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It is season 36 for Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre and audiences are in for a treat.
On October 29, more than 125 supporters attended a fundraiser at The Watermark at Coral Gables and got a great preview. Executive Producing Director Barbara S. Stein, Founding Chairman Dr. Lawrence E. Stein and Artistic Director David Arisco were on hand for this magical night welcoming and thanking long time dedicated donors and season ticket holders who have been instrumental in the growth and success of Actors’ Playhouse over the years. This was an extraordinary evening made possible by the generosity of Actors’ host, The Watermark at Coral Gables, along with the support of Bacardi and Vicky Bakery.
Guests enjoyed special appearances from the cast of Sweet Goats & Blueberry Señoritas, esteemed playwrights Richard Blanco and Vanessa Garcia, and captivating performances by Marcos del Risco, JL Rey, Gabrielle Graham and Becca Andrews. While Becca was not able to attend in person, the viewing of her audition tape for Legally Blonde was one of many highlights that night. Theatre lovers will want to get in line to buy their season tickets now at actorsplayhouse.org.
In other news, the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon took place November 2 at Jungle Island. Honorees for the coveted awards presented that day were David Lawrence, Jr., Ron Book, Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. Family Foundation, Bilzin Sumberg, The Frederick A. Deluca Foundation and Julie and Charlotte Krass, all of whom have made an amazing positive impact on our community. AFP President Melissa Wetzel, CFRE, worked with the National Philanthropy Luncheon Co Chairs Christine Perez, CFRE and Mélida Matos and Arely Ruiz PR to orchestrate that memorable day during which table sponsors were able to present their own honoree awards.
Community Newspapers was delighted to present as its table honoree Dr. Ruth Martinez who is serving her second term as president of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club among her numerous other philanthropic activities. Mostly recently, Ruth was also honored as the Rotary Club of Coral Gables Citizen of the Year as well.
Speaking of Rotary, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables held a movie night on November 5, featuring a movie based on a true story, “I Will Soar.” The movie night came with an open bar, lots of food and popcorn and a terrific inspiring documentary. The affair raised $10,000 that will support Amber’s Room, an amazing after-school program at the Villages of Liberty City, introduced by the Urban League of Greater Miami. Jane Swanko the writer/director of the award winning film and Tomey Sellars, the singer in the film, as well as football great and general manager of University of Miami football, Alonzo Highsmith, were on hand to address the audience and field questions. Aside from “Amber” Hayward, guests included many sponsors and donors including RCCG President Frank Sexton, Past Presidents Sally Baumgartner (who coordinated the event), Greg Martini, Yolanda Woodbridge, Don Slesnick, and Carlos Bolado. Among others enjoying the night including Jenny Azcuy, Jeffrey Solomon, Bill and Chie Quesenberry, Hadley and Jennifer Williams, Dipak Joshi, FCA’s Jerry Beverly and Merlin Ebbert.
In other news, “Gringo” Steven Bradley with sidekick celebrity DJ Germain, of iHeartRadio, helped the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club raise big bucks for charity with the club’s November 13 Gringo Bingo at Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen. The Club shared proceeds with the Alzheimer’s Association and was delighted that Lillian Ser / Ser & Associates stepped up once again for Alzheimer’s to be the main sponsor along with monthly sponsors Lynn and Hal Wanless, Jerry Kavulich and Carlos and Mayra Rossi.
Next up for the Coral Gables Woman’s Club is its Roaring Twenties Centennial Gala, on Saturday, December 2, at its historic clubhouse. This promises to be a memorable evening that is packed with fun, surprises, great entertainment, dancing, silent auction, open bar by Bacardi and more. From appetizers provided by celebrity Chef Chris Valdes, delicious dinner by Rita Tennyson and R Catering, and desserts provided by the 4 Sisters Rum Balls, you are sure to enjoy a fabulous dining experience. Best of all, the proceeds benefit the club’s free children’s dental clinic providing dental services for approximately 500 children every year. For information on the clinic, membership or purchasing tickets, visit gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
Finally, on November 7, The Villagers invited the public to the Coral Gables Museum to preview a new book Coral Gables, part of the Coffee Table Journeys Collection, by author-illustrator José Gelabert-Navia. Villagers Immediate Past President Susan Medina was on hand to introduce Gelabert-Navia, a professor and former Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Miami and practicing architect with the firm Perkins + Will.
Jose then took the stage to speak about the illustrations, answer questions and sign books that were on sale that night for a special price. Among the many enjoying the evening was Alana Perez, who retired from Pinecrest Gardens and almost immediately took the presidency of The Villagers, and who better. Coming up next is a huge event. On December 9, look for The Villagers’ Holiday House Tour & Boutique: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For information, go to www.thevillagersinc.org.
Until next time, share your talents, count your blessings and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
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