On May 3, members of the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club installed another new group of members: Eryka Melo, Aileen Ortega, Claudia Miro, Clara Almeida Serrano and Lily Nin. This exciting young group of members will be joined by many more in December as the club grows with its energetic board and members. Second Vice President Susie Tilson, whom many may remember from her days teaching at Pinecrest Elementary, and First Director and Past President Linda Hartwell officiated over the ceremony. A rededication of the officers whose terms run two years was conducted by District 11 Director Lynda Randolph. Among the many recognitions that evening were some special prestigious annual awards. The Barbara Lapsley New Member Award was presented to Club Secretary Valerie Valenzuela, who has taken on many roles and already serves on the board of directors. Another equally prestigious award, the Barbara Rosenthal/Sherry Wheeler Leadership Award went to the Club’s Fundraising Chair, Arely Ruiz, who chaired a successful auction enjoyed by a record crowd on April 8.
Club President Deborah Van Stone Moore, of Gulliver Schools, also presented several awards and announced awards the club won at a recent GFWC Florida Convention in April. Chairing the evening from Washington D.C. was Ruth Martinez, after doing most of the work before leaving town. Ruth was assisted by a great committee including Ana Lam, Mary Ann Etkin, Janet Osgood, Linda Hartwell, Susie Tilson, and Barbara Lapsley, to mention a few.
The Steak Out LLC, White Star Cafe Modern Bistro and Artisanal Bakery provided a lovely dinner, and sound and decorations were by A Touch of Class, Studio 48 and DJ Johnny Martinez.
On April 28 A Safe Haven for Newborns held its inaugural Golf Tournament at Trump National Resort’s beautiful Red Course. They could not have asked for a more beautiful day and the organizers thought of everything from a Party stop hole with a DJ and Poker game holes to multiple drink stops sponsored by Bacardi, amazing gifts and meals. Among the many sponsors were Brown & Brown, Miami Marlins, Gables Transport, The Keyes Company, Miller Construction, Coastal Construction, Infiniti of Coral Gables, Smith & Wollensky, Sam’s Club, Mercedes Benz Coral Gables, Pediatric Emergency Network, AMR, Health Foundation of South Florida, Baptist Health South Florida, Super Restoration, A & D Creative, Kendra Scott, Mena Law, Kaiser Photographer & Drone Pilot, Sena Golf, Sabor Habana Cigars, National Beverage, JWB and Beigebox Tech Consultancy.
Always great seeing the support this foundation receives from the community and Community Newspapers is always proud to support their efforts. Founded by Nick Silverio, A Safe Haven for Newborns has saved from abandonment more than 260 infants already. Next up for this amazing group of volunteers is an annual gala being held October 21, 7 p.m., at the Intercontinental at 100 Chopin Plaza in Miami. Save the date. For more information on sponsorship or tickets, visit www.asafehavenfornewborns.org.
South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held a Diversity Health Fair at MACC bringing in bus loads of guests for free health screening and an expo. A ticketed luncheon was also coordinated that featured a panel of doctors that presented their specialties and then answered questions for a very informative program orchestrated by Lilliam Lopez.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
