Coral Gables Rotary’s Casino Wonderland fundraiser will take place on Friday, May 1, 6:30-11 p.m., at the Westin Colonnade.
The affair serves the dual process of supporting Give Kids the World Village, a 70- acre nonprofit “storybook” resort in the Orlando area serving children with life threatening illnesses, and the many programs of the Coral Gables Rotary Foundation, from veterans and youth programs to international outreach.
The Westin Colonnade is a longtime supporter of Give Kids the World Village that provides sick children a free one week vacation with their entire families and has never turned away a child. To increase support for this Village, the Westin Colonnade will be joining forces with
Coral Gables Rotary to produce a spectacular evening of casino fun, food, silent auction, prizes and drinks.
With its “Alice in Wonderland” theme, Rotary’s Casino Wonderland promises lots of surprises and games. Guests are encouraged to come in costumes, if they like, or cocktail attire. Tickets start at $75 per person. For sponsorship information or tickets, call 305-441-8063.
Speaking of the Westin Colonnade, the Coral Gables Friends of Education successfully conducted two breakfast programs at the Westin where top students from several South Florida schools were awarded medals and certificates of achievement. The first event was Mar. 9 in the ballroom where students, friends and family enjoyed a buffet breakfast. The second breakfast on Mar. 18 for middle and senior high school students drew a crowd of more than 350. Honorees and guests at both events enjoyed entertaining, witty and wise words from a favorite speaker, Coral Gables Chamber president and fellow Gator Mark Trowbridge, who will be receiving a orange and blue handmade throw from big time FSU Seminole and former educator Joan Reitsma who orchestrates this event for the students every year.
Photographer Alberto Romeu donated his services to make sure all the students have a keepsake photo on receiving their certificates and medals. Among the many individuals and businesses supporting these two programs were the Coral Gables High School Alumni Association, Education Fund of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Gulliver Schools, Westin Colonnade, The Giving Tree, Rotary Club of Coral Gables, and Yolanda Woodbridge of YW Associates.
Speaking of Rotary, District 6990 Rotarians recently gathered at the 94th Aero Squadron for a fun networking event. Dar Airan, who has accepted the position of club president, announced the revival of the club that meets at 94th Aero Squadron weekly and encouraged everyone to use the meetings as a makeup while they build their membership base.
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre opened another great new musical, First Date, on Mar. 20 to a packed house. The show’s talented cast includes leads Clay Cartland (Aaron) and Erica Lustig (Casey) who had performed a few songs the previous week at a Gables Rotary meeting. David Arisco gathered a spectacular group of actors who received a standing ovation for their performance. This is yet another “must see” show that is combines comedy with great music and will make you want to see more than once. Ortanique treated the crowd to a fabulous dinner following the show that ran without intermission. As always, the food was outstanding.
The show continues through Apr. 12. For more information visit www.actorsplayhouse.org.
In other non-profit news, saving newborns is an effort everyone can embrace. For Nick Silverio, founder of ASafe Haven for Newborns, it is a personal mission. This non-profit has saved from abuse and abandonment more than 225 babies. Celebrating that, Red Koi hosted a lovely party on Mar. 12 in the Gables two days before their Mar. 14 Walk.
Last minute donations were flying in as the second annual Walk chair, Norris Perez, and Safe Haven’s Marti Bueso joined Silverio for an evening of fun and food, while getting to know and introducing new supporters. The Walk took place at Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah. Hialeah Fire Chief Mike Enchia acted as the grand marshal with over 250 supporters participating in the Walk vowing to “be back” next year. While the Hialeah Fire Trucks had interactive games for the kids, a bounce house was provided by Jump4Fun. There was face painting as well as a talented magical production by Santiny. Tai Chi lessons from the Master, Reza Ray, Music and Sound by Michael Matthews and M/C Pete de la Torre added to the festivities that also included a special appearance by the Krome Nights with their Harley Davidsons.
As if that were not enough, they even had food cooked on the barbecue provided by Smith & Wollensky and Sam’s Club, refreshments and lots of water from Coca- Cola and cupcakes by Sweet Creations.
Finally, congratulations to Coral Gables Rotarian Rodney Langer who was a Finalist for the 2015 South Florida Real Estate Summit & REAL Awards.
Until next time, keep making each day count. If you want to submit information for this column, send your news via email to gloriagalburns@aol.com.
