarians at this Rotary 2 Rotary event did a double header moving on that evening to attend the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce’s 45th Annual Golden Coconut Awards at The Kampong. Hundreds attended the affair to sheer on the honorees and enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks in that lovely setting. Among the many award finalists was Coral Gables Rotarian Jesus Guzman, President of Shell Lumber & Hardware, who was up for Business Leader of the Year. Winning that particular award was third generation Coconut Grove resident Peter C. Gardner, who founded Pointe Group Advisors in 2003. For more on the many awards winners, visit www.CoconutGroveChamber.com.
Golfers will want to register for the upcoming Rotary Golf Classic for Scholarships being organized by Miami- Dadeland –Pinecrest Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Foundation of Coral Gables. to be held at The Biltmore Golf Course on February 6. Participation for individual golfers is $185 and include green fees, cart, appreciation gift bag, breakfast and awards lunch buffet with open bar. Luncheon and open bar only is priced at $40. Registration deadline is February 2. Following the lunch, witness a Rotary International District 6990 Helicopter Ball Drop for the benefit of The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. Golf balls are on sale at the South Miami Rotary Club as well as all other clubs through-out the district with chances to win some great prizes if your ball lands closest to the hole, For more information on the golf event or the drop, contact Chris Morrison at 305 582-7690 or Maria Avalos at 305 305-1535.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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