2023 kicked off with Voices for Children Gala and King Mango Strut Parade

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The first few weeks of 2023 were packed with great events from sports to charity events.

While fireworks kicked off the year at The Biltmore and around town, many non profits like Voices For Children began their fundraising efforts. On January 7, Voices For Children held its annual premiere event, Be A Voice Gala, at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. About 500 of South Florida’s most philanthropic and influential community leaders joined dedicated business professionals to help support and celebrate the organization’s successes. Guests enjoyed an elegant cocktail reception, live auction, and dinner. The evening also featured heartfelt testimonials related to the work of Voices For Children and the Guardian ad Litem program. The evening then moved on to dancing to a live band. They raised in just one night more than a million dollars which will go far to help those children in foster care and more. Look for more on my Tuesday morning show, Gloria Gab LIVE, in February.

Just back from the King Mango Strut Parade which was put together after a two year hiatus in just a few months. Streets were packed ten deep or more, units were hilarious and there were several great musical groups as well as a great show and float by Coconut Grove that is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Kudos to Howard and Carmen Spiegel and all those volunteers who made it happen. They even got Dan Labatard as Grand Marshal to finish the parade and Monty Trainer to start the craziness.

South Florida is a top spot for festivals, sports and events compared to cities anywhere.

Speaking of people doing outreach to help others, Raise the Roof, formerly The Gingerbread Project, created by City Roofing, has extended the application deadline to January 31, 2023, to receive a free roof. Those eligible must be over 25, own their own home, be in unincorporated Miami Dade County and be in some kind of need. To apply, visit Raisetheroof.org. One of their volunteers, Carlos Ribero, of Next Media, was a recent guest on my show where this program was discussed. If you know anyone eligible, please share this information with them. To view the show, visit https://communitynewspapers.com/featured/glorias-gab-host-gloria-burns-welcomes-carlos-ribero-volunteer/

Speaking of my weekly show, Lisa Albizu-Vazquez, the President-Elect of the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, was guest on the first show of 2023. Our conversation included a pitch for those looking to volunteer their time and talent that is wholesome family fun. The organization offers a wide variety of events and programs with great benefits from the joy of helping others and making new friends to increasing one’s leadership skills. To watch Lisa’s interview go to https://communitynewspapers.com/featured/glorias-gab-welcomes-lisa-albizu-vazquez-president-elect-jr-orange-bowl/

This will give you a better picture of the overall events and programs such as the Youth Ambassadors and new events on the horizon like flag football for boys and girls.

Speaking of great fun activities, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) is hosting its Annual Children’s Festival, a FREE event for kids, on Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., at their clubhouse, 1009 East Ponce de Leon Blvd. This is always a day children love with lots of hands on activities and photo ops with great support from the community organizations. Event Chair, Saesha Tennyson, requests those interested in joining the fun to reserve a spot so that they will have plenty of refreshments for all who attend. To RSVP visit
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coral-gables-womans-club-8th-annual-childrens-festival-tickets-499185757037

Save the date, February 19, Sunday, for CGWC’s Centennial Fashion Show & Brunch. More on that soon.

Until next time, keep making each day count, share an act of kindness and have a happy new year.

 

 

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A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.