The Westin Colonnade’s Scoops of Hope Breakfast raised more than $5,600.
Half of those proceeds were donated to benefit Give Kids the World Village in Orlando where children with life-threatening illnesses are treated to a one week all expenses paid vacation with their families. The other half of the ticket sales benefited numerous local charities who partnered with the Westin to sell tickets. Of the numerous participating charities, Mothers Against Drunk Driving was the top ticketseller helping raise almost $500.
Executive chef Thomas Russo provided guests with a full American breakfast buffet, a waffle bar and even nitrogen ice cream made on the spot. A silent auction contributed to the success of the event with a special shout out to Joan Reitsma of The Giving Tree for donating the most items of any single business for the auction and for door prizes.
Among the many groups involved in the breakfast event were the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, Coral Gables Woman’s Club and the club’s free children’s dental clinic, Shine Bright Foundation, Miami Christian School Girls’ Volleyball, Doral Rotary Club, A Safe Haven for Newborns and the Junior Orange Bowl Committee.
In other activity, Coral Gables Rotarians gathered at Miami International Airport for the club’s Fifth Friday Social on July 31. Members enjoyed touring, socializing and learning more about the airport’s Military Hospitality Lounge, which is available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to U.S. and Allied active duty and retired military travelers and their authorized dependents. The lounge is funded and operated by volunteer staff of the Armed Forces Service Center Inc.
One of those volunteers is Gables Rotarian George Reeves who recommended this location as a way to show off the lounge that provides amenities to our military such as complimentary snacks and beverages, magazines, TV, pay phones, WiFi, and even computers with a printer. The area has several rooms, one of which provided a location the club’s after-hours event.
Club president Greg Martini, along with wife Nancy and children Joey and Grace, helped orchestrate the event, bringing food from Sushi Maki while fellow Rotarians assisted with drinks and setups. Among the many attending the affair were Annette and Walter Alvarez, Terry Long Gomes, Fred Baddour, Sally Baumgartner, Joe Witz, Bruce Kerestes, Keith and Angela Phillips, Bill and Rita Oates, and Yolanda Woodbridge.
With fall events just around the corner, there are several dates you may want to reserve.
Families have many options on Saturday, Oct 3. There will be a Junior Orange Bowl Family Day at Tropical Park while on Virginia Key, the PARK Project is partnering with charities all over the county for a PARK Festival and 5K from noon to 6 p.m. Look for more on both of these activities in upcoming issues.
On Oct 17, join the fun at BankUnited Center for IG Entertainment Live’s Entertainment and Travel Expo. Admission is $15 and attendees will enjoy some amazing live entertainment as well as opportunities to take advantage of special travel deals and door prizes.
Many organizations already are thinking ahead for Halloween. In fact, the Little Lighthouse Foundation will hold its sixth annual Nightmare on the Beach (NOTB) Halloween event on Oct. 31 at Miami Beach’s Lummus Park. The park will be transformed into a pop-up nightclub for one night only. For sponsorship information and opportunities, send email to Reed@thelittlelighthouse.org.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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