Ladies in saris, along with elephants of all sizes and materials, adorned brightly colored table covers providing a magical setting for the Coral Gables Woman’s Club Annual Installation Dinner on May 6. The club’s beautiful historic clubhouse was decorated with an Indian theme that carried through to the dining experience.
Because club officers serve a two-year term, this was more of a party than an installation; however, the induction of new members, Margaret Feldman and Yvonne Elejalde, and the recognition of past presidents in attendance provided some good photo ops.
The dinner, organized by past president Mireya Kilmon for president Mayra Dominguez, also included a very special presentation, the prestigious Barbara Rosenthal Leadership Award. This year’s award was presented to Ruth Martinez, a relatively new member. Ruth took on responsibilities from the start and this past club year chaired a first ever Youth Festival which was a great success and broke new ground for programs.
The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame recently announced the new slate of officers: president, Gerard Loisel; presidentelect, Tracy Kerdyk; vice president, Richard Horton; treasurer, Marc O’Connor; secretary, Mead McCabe, and immediate past president, K.C. Jones.
This active group’s next big event, the 2015 UMSHoF Celebrity Dolphin Tournament will take place June 26-27 in Islamorada, Florida Keys. It’s always a fun tournament. For more information call 305-284-2775. Sponsorships still are available!
In other community news, the 200 Club packed Riviera Country Club for the Spring Dinner that featured guest speaker Miguel “Mike” Fernandez. Following cocktails and dinner, Mike, founder and chair of MBF Healthcare Partners LP, shared his amazing story arriving to this country with his family penniless when he was only 12. With a determination, incredible work ethic learned from his parents and vision, he created multiple successful businesses. He entertained the dinner guests with how having ADD actually worked to his advantage and how, after turning down a minority scholarship, he instead worked his way through college sharing the tab with his father. He is truly a remarkable man and his remarks were enjoyed by all.
Little Lighthouse Foundation’s second year of Learn & Earn closed on Apr. 10 weekend with a celebration at Citrus Grove Middle School (CGMS). On Friday, the Little Lighthouse joined forces with the Miami Marlins for a spirit day that included lots of activities and prizes for students participating in contests to reinforce standardized testing strategies and etiquette. The following day, LLF hosted the final tutoring session of the year. Volunteers assembled test prep kits for the morning of the test including pencils, erasers, healthy snacks, and healthy drinks.
On May 18, LLF hosted yet another event, LLF’s Day at the Park program, during which volunteers worked with the children to create signs to compete for the for a best sign of the night. LLF is yet another great volunteer organization in South Florida that makes a positive impact and those wishing to give back may want to check out their volunteer opportunities.
Another great group looking for support saves the lives of infants. A group of prospective donors joined the board of A Safe Haven for Newborns for a reception hosted by Smith & Wollensky on May 20. As of this writing, Nick Silverio, rejoices in announcing to date they have saved 228 babies since he founded the organization.
Folks packed St. Mark’s Church on May 3 to thank Rev. Arnie Perry for his years of service to the church and the community on the occasion of his retirement. Aside from members of the church who helped orchestrate a beautiful luncheon and program, several members of the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, where he served a term as president, were in attendance as well as members of the Coral Gables Police Department where he will continue to serve as chaplain.
Knowing Arnie, I suspect he will continue to work in activities that make a positive impact.
Speaking of people who made a positive impact, one of the last services Arnie held was for John Sorgie, a dear friend of so many and a supporter of countless non-profits. John’s viewing and funeral service were held May 1 and 2, respectively, drawing large numbers of people who both loved and respected him. From members of the Elks Club, South Miami Rotary, Profit Inc, Junior Orange Bowl, to members of the Chamber, he will be missed by all. He was a man of vision who threw himself into whatever project he took on and achieved much success. We are all the better for having known him.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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