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One of the last big charity events of the year was a glamorous luncheon in Palm Beach for A Safe Haven for Newborns where the founder and CEO of A Safe Haven for Newborns, Nick Silverio, shared a scale model of the new facility needed to expand services.
To date, A Haven for Newborns has saved more than 435 babies from abandonment and possible death, while also supporting countless expectant mothers in crisis. A true labor of love, Nick — who has never taken a salary — finds his greatest reward in the children who grow up calling him “Uncle Nick.” True to the organization’s values, donations are never about naming rights, but about saving lives.
This annual luncheon was hosted by a dedicated group of Palm Beach supporters and coordinated by event chair and producer Lexye Aversa.
Guests, who enjoyed a captivating performance by Italian tenor Franco Corso, accompanied by a saxophonist, agreed that his performance alone was worth the price of admission. The affair also featured the 2025 Grand Honoree, Dr. Gina Loudon, the Morning Show Host, American Sunrise on RAV TV; bestselling author children’s, non-fiction, Christian devotionals and mother of five.
The guests list included some other fascinating VIPs including Senior Ms. America Dr. Lillian Glass, body language expert, best-selling author, award-winning filmmaker, media commentator and philanthropist who has worked with numerous A-list celebrities.
Closer to home, Coral Gables Woman’s Club held its annual board dinner at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel coordinated by past president and GFWC District 11 director Dr. Ruth Martinez with past president Linda Hartwell. Current president Arely Ruiz graciously thanked her board for an amazing year and gifted each with a beautiful portfolio containing a personalized message for each. A gift exchange also provided a fun activity while enjoying a great meal.
Coming up next for the club will its monthly Gringo Bingo on Jan. 13 at Birdies Bistro and then its annual Children’s Festival in their clubhouse at 1001-9 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd. on Feb. 7. It’s open to all kids with interactive activities, food and lots of fun. Admission is free.
Profit Inc. members also took time out to celebrate the holidays with an amazing luncheon at Hereford Grill. Profit Inc. is one of the oldest business networking organizations in South Florida and has a rich history of helping businesses grow with good people. Among them is current president Felipe Isaza and past president Carlos Ribero who currently is president of the Greater Kendall Business Association. Among the dozens attending the luncheon with this writer were the Van Orsdels (Maria and Donald), Mike and Susan Sutta, Jerry Kavulich, Robert Beans, Daneza Socarras, Lawanda Loftus, Elena Kemper, Thomas Avila, Gabriel Silva, Gisela Castro and Gilma Hernandez.
Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Tournament wrapped up another successful event on Dec. 17, and rounding out the season, the Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship teed off Jan. 3-6 at the Biltmore Hotel. With a 60-year history, this prestigious, invitation-only tournament attracts top junior golfers from around the world, including notable alumni such as Tiger Woods — whose son, Charlie, and Matt Kuchar’s son, Cameron, were scheduled to play in this year’s event. Yet another tournament alum, Erik Compton, has daughter Petra playing for the girls title.
Kudos to Steven Gonzalez, current Golf Committee chair, and J.R. Steinbauer, long-time tournament director who is a significant figure in the championship’s history, alongside other committee members.
Beyond golf, the Junior Orange Bowl continued to shine through its iconic December parade in downtown Coral Gables and its competitive basketball championships. Longtime basketball committee chair Chuck Little even added a meaningful service component for visiting teams from Pennsylvania and Washington DC, making their South Florida experience both memorable and impactful.
Upcoming events for your calendar
Currently running through March – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org›pharaohs.
January – The Titanic Immersive Experience opens presented by South Florida PBS. For info visit www.southfloridapbs.org.
Jan. 13 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club charity Gringo Bingo at Birdie Bistro, 6:30 p.m. check-in, bingo 7-9 p.m., $30 per person, RSVP gloria@cnews.net
Jan. 30-Feb. 1 – 47th annual Miami Lebanese Festival, 2055 Coral Way, Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday noon-8 p.m.
Feb. 7 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Children’s Festival Free admission.
Supporting our remarkable charitable organizations is a meaningful way to begin the new year — celebrating generosity, community, and hope. In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference. Happy New Year!
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