More than a dozen charities will be participating with the Westin Colonnade Hotel’s Scoops of Hope Breakfast on July 13 to raise money for both Give Kids the World Village and their respective non profit organizations.
Every year this full American breakfast, topped with ice cream for dessert, grows in size and impact on local charities. Something new this year is an opportunity for vendors to have a table at the event in return for a donation to Give Kids the World Village where children with life threatening illnesses are provided a one week vacation at the 70-acre Village in Orlando with their entire family at no cost.
While tickets for $10 may be purchased at the door, those interested in attending may also contact a favorite participating charity. One huindred percent of the proceeds from the event go to charity as the Westin completely underwrites all the costs associated with the fundraiser. Each charity selling tickets keeps half of the ticket sales proceeds.
Among the charities taking advantage of this no risk opportunity to raise funds for their programs are MADD, Rotary Club of Coral Gables Veteran’s Program, Shine Bright Foundation, The Nail Foundation, GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club for their free children dental clinic, Doral Rotary Club, A Safe Haven for Newborns, Junior Orange Bowl Basketball, JOBC Sports Ability Games, Miami Christian School Volleyball Program, PARK Project, Kunru Wasi Inc. Foundation, South Dade United, and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Buffet breakfast will be served form 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Look for great silent auction travel packages and gift certificates as well as door prizes. Ticket buyers need not be present to win door prizes.
For more information on tickets, how to participate as a charity, or vendor tables, please call 305-968-3090.
Speaking of non profits: The American Heart Association’s annual Miami Heart Ball attracted a crowd of more than 350 people on May 21 at the JW Marriott Marquis. The affair served to raise significant funds for lifesaving research for heart disease and stroke while also recognizing two local physicians for their contributions to patient care and public awareness, and for enhancing the quality of life in their community through innovation, philanthropy, vision and leadership.
Dr. Pascal Goldschmidt, dean emeritus of the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, received the prestigious Cor Vitae Heart Award. Dr. Italo Linfante, the medical director of Interventional Neuroradiology at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Health Neuroscience Center, was presented with the Cor Vitae Stroke Award.
This evening was packed with entertainment including a Frank Sinatra impersonator, a life-size Plinko wall in a Las Vegas-themed ballroom with a silent auction offering an assortment of unique prizes and luxurious experiences. The program kicked off with an exciting live auction for trips to the Bahamas, Miami Heat experience packages and more. The Master of Ceremonies was WSVN 7’s Vivian Gonzalez.
Chairing this year’s campaign was Maria L. Shojaee of SHOMA, who led a cabinet of local leaders.
One of the evening’s highlight was the “open your heart” moment, during which Miami local Kelly Matacena shared her story of survival from being 100 percent dependent on a pacemaker since she was 9 months old. Thanks to the research and development of the American Heart Association, children like Kelly born with congenital heart defects are living long, healthy lives.
To learn more about the Miami Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/miamiheartball.
Congratulations go out to Bob Maguire “Burger Bob” for the recognition he received recently from the City of Coral Gables. Ex-Marine and all around great guy, Bob truly is a treasure in Coral Gables. Burger Bob’s is like the “Cheers” of Coral Gables. It’s where everyone knows your name. You will find it a friendly place where it is not unusual for people to invite you to sit with them if there are no tables available.
In fact, on a personal note, I have met some of my favorite people that way including Lynn Bauer and Hal Wanless, two people with hearts of gold who have continued to support ACE (Academy for Community Education) from the time it was located in the Gables.
Most recently, they donated items such as lab coats to Miss Franklin and her chemistry class at the new ACE location in El Portal. The ACE academy principal Dr. Carter works closely with Coral Gables Lynn and Hal to purchase these special items for students.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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