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South Floridians are among the most generous anywhere and activities closing out 2024 are proof of that. Local Coral Gables residents Scott and Belinda Sime, with their annual toy drive and holiday party, knock themselves out year after year with an event that keeps growing in attendance and donations.
A record 960 toys filled their dining room as 350 or more people gathered for an amazing, albeit slightly wet evening, at the couple’s beautiful waterfront home on Dec. 14. Toys collected were distributed to Lighthouse for the Blind, Toys for Tots, Nicolas Children’s Hospital, Christ Journey and Coral Gables Woman’s Club Children’s Dental Clinic.
This is always one of the best parties of the year with such a great mission. Kudos to the Simes and all those who helped support countless food, clothing and toy drives throughout the year. and seems to grow every year. Among the many enjoying the Sime party were Bob and Cindy Trescottt, John and Pam Admire, Dr. Iris Torres-Rivera and Ralph Rivera, Barbara Lapsley, Carol Horkowitz, Carmen Suarez, Tom and Kim Davison.
Speaking of generous people, the General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) Florida District 11, made up of 12 South Florida clubs, conducted its first fundraising progressive dinner on Dec. 19. Funds raised will help support various district projects for the year.
Members and guests from various clubs met at the Coconut Grove Woman’s Club where they boarded the bus to make the first stop at the Homestead Woman’s Club for appetizers.
Despite a ride that took more than two and a quarter hours to Homestead, the Jingle Bells bus was filled with laughter and singing as well as lovely holiday décor to match. Next stop was the Coral Gables Woman’s Club for soup and salad and then on to the Miami Woman’s Club with a great dinner and back to Coconut Grove Woman’s Club for dessert.
Miami Woman’s Club’s Linda Joseph did a great job of organizing the event and got Perricone’s Catering to sponsor the bus. Among the many attending the affair with this writer were District 11 director Ruth Martinez; past district directors Virginia Yermoli, Elizabeth Fisher and Brenda Merrill, with several Woman’s Club presidents including Metris Batts (Miami), Arely Ruiz (Coral Gables), Christel Lipscombe (Homestead), Maribel Fruitstone (El Portal) and Lavette Moore (Historic Overtown Village).
Speaking of women’s clubs, Coral Gables Woman’s Club members had a busy month leading up to year-end supporting the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run, which raised more than $50,000 this year; Merrick House Holiday Party, where they helped kids with crafts and letters to Santa; The Villagers Historic Home Tour, and its monthly Gringo Bingo.
These events coupled with the club’s own holiday general meeting and board holiday dinners filled the calendar. During 2024, proceeds from the club’s Gringo Bingo events helped support several charities and schools this past year thanks to ongoing support from its long-time sponsors Lynn Bauer, Dr. Hal Wanless, Jerome Kavulich, Carlos and Myra Rossi, Dr. Jose Chaviano, and Tom and Kim Davison Foundation as well as Deirdre Nero, who sponsors one event the club shared with NAAF.
Recently, CGWC past president Ruth Martinez, with this writer and Ann Ryan, presented a $530 check to Dr. F. Pickett, principal of Tucker K-8 Center. This money earmarked for the Principal’s Special Fund was one of three checks donated from proceeds raised at the club’s August Gringo Bingo. Other check recipients for that event were Voices for Children and the Marvin Dunn Academy for Community Education (ACE Academy).
Finally, as we begin a new year, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and smile, make each day count, and have a Happy New Year!
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