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South Florida’s nonprofits produced entertaining events making this year’s Halloween one to remember, and one that blended fun with purpose.
On October 29, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club transformed its historic ballroom into a “Paw-rade,” where dozens of dogs strutted their stuff in adorable costumes. Guests enjoyed treats, music, dancing, and pet vendors, while event chair Alex Guillen partnered with Canine Companions to showcase rescue dogs available for adoption. Best costumes were awarded prizes and the party continued long after the Paw-rade with dancing and socializing.
Festivities continued across Miami-Dade as the Coconut Grove Rotary Club hosted a Halloween Bingo, while other Coconut Grove Rotarians held a Monster Mash.
On Halloween day, the Voices for Children “Be A Hero” Luncheon at Loews Coral Gables drew a sold-out crowd, that included such dignitaries as Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a VFC co-founder; VFC CEO, Kadie Black; County Tax Collector, Dariel Fernandez; Miami Dade County Commission Chairman, Anthony Rodriguez; Coral Gables Assistant City Manager, Carolina Vester; 6 time Emmy award winning news anchor, Laurie Jennings; Katherine Cue-Fuente; Alice Bravo; ComicKids.org’s Kat Barrow Horth and Reed Horth; CN’s Grant Miller; and countless others who embraced the superhero theme, raising vital funds for foster children.
Meanwhile, the Junior Orange Bowl launched its event season, preparing for the county’s largest parade on December 14. New Executive Director Mimmi Balaam, a University of Miami alum from Australia, shared her vision on Gloria’s Gab LIVE. The show was a way to introduce Mimmi, discuss her background, and promote the upcoming season already underway. Coming up soon is the JOB’s annual basketball tournament. For JOB Basketball Chair, Chuck Little, this is the main event of many he holds during the year. Of course, JOB is probably best known for its world-class tennis and golf tournaments, both of which are free for spectators. If you want to see future pros, there is no better place. For info on all the events, visit Jrorangebowl.org. Also, look for Mimmi’s video podcasts coming up twice a month through the season on cnewstv.com.
Beyond festivities, global causes found a local stage. On November 3, Football for Peace, FIU’s Institute of Environment, and the FIFA World Cup 2 Miami Host Committee hosted Unity | Water Youth Activation Day, combining sports, science, and sustainability. Sixty local teens explored Biscayne Bay by boat, joined by Olympic gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, former NFL player Johnathan Cyprien, and other athletes.
Finally, Coral Gables Woman’s Club members kicked off holiday shopping for a cause. A Lele Reis Jewelry Pop-Up at Suranas in Merrick Park benefited the club’s Free Children’s Dental Clinic, thanks to designer and CGWC member Leticia Matheus, a longtime supporter of the club’s charitable mission.
Here are some upcoming events to put on your calendar:
● Currently running – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org pharaohs.
● November 16 – 23 – Miami Book Fair – Miami Dade College.
● November 18 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro on Granada Golf Course, 7-9 p.m., $30 pp , RSVP gloria@cnews.net.
● November 20 – Coral Gables Community Foundation Wine Auction, at The Plaza 2811 Ponce de Leon, 7th Floor, Coral Gables, RSVP gablesfoundation.org.
● December 3-7 – Merrick Festival Caroling Competition & Dec. 9/ Award Show 550 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables/ Admission – free to the public.
● December 2 – CGWC Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro 6:30 p.m. RSVP gloria@cnews.net $30 pp includes 13 bingo games and one drink.
● December 4- Marine’s Toys for Tots Reception at Intercontinetal Doral- 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Admission is free with donation of an unwrapped gift.
● December 11 – Toy Drive/Art Reception at Intercontinental Hotel Doral 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for Marines’ Toy for Tots – bring unwrapped gift to attend.
● December 12 – Celebration of 10th Anniversary of the dedication of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doral.
● December 14 – Junior Orange Bowl Parade – juniororangebowl.org.
● December 9-17 – Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Tournament.
● December 27-30 Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament.
● January 3 – 6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament – Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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