Our Lady of Guadalupe in Doral along with all the churches in the Catholic Archdiocese had to cancel masses the weekend of Hurricane Irma. Doral residents fared well and in celebration and support for those who did not, the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe coordinated a spectacular concert to benefit hurricane relief.
With a congregation of very talented amateur and professional musicians and singers, on September 20, more than 1,000 people came for the best ticket in town. Among the many highlights of the evening was a performance by 13 year old Angelina Green who sang “I will rise up” to a standing ovation – one of many the performers received that night. Many will know Angelina who made it all the way to the Quart Finals on America’s Got Talent.
IRMA RELIEF
It is hard to believe fall is officially here. While South Florida recovers from Hurricane Irma, our relief efforts continue and the show must go on for many nonprofits that depend on their annual fundraisers to support critical work. A Safe Haven for Newborns is weeks away from their annual gala scheduled for October 21 at Intercontinental Hotel Miami. Safe Haven just saved from abandonment three more babies this last month, which brings their total to 269 saved babies.
ASHFN founder Nick Silverio recently announced Anthony Abraham as their event’s major sponsor at the $20,000 level. Of course many other donors are on board to help with sponsorship, silent auction, and more. Guests will enjoy a great dinner and open Bacardi bar. In-kind and cash donors are critical and there is still time to help. For information, visit asafehavenfornewborns.com.
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Halloween is around the corner and yet another event on Saturday, October 21, is the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) Halloween Haunted Mansion Party at their clubhouse, 1001 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Chair and CGWC Past president Barbara Lapsley promises guests an assortment of “toxic treats, poisonous eats, and creepy peeps” with costume contests, dancing with DJ Johnny, raffle, prizes, and more.
Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at door. Costumes are strongly encouraged at this adult only event (21-and-over). There will be a cash bar. Proceeds will benefit Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic. This Clinic, owned and operated by the club, provides more than $100,000 in free dental services annual to children who fall between the cracks in our healthcare system. The Club’s Dental Clinic Director, Dr. Iris Torres, asks families with children in need to contact the clinic for help. There may be more need than ever as those displaced by Irma come to our community. For more information, visit gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
OTHER EVENTS IN TOWN
Following a rough week without power for so many, the CGWC held a Tacos and Margaritas Membership gathering catered by Vice President & Membership Chair Susie Tilson. It was a great night to meet many prospective members, tell hurricane survival stories, enjoy amazing tacos, and make plans for upcoming events.
Among the many attending included Linda Hartwell, Jessica Francisco, Yvonne Llauro, Nancy DesMangles, Erika Codas, LaWanda Loftus, Valerie Valenzuela, Marti Bueso, Diana Dwyer, Helen Reguera, Patty Hendon, Margie Lopez, and Janet Osgood, to mention a few. Club President Debi Van Stone Moore took advantage of the affair to award Susie Tilson with the “Member of the Month Award.” The next club meeting will be held Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. The Club will also have a membership party for all those women interested in joining on Oct. 15.
Note: Coral Gables Woman’s Club membership is not restricted to residents of Coral Gables. In fact, the club has members from as far away as Davie, Miramar and Miami Beach to Pinecrest and Doral. For information or to RSVP for this event, call Susie at 305 720-5181.
Speaking of fun events for charity, if you are looking to exercise, socialize, dance, and support Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Rotary Club of Miami Brickell is holding charity event, Zumbathon 2017, at Don Shula’s Athletic Club,15150 Bull Run Rd. in Miami Lakes, on Oct. 14, at 10:30 a.m. Buy tickets at: bit.ly/rotaryzumbathon2017. Pre sale tickets are $20 and tickets at door $25.
SHARE YOUR INFO
Community Newspapers is in recovery mode with our South Florida community. We understand that many events are being postponed or canceled. If you have information you need to share, please send that to us. Make your announcement short and provide a number where people can call to get additional information. We will be posting those calendar changes on our web site (cnews.net) to lend a hand. Email information to Gloria@cnews.net or Aaron@communitynewspapers.com.
Please keep in your prayers all of those impacted the numerous natural disasters from the hurricanes to earthquakes. Many have lost their homes, cars, offices, jobs, and even their lives. Volunteers are still needed all over as well as donations. Give you time, talent, or treasure to help those in need. It will come back many fold you can be sure.
Many large businesses have funds set up and, of course, you might also go to donate through your places of worship as well as such organizations as Miamifoundation.org/relief. In addition, Coral Gables Community Foundation has also set up a Hurricane Irma Relief Fund at http://gablesfoundation.org/giving/donate. Donations will benefit fellow Floridians served by the Tampa Bay Community Foundation, the Community Foundations of Northeast Florida, Collier County and the Florida Keys.
Finally, kudos, and thanks to all those emergency response team members including police and fire rescue, thousands of volunteers, FPL workers, nurses, and doctors flown in from all over to help as well as National Guard for stepping up to provide aid. It has been an amazing show of force and team work and the State of Florida should be proud.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
