The Junior Orange Bowl Committee conducted its Jan. 20 business meeting at the new V Café, next to Vicky Bakery at Ponce and University. Owner Michael Belaustegui provided some great food and yummy desserts for the crowd and even sent many home with takeout.
During the post meeting socializing, members were abuzz with plans for the organization’s first gala, chaired by Michelle Benitez-Bermudez, to take place on Feb. 28 at the Westin Colonnade. This “Denims & Diamonds” affair promises to be great fun. Guys can come in jeans and women in the diamonds and finery. It’s a win-win for all, especially for the thousands of children the JOBC showcases every year. Sponsorships and tickets are still available.
For more information, call the JOBC office at 305 662-1210.
Another organization that deals with children, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, is preparing for its annual Casino Night on Mar. 7, at the organization’s clubhouse. 1001 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd. The “Havana Nights” themed casino night fundraiser to support the club’s free children’s dental clinic is the best deal in town for a fun evening out. Gaming tables, food, one complimentary drink, more than 100 great silent auction items, and a reasonably priced cash bar and casino chips for only $50 per person in advance and $60 per person at the door.
For tickets, visit online at www.gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org/#!casinonight/c1ghi.
The club’s May Van Sickle Children’s Dental Clinic provides more than $220,000 in free dental care for the children of the working poor throughout Miami-Dade County and offers a critical resource for those children who fall between the cracks in our healthcare system. In the midst of that fundraising effort, the women took time to have fun with a salsa class and Mexican dinner meeting coordinated by Ruth Martinez on Jan. 21. This dynamic group of women always is looking for help to support their clinic and many other outreach efforts. Women wishing to serve the community are encouraged to check the website and visit.
While the Coral Gables Woman’s Club is saving children’s teeth, A Safe Haven for Newborns is all about saving babies. During a recent meeting to discuss plans for its Mar. 14 Walk at Amelia Earhart Park, founder Nick Silverio announced the organization had saved its 219th baby that morning. What a blessing and an inspiration for all those at the meeting offering their help to make the Walk a success.
For the organization’s first fundraising lap, the members are partnering with the Doral Business Council for a reception generously donated and hosted by Sergio’s in Kendall on Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m. For a $15 donation, guests will enjoy one complimentary drink (wine, beer or soda) and hors d’oeuvres as well as a chance to win some great prizes. Sergio’s is located at 8807 SW 107 Ave.
For more information, call Marti Bueso at 786-286-2741 or send email to martibueso@asafehavenfornewborns.com.
The evening of Mar. 14, the Little Lighthouse Foundation members will hold their “Hearts & Stars” Gala 2015: Casablanca (HS2015) at Bill Dean’s Terra Veritatis, an amazing waterfront estate in Miami Beach. Limited early bird tickets are available for $175. The HS2015 includes a premium open bar all evening and tastings from some of Miami’s best restaurants and caterers.
New this year will be a weekend’s VIP Table Package which includes (4) tickets to Thursday night’s exclusive VIP/Sponsor event, (4) tickets to Friday evening’s kickoff event at Hyde Beach/SLS, and (1) VIP table including (10) tickets to the Hearts & Stars Gala. The VIP table package is available for $5,000 and includes access to discounted chauffeur service from Redcap, luxury rental cars from Via, and discounted accommodations at any SBE properties including the SLS Hotel, Redbury Hotel, and the Raleigh Hotel.
For more information, call 305-417- 8553.
Picnics are the name of the game this time of year. Profit Inc. is holding its annual picnic on Feb. 8 at Tropical Park and, coincidentally, Rotarians also are planning a picnic for the District 6990 that same Sunday.
Speaking of Rotary, Gables Rotarians continue to offer great programs at their Thursday weekly meetings at the Courtyard Marriott at LeJeune and Navarre. One recent meeting featured Stephen Davis, PhD, wetland ecologist for the Everglades Foundation. Dr. Davis was introduced by Vivian Miller, a former Coral Gables Rotarian who coordinates outreach for the foundation. Vivian noted that Stephen’s passion for fixing the Everglades and restoring the estuaries prompted him to leave a tenured university position to join the Everglades Foundation.
For information on this non-profit, visit evergladesfoundation.org.
Wishing all of our readers a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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