More than 250 people gathered in the Rotunda Ballroom of the Westin Colonnade on July 23, for the hotel’s annual Give Kids the World “Scoops of Hope” breakfast fundraiser.
At Give Kids the World Village in the Orlando area children with life threatening illnesses and their families are treated to a free all- expenses-paid vacation, and ice cream is served at every meal including breakfast. Thus, this signature breakfast offered guests ice cream sundaes for dessert, something the kids and adults alike really enjoyed.
The entire cost of the event is underwritten by Westin Colonnade. Nine local nonprofits accepted the offer to sell tickets for the events and benefited from half of the proceeds. In addition, Gulliver’s Interact Club made a $1,000 donation from the proceeds of its annual fashion show.
Aside from supporting a great cause, the affair was a great opportunity of several nonprofits and service organizations such as Rotary, MADD, Shine Bright Foundation and Coral Gables Woman’s Club to interact and talk about ways they might work together. Kudos to head chef Thomas Russo on a great buffet, to Westin general manager Matt Lahiff, HR director Amy Randall, and so many other staff members for their dedication to Give Kids the World.
In other non-profit news, South Florida’s GFWC Clubs have had an active summer with several fundraising events for charitable programs. Next up, the Coco Plum Woman’s Club will have Ann’s Seventh Annual English Tea Party on Aug. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at its historical building, 1375 Sunset Dr, in Coral Gables. Admission is $20 (no credit cards).
The proceeds from this fundraiser will go to Canine Companions for Independence with the emphasis on our veterans. For reservations, call Nadine LaGuette at 305- 856-1816 or send email to Heike Leibkuchler at annegret@bellsouth.net no later than Friday, Aug. 8. There will be door and opportunity prizes, and hat prizes for elegant, funny and original hats.
The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club held a mini fundraiser, thanks to the generosity of Joe Marouf and Carolina Ale House in Doral. More than 40 members and guests enjoyed an evening of food and drinks raising $600 for the club’s May Van Sickle Children’s Dental Clinic that provides more the $225,000 in free dental care annually to the children of the working poor.
Among the many attending the event were CGWC president Mayra Dominguez, vice president Debi Moore, Kristy Fueyo, Yolanda Woodbridge, Enid Miguez, Nancy Concepcion, Maria Martinez, John Burns, Al Naon, Junior Orange Bowl executive director Jessica Cerda and Iliana Rodriguez.
On the Rotary front, Coral Gables attorney and Rotarian Greg Martini received the prestigious Rotarian of the Year Award. Since it was a surprise, Greg actually missed the presentation when it was announced and learned of it over the phone “live.” At a recent board of directors meeting, this writer was able to take a post announcement photo with the Rotary Club of Coral Gables Immediate past president Don Trombly. Greg served as fundraising chair for the club last year and is in line to be president following current president Carlos Bolado.
The Rotary Club of Coral Gables meets every Thursday, noon, at the Marriott Courtyard on Navarre and LeJeune Road in Coral Gables. Visiting Rotarians always are welcomed to attend. Lunch is $26.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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