Profit Inc., one of the South Florida’s oldest business networking groups, had a festive holiday Open House at Tarpon Bend hosted by Robert Beans, owner of Bay Plumbing. Not only did everyone enjoy some great hors d’oeuvres but each one also left with a gift bottle of nice wine.
This business networking group is comprised of members who are also very active in local non profits and have been involved in hosting everything from food and toy drives to hands on service projects. Among the many seen enjoying this celebration were Profits Inc. Club President Rosemary Guilfoyle, Past President Dr. Joe Briggle, South Miami Rotarian Mike Sutta, Pete Riley, and Enrique Yunis. Among the many others was HV Design owner Hernando Valenzuela, with his wife and daughter, Valerie, who just completed the Mitchell & West Family Fun Day 5K as a new member of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club. In fact, club members stood out at that race thanks to shirts donated by her family’s company.
Speaking of the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, their Holiday Dinner Dance was among the first parties this month. The Dec. 2 affair served as an opportunity to thank the dental clinic staff as well as install its newest members including Theresa Gilmore, Valerie Valenzuela, and Paola Mendez. Arely Ruiz is also a new member but was out of town and not able to attend. Also honored that night was Eneida Rivera who was presented with the Barbara Lapsley Best New Member Award. Where one lives is of no importance for membership in this club that owns and operates a free children’s dental clinic providing more than $220,000 in free care annually to Miami-Dade County children who fall between the cracks in the healthcare system.
Past President Linda Hartwell coordinated the party with past President Mireya Kilmon and President Mayra Dominguez all doing their part for a great affair. The CGWC Holiday Boutique on Dec. 3, coordinated by Susie Tilson, also provided additional funding for the dental clinic. Vendors space was sold out for this first time event helping the club raise several thousand dollars for their clinic. It has been a terrific year for the dental clinic with some major funding from Coral Gables Community Foundation to update the clinic with a new dental chair and more. Women, regardless of where they live, interested in giving back to the community through service are encouraged to visit the club website and call for more information at www.coralgableswomansclub.org.
Toy drives were held at multiple sites including a great one on Dec. 12, at the home of Scott and Belinda Sime. The Simes opened their home to hundreds providing great food and entertainment while collecting approximately 600 hundred toys for The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind as well as for Toys for Tots benefitting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. While many, like the Simes, were collecting for children, yet others like South Miami and Gables Rotarians were also collecting gifts for seniors.
Speaking of Rotary, South Miami and other district Rotarians, non profits and local businesses are challenged to put their best recipes forward for Coral Gables Rotary’s Inaugural Chili Cook-Off set for February 21 at Ponce Circle Park in Coral Gables. More info soon.
Finally, a quick note to all those non profits and other organizations that have listed events on our online calendar of events. Changes were made and many of the listings need to be reposted. Please check events to see if you events need to be added again
May you all have a blessed and joyous holiday season and a very happy New Year.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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