2024 begins with Jr. OB Golf, King Mango Strut and VFC gala

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The first week of 2024 was packed with fun things to do. For those who enjoy golf, the Junior Orange Bowl Golf Championship offered several days of free admission to see great amateur golfers in its annual international championship chaired by Jr. OB past president Steven Gonzalez.

This year champions were Kayla Bryant from Boca Raton and Darren Zhou from Hong Kong. Past president J.R. Steinbauer and Gonzalez shared the honors of presenting the trophies which stay at The Biltmore with the champions names engraved.

Coconut Grove came alive with craziness and fun during the annual King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove on Jan. 7. Rain delayed things, but folks stuck in for a fun-filled afternoon of laughs. This irreverent spoof on the former King Orange Jamboree Parade never disappoints with participation by so many including the Coconut Grove Woman’s Club and Coconut Grove Rotary Club. Several members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club even participated with the “Marching Freds” as “Friends of Fred.” One of the most entertaining groups marching was the “Ronnie Horror Picture Show” in full costume and choreographed dance moves. Kudos to all for a wonderful day.

Voices for Children’s Gala raked in around $1 million at last count, thanks to so many generous donors and sponsors. Almost 500 guests gathered at the Mandarin Oriental on Jan. 6, with a gala that knocked it out of the park again.

This spectacular affair was chaired by Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz, Gabriela Ibarra and Ron Goncalves. Guests included a list of notables including countless philanthropists, elected officials including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and people devoted to the cause.

A stunning reception included lots of entertainment and a silent auction followed by a live auction, dinner and dancing while raising funds for the Guardian Ad Litem programs and related initiatives.

For information on the organization efforts and to donate, visit www.beavoice.org.

On Jan. 28, Archbishop Thomas Wenski’s annual charity bike ride will begin at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 11691 NW 25 St. in Doral. After registration at 7:30 a.m. and mass at 8:30 a.m. conducted by Archbishop Wenski, a massive group of motorcyclists will head for Peterson’s Harley-Davidson South at 19825 S. Dixie Hwy. where they will enjoy prizes, live entertainment and food trucks. There is a $5 entry fee per bike and proceeds will benefit St. Luke’s Center, a program of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Miami Inc.

For sponsorship info or to register visit www.adomdevelopment.org/ride.

In other good news, A Safe Haven for Newborns (ASHFN) recently saved its 388th and 389th babies, Caleb and Cyrus. ASHFN’s founder and CEO Nick Silverio works 24/7 at no pay to save babies from abandonment and possible death, and also helps expectant mothers in their times of crisis with a hotline. Those saved called him “Uncle Nick,” a name he loves and one that is most appropriate. To support Nick’s efforts and that of ASHFN visit www.asafehavenfornewborns.com.

Also, save the date, May 17, for ASHFN’s “Tee Off for Cause” Golf Tournament at Trump National Doral. Always a great fundraiser for such a worthy cause and tons of fun.

Finally, on the cultural front you will want to buy tickets for Legally Blonde The Musical, coming Jan. 31 through Feb. 25. This wonderfully funny award-winning production based on the movie by MGM and book by Amanda Brown, is a must see at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre featuring a great cast. For tickets, go to www.actorsplayhouse.org.

Until next time, share your time and talents, count your blessings, and make a difference.

 

 

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.


Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

Click Here

Previous articleFPL announces opening of SECME scholarship to high school seniors
Next articleGirl Scouts of Tropical Florida launches 2024 Cookie Season
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.