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South Florida has so many children in foster care, and fortunately, two of the most impactful organizations are making a difference: Voices for Children with its Guardian Ad Litem program, and the Out of Foster Foundation (OOFF), which supports young adults aging out of the system.
On October 4, OOFF hosted its Hope Under the Stars Gala at Trump National Resort, presented in partnership with Citrus Family Care Network, this year’s title sponsor. Guests enjoyed fine dining, entertainment, auctions, and dancing while raising funds to help youth transition from foster care into adulthood. Founder Rudy Bustamante, a recent guest on Gloria’s Gab LIVE, shared how OOFF steps in to provide essentials like rent for a first apartment, tuition assistance, and other critical support. Tickets remain available at outoffoster.org.
Later this month, on October 31, Voices for Children will host its annual Be a Hero Luncheon at Loews Coral Gables. CEO Kadie Black anticipates another sellout crowd for this lively event where guests are encouraged to come dressed as superheroes. For those who don’t, capes will be available for a donation. Tickets and sponsorships can be found at beavoice.org.
Meanwhile, the Miami-Dade Urban Debate League (MDUDL) kicked off its 2025–26 season on September 13 with the Shubin Law Group Policy Debate Season Opener. A generous $10,000 gift from Shubin Law Group helped make the event possible at Miami Dade College North Campus, where students honed their skills in public speaking, research, and advocacy. Program Director Kalyn Lee praised the firm’s support, while John Shubin expressed pride in attorneys Brianna Sainte and Ben Mitchel for their leadership on the board.
The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) has also had a busy fall. Two Gringo Bingo fundraisers in September raised more than $2,700 combined—one on September 9 at Birdie Bistro benefiting Tucker Elementary and other projects, and another on September 17 at Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF).
Special thanks to event sponsors Lynn Bauer, Hal Wanless, Jerome Kavulich, Mayra & Carlos Rossi and Deirdre Nero/Nero Immigration Law. Deirdre, a passionate advocate for NAAF, along with CGWC members Arely Ruiz and Debbie Courtney, helped ensure the events’ success.
CGWC also showed its commitment to health causes with fifteen “Club Walkers” participating in the 9th Annual Pink Walk 5K on September 21, raising $755 for the Women’s Breast and Health Initiative. Among the early morning walkers were Arely Ruiz, Lee Harper, Roxy Collazo and Iris Segui.
Looking ahead, CGWC will host a Karaoke Night fundraiser on October 8 at Birdie Bistro, with proceeds going toward renovating a bathroom for an elementary school in Roatan, Honduras. The project stems from the club’s day of service during their summer fundraising cruise, where members delivered supplies to more than 50 children.
Dates to Remember
● Now through Nov. 8 – RECIPROCITY, Julio Larraz Foundation & Ascaso Gallery | www.ascasogallery.com.
● Oct. 16 – Cancer Link Hope Blooms in Pink Luncheon & Fashion Show, Jungle Island, 10 a.m. | afitzsimmons@med.miami.edu.
● Oct. 17 – CGCF Gala, Loews Coral Gables, 7 p.m. | gablesfoundation.org.
● Oct. 18 – Women Voice Network Fundraiser, DORCAM, 2–5 p.m.
● Oct. 24 – The Home Team 10th Anniversary Masquerade Gala, LPM Miami, 5–9 p.m., $500 pp.
● Oct. 25 – Alfalit International Groove Ball, Trump National Resort, 6:30 p.m. | info@alfalit.org.
● Oct. 31 – Voices for Children Be a Hero Luncheon, Loews Coral Gables.
● Nov. 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island.
● Nov. 13 – Miami Lighthouse See the Light Luncheon, The Biltmore | csisser@miamilighthouse.org.
● Nov. 13 – Elio’s Kitchen Fashion Art Beats, Coral Gables Woman’s Club, 6:30 p.m. | www.FashionArtBeats.org.
● Nov. 14 – GFWC Florida District 11 Meeting, Miami Springs Woman’s Club.
● Dec. 6 – The Villagers Holiday Home Tour.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference!
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