South Miami Rotarians are preparing for their South Miami Rotary Art Festival held on Sunset Dr. between US1 and Red Rd. to benefit scholarships on the weekend of February 23-24. They are looking for volunteers to do everything from set up to clean up and will provide forms for students looking for volunteer hours. For information on sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, etc call (786) 618-1950. This Rotary Club meets at the American Legion Hall at noon on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Tuesday of the month. Visiting Rotarians are always welcomed.
On January 22, the featured speaker for this club was Miami Assistant City Attorney Carlos Gamez. This was a sort of homecoming for Carlos Gamez, who served as President-Elect for this Rotary Club before resigning in order to study law. He ultimately earned his Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami and after working for an insurance defense firm handling a broad range of cases from construction litigation, torts, FINRA arbitration, to civil trials, he joined the Office of the City Attorney.
During his presentation, he explained how Miami’s office compares to other cities in the state. Carlos also took the opportunity to thank Roy Gonas, a Past President of the South Miami Rotary, for mentoring him years ago as he made the career change and becoming his great friend.
Yet another worthy charity, CGWC Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic, is raising funds to provide free dental care for 600 Miami Dade County children in need including many from South Miami. Thanks to support from such donors as the Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation, Delta Dental, Coral Gables Community Foundation and Coral Gables Rotary, this clinic provides more than $240,000 in free care annually to those kids who fall between the cracks in our healthcare system. To supplement the many generous donations from individuals and foundations, the club holds an annual fundraiser. This year’s event is a Masked Ball on February 9th, 7 p.m., at their clubhouse, 1001-9 East Ponce de Leon Blvd. From an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing to entertainment and a silent auction, this is an action packed fun affair you will not want to miss. Early bird tickets are only $100 per person. For tickets go to Eventbrite or email arely@arelyprcom.
In other club news, the GFWC Coco Plum Woman’s Club 11th Annual High Tea attracted members and guests who donned their best hats for the occasion for a “Hat Parade” during the affair. The affair was chaired by Gabrielle Martonffy and Ann Robson.
While club member Ulla Kapsprzyk made homemade English scones, Ann shared imported clotted cream she brought back from England. The clotted cream complemented the scones for a lovely treat the ladies enjoyed along with tea sandwiches and English teas. Hats were in style as many ladies participated in the Hat Parade. Funds raised from this event will got several of our charities and to our Historic Clubhouse Restoration Fund.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
