Long time Coral Gables residents, Drs. Marino and Karelia Carbonell, were featured recently on the cover of Art Bodega magazine’s first Art & Luxury Art Basel Issue. This issue highlighted the couple’s commitment to a fledgling American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora.
Marino and Karelia’s life is reflected in the feature “From the Freedom Tower to The Cuban.” Both immigrated from with their families when they were 5 and 6 years old, being processed through the Freedom Tower.
An American success story if there ever was one, Dr. Marino Carbonell is a certified addiction professional celebrating 25 years in the field and has been in private practice since 2002 with a doctorate in Child and Youth Studies from Nova Southeastern University’s Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services.
While Marino enjoys reaching out to public and private schools lecturing to students and parents about the symptoms and consequences of substance and alcohol abuse, Karelia, who holds a doctorate in Public Administration with a focus on non-profit management from Nova Southeastern University, is one of a limited number of fundraisers worldwide who have earned the CFRE credential (certified fund raising executive).
Kare is a leader on several nonprofit boards of directors including recently joining the board of trustees of the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora where she hopes to play a significant leadership role in developing a strong philanthropic culture and helping advance the museum’s mission — which is to showcase and document the post-1959 history, culture, arts, and achievements of the Cuban diaspora.
For the couple, Karelia and Marino humbly dedicate their personal philanthropic support in honor and in memory of their parents.
Holiday parties were in abundance this month. Profit Inc. members gathered at Tarpon Bend for a holiday party hosted by Robert Beans, owner of Bay Plumbing. JOBC president Michelle Benitez-Bermudez and her husband hosted another party at their home for the Junior Orange Bowl Committee while Bill Bonn hosted an annual party for the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Coral Gables Museum also conducted a fabulous concert and holiday fundraiser.
Before Evita closed at Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre, 35 Rotarians gathered to see the show for the District’s Rotary2Rotary monthly social. Rotarians meet every month at different locations to network and share news on their activities.
Speaking of Rotary, on Dec. 14, Coral Gables Rotarians were treated to a concert by the choir that won the Rotary Prize at the Merrick Festival’s Annual Caroling Competition, Somerset City Arts from Homestead.
Rotarian Sally Baumgartner, as always, did an amazing job of orchestrating the annual weeklong competition that entertains and gets everyone in the holiday spirit every year in December.
Also, on behalf of the Coral Gables Rotary Club, member Carol Brock recently presented checks totaling $4,000 to Alfalit International Inc., for Rotary projects at Alfalit preschools in the Dominican Republic and for feeding the orphaned South Sudanese Alfalit students in the Ugandan Refugee Camp Rhino. Presenting the check on behalf of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables was Carol Brock. Joe Milton, president and Catherine Penrod, executive director, received the checks on behalf of Alfalit International.
Finally, Rotary and our community recently lost a great man, Owen Freed. Owen, who was a past district governor and past president of both the Miami Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, touched the lives of countless people from all over the world. A book could be written for all the good deeds this amazing man accomplished during his lifetime.
It is no wonder that Temple Judea was packed for his services on Dec. 10. Truly a man whom everyone loved and will miss greatly.
May you all enjoy your holidays with friends and family and cherish your time together. Until next time, keep making each day count.
