Those participating in Smartride for HIV charities held earlier this month will have seen the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, a group of women from all over South Florida who annually host two water stops during this 165 mile two day bike ride from Pinecrest to Key West.
Smartride founder, Glen Weinzimer, is a long time friends of this club that has supported the ride almost from the beginning and one that is close to their hearts. Making costumes and decorating their pit stop is a job the ladies love and one very much appreciated by the riders such as this writer’s fellow Rotarian, Alfredo Iglesias. Congratulation go out to all those who participated in this massive event.
Smartride is one of many outreach activities this club does in addition to supporting their own free children’s dental clinic.
Coral Gables Woman’s Club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month and typically alternated between a business and a program or fun night meeting.Women for South Miami or any other area wanting to serve the community are encouraged to attend. During the most recent meeting, members were treated to a talk by Noureen Ahmed, a student at the University of Miami who spoke about HOBY, a leadership program developed and initiated by Huge O’Brien, whom many may remember played the role of Wyatt Earp on television. Noureen experienced this program as a shy high school sophomore and related how it changed her life. Those with children going into their sophomore year may want to ask their child’s school about this incredible program.
Speaking of UM students, CRU held a Vision Breakfast at the University of Miami Student Union recently during which Christian students of all denominations and several alumni shared testimonials that both educated and inspired the audience.
The event sponsored by such notables as Allen and June Morris, Ron and Anita Shuffield, to mention a few in a long list. The morning included a silent auction that helped raise funds for various worthy programs. Among the many taking the podium to inspire and share were some amazing young people including Brad Kaaya, UM Quarterback; Brittany Viola Gonzalez, US Olympic Diver and UM AIA Staf; Davon Reed, UM Basketball; Leslie Nghib, PhD/ UM professor and Andrew Loper, FIU student and Destino Leader.
Those participating in Smartride for HIV charities held earlier this month will have seen the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, a group of women from all over South Florida who annually host two water stops during this 165 mile two day bike ride from Pinecrest to Key West.
In other recent events, the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired held its 10th Annual See the Light Luncheon at Riviera Country Club on Thursday, Nov. 12.More than 200 of South Florida’s philanthropists and community leaders attended this lunch, generously underwritten by Nostro Jones PA, GenSpring, Comcast and Brown & Brown Insurance. The always entertaining Coral Gables Chamber President & CEO, Mark Trowbridge, emceed the program. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres provided by Norma Jean Abraham and a special keynote presentation made by Comcast’s Accessibility Team. Miami Lighthouse also honored Exile Books for their recent exhibition “Listen To This Building” which made downtown Miami architecture and its buildings accessible to the blind. Monster Sound Productions also stepped up to partially underwrite the audio/visual needs for the lunch.
Those who have friends of family suffering from Alzheimers will have a great way to support the Alzheimers Association. A Holiday Family Fun Day 5K Race presented by Mitchell & West, LLC, is scheduled for 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5. Held in front of Coral Gables City Hall, the park lends itself to the various fun activities on hand for the children that morning. Look for cash prizes, trophies and awards for racers in multiple divisions. Miami’s Community Newspapers will be on hand as will several other businesses supporting this cause. Those interested in participating should visit online at www.familyfunday5k.com.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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