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Labor Day weekend in South Florida was a dream for football fans, with the Orange Blossom Classic drawing thousands of visitors for a weekend packed with excitement.
The festivities included the FIU vs. Bethune Cookman game on Friday, followed by the luncheon and Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup between Florida A&M University and Howard University. This year’s game carried special significance, as the two teams faced off in the very first Orange Blossom Classic in 1933. To top it all off, the University of Miami took on Notre Dame in another classic showdown that rounded out an unforgettable weekend.
Orange Blossom Classic executive director Kendra Bulluck recently joined me on Gloria’s Gab LIVE to talk about the festivities and promised that even more excitement lies ahead for future events.
That same spirit of tradition and legacy continues off the field with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami hosting its Tropical Extravaganza Benefit Dinner on Friday, Sept. 5, at the Rusty Pelican. The evening launches the organization’s inaugural Miriam’s Mentees Program, created in honor of longtime advocate Miriam Salazar.
Co-chaired by Norma Jean Abraham, Jill Daley and Sharon McIvor, the evening will feature a tropical-themed celebration with dinner, dancing, live entertainment by saxophonist Jorge Perez, and a raffle. Tickets are $275, with VIP tickets available at $500.
Proceeds will support Miriam’s Mentees, which provides mentorship, scholarships, and citizenship opportunities for high school students, as well as the Lori Brener Scholarship Fund. Named after Miriam’s late daughter, Lori, a devoted Big Sister, the scholarship helps graduates pursue higher education. Together, these programs ensure Miriam and Lori’s vision for empowering young people lives on.
Education remains at the heart of another organization making a difference — Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. As students return to school this fall, many children who are blind or visually impaired are better prepared thanks to the unique training provided at the Lighthouse. Students there master Braille, white cane navigation, and assistive technology — essential skills that allow them to learn alongside their peers.
Virginia Jacko, the blind president and CEO of Miami Lighthouse, joined me on Gloria’s Gab LIVE to share why inclusive education is so critical. She explained that classrooms designed to integrate blind and visually impaired students not only prepare them for independence but also cultivate empathy and understanding among sighted classmates. Miami Lighthouse’s innovative approach ensures that every child, regardless of ability, has the tools to succeed.
As September unfolds with football, festivals, fundraisers, and back-to-school momentum, one thing is clear: South Florida thrives when tradition meets service with arts and culture at the heart of it all. Whether on the field, in the classroom, at a cultural event or festival, we shine brightest when we come together to celebrate, support, and uplift one another.
With that in mind, it was timely having as guests on Gloria’s Gab LIVE show Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, founder and CEO of Young Musicians United, and Sheila Womble, executive director of Arts for Learning, who part of Arts Access Miami. Tune in to cnewstv.com to watch the show and learn about the amazing work these two are doing in our community to promote music and the arts.
Upcoming events
Sept. 5 – Big Brothers Big Sisters Tropical Extravaganza Benefit Dinner, Rusty Pelican, Rickenbacker Causeway
Sept. 9 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro, 6:30 p.m., RSVP gloria@cnews.net
Sept. 25-27 – GFWC Florida Fall Board, Rosen Plaza, Orlando
Oct. 4 – “Hope Under the Stars Gala,” Trump National Resort, benefitting Out of Foster Foundation and Citrus Family Care Network
Oct. 4 – Actors’ Playhouse Gala honoring Dr. Lawrence Stein and Barbara Stein.
Oct. 11 – Fifth annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, Miami Gardens
Oct. 25 – A Safe Haven for Newborns Gala, Intercontinental Miami
Oct. 31 – Voices for Children Annual Luncheon, Loews Coral Gables (Hero costumes encouraged). for information visit www.beavoice.org
Nov. 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island
Nov. 14 – GFWC FL District 11 meeting
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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