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Annual giving drives have helped countless charities raise funds for their programs and initiatives bringing joy and comfort to those in need in our community.
To help the children served by the Coral Gables Woman’s Club Children’s Dental Clinic, year after year CGWC members provide giant food baskets before Thanksgiving for the families of those to ensure they all have a great holiday. CGWC’s Dental Clinic director Dr. Iris Torres, who helps coordinate the drive, was overjoyed to have 32 baskets filled to the brim with food to share with her patients’ families. In addition, those same members and friends donate $20 gift cards that are given to the patients during December rather than toys or items they may not want or need.
To learn more about the clinic or joining the club, go to CoralGablesWomansClub.org.
On the cultural scene, opening night for the Actors’ Playhouse production of Man of La Mancha was amazing and one of the best musical productions anywhere this writer has ever experienced. From start to finish this beautifully performed and directed musical, brought tears of laughter and different tears for more poignant moments. This is a show you must see and promises to be sold out quickly; so, do it now for yourself and as a perfect gift for those you love.
It seems this show even attracted Lin-Manuel Miranda who came in to cheer for his dear friend Henry Gainza, Actors’ associate director/choreographer and featured performer (Padre), and the incredibly talented company of Man of La Mancha. What a treat it must have been for the cast, who were in disbelief as Miranda shared a backstage moment with them.
Speaking of entertainment, the Merrick Festival Caroling Competition provided our community with a week of great choral performances by 30 choirs from all over the county vying for cash prizes. Orchestrated every year by Sally Baumgartner Goodman, the event showcased talented children from across the county, thanks to generous sponsors including Miami-Dade County, City of Coral Gables, Holtz Children’s Hospital, Coral Gables Community Foundation, and many more. One award sponsor, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, invited its award-winning choir to sing at the club’s holiday lunch meeting, an annual program that gets all in the holiday spirit.
Speaking of Rotary, a shout out to Coral Gables Rotarian Joan Reitsma who continues to support club projects although she cannot attend meetings in person. This year Joan ordered boxes and boxes of clothing items to be donated to two of the club’s pet projects — the VA Hospital, where they host monthly bingo games for the veterans, and Chapman Partnership, where they serve meals every Thanksgiving Day. This year, among the dozen or so Rotarians on hand to serve the homeless a delicious meal were club president Greg Petrino, with past presidents Kelly Garces and Sally Baumgartner-Goodman.
In other holiday news, leading up to the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run on Dec. 6, Coral Gables Woman’s Club held its Dec. 2 Gringo Bingo with proceeds being shared with the Arthritis Foundation. Kudos to volunteers Steven Bradley, the Gringo, who entertains and calls bingo every month, and Corey Tennyson who was the deejay for the night. In fact, Steven start volunteering when he teamed up with this writer to do these events seven years ago and we could not do it without his support.
If you are looking for are looking for something different while shopping for the holidays you will want to visit the Festival of Trees Showcase at Miami International Mall in Doral at NW 87 Avenue and 25th Street. The mall’s general manager, Maria Prado, shares that this seasonal showcase features beautifully decorated holiday trees created by St. Thomas University fashion and visual merchandising students, each inspired by some of the mall’s iconic brands including Swarovski, Crocs, Aliss, Pandora, Sephora, and more. These festive masterpieces will be displayed throughout the mall, offering a seasonal backdrop for holiday shopping, photos, and community enjoyment and admission is free.
Upcoming events for your calendar:
Now through March 2026 – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January 2026)
Now through Dec. 31 – Festival of Trees at Miami International Mall Doral, free admission
Now through Dec. 17 – Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Tournament
Dec. 27-30 – Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament
Jan. 3-6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament, Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily
Jan. 4 – Annual King Mango Strut Parade, Coconut Grove
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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