|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
As South Florida sees an end to the pandemic, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Greater Miami Festivals and Events Association (GMFEA) saw record numbers. In an effort to unite all of Miami in the fight against cancer, ACS held its inaugural American Cancer Society Miami Fusion Relay For Life, presented by Assurant. It was a weekend of ACS events beginning at Coral Reef Park in Palmetto Bay which provided a perfect venue. ACS’s Heather Utset, who was a guest on Gloria’s Gab LIVE show that same week to promote the events, reported they had 28 tents of volunteers and vendors and more than 700 people from all over Miami who came #togetheragain to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones that have passed, and raise money for the ACS mission. This was the first time all of the Relay For Life events in Miami have united, thus the FUSION in the title. Plans are already underway for the next one in the Spring of 2022.
The 3rd Annual American Cancer Society Ride For Life Motorcycle and Jeep Charity Ride, held every year on National Cancer Survivor Day, was presented by Rubenstein Law and hit record numbers. With the support of the Cartel Baggers, Peterson’s Harley Davidson, Jeep Swarm, and Slingshot of Miami groups, in excess of 300 motorcycles, slingshots, and jeeps came together to “ride for life” on National Cancer Survivor Day. Over 500 passionate “cancer riders” left Peterson’s Harley Davidson South in Cutler Bay and headed to the Big Chill in Key Largo where they enjoyed the beautiful afternoon.
The weekend of events raised $146,000 that will fund life-saving cancer research here in Miami, along with community education initiatives, advocacy efforts, and local free programs and services for patients and their caregivers. To get more info or become involved, contact Heather Utset, Director of Development at Heather.Utset@cancer.org or 786-753-6197.
The Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association (GMFEA) Conference and Exhibition was held at The Fair’s Expo Center on June 17. After a one year hiatus, GMFEA’s Conference Producer Debbie Magenheimer reported a record number of booths and participation by exhibitors and people in the business of events management, production and entertainment. This was a new site for the conference and the The Fair’s Expo Center allowed the association to expand beautifully and offered plenty of parking as well. For those attending, it was a day to learn from experts in the field and network with others in the industry that has such a great impact on our South Florida community. It was amazing to see people from this industry who, while being among those most directly impacted by the shut down, survived and emerge with such gusto. GMFEA Executive Director Roberta DiPietro acknowledged major donors who made this all possible: Miami-Dade County, the Fair Expo Center, Reflections Productions, Mike Sipe Entertainment, Stage Coast, Big Mouth Girlz, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and our own Miami’s Community Newspapers.
The GMFEA is comprised of festivals and special events that has a huge impact on our South Florida economy. Anyone in this business arena would do well to join the association. For more information, visit www.festivalsmiami.com. Look for photos in upcoming issues.
Speaking of breaking records, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Gringo Bingo on June 1 at Clutch Burger was a major success raising in just a few hours more than $2,400 that will be disbursed 50/50 to the National Areata Alopecia Foundation and programs of the CGWC. Thanks to new sponsor Lux Lifestyle Chiropractic/ Dr. Brittany Holliday and ongoing sponsors 1st Empire Elite Financial and EZ Title Services this event broke records for revenue and attendance. Of course, the event would never happen without Clutch Burger owner Steven Bradley whose antics always entertain along with the music of DJ Germain. Next event already has 19 RSVP’s and it is not until July 6. Space is limited; so, signing up early is important. To RSVP, email gloria@cnews.net.
Until next time, keep making each day count, share an act of kindness every day and stay safe.
