The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club recently honored outgoing president Charo Bolanos with an annual President’s Reception/ Dinner at the lovely lakeside Miramar home of member Linda and John Hartwell.
With a western theme for the evening, dinner included barbecued ribs grilled on the spot by Terry Cooke and enjoyed by all.
That event was followed the next week by the club’s annual Installation Dinner at the clubhouse orchestrated by past president Barbara Lapsley. Lapsley’s husband, Bill, addressed the crowd as the founding president of the “Men’s Auxiliary,” entertaining the crowd with his dry sense of humor and turning the job and podium over to John Schaefer, husband of the 2009-10 president Pam Schaefer.
The program also included remarks from outgoing president Charo Bolanos in recognition of her board. Awards presentations were made to two well deserving member: Debi Wilborn who received the Barbara Rosenthal/Sherry Wheeler Leadership Award and Diana De Armas who earned the Barbara Lapsley New Member of The Year Award.
Among the many faces seen enjoying the evening were Andy Young, Dr. Iris Torres Rivera and Ralph Rivera, Mary Scull Brown, Lou Popp, former Coral Gables Mayor Dorothy Thomson, Susan Tilson, Vicki McGroarty and Vic Clarke, Sandy Schaefer, Cathy Blanton and Mireya Kilmon (recently crowned Mrs. America Image National).
By the way, the club always is looking for individuals who want to serve and join their efforts. For more information, go online to <www.coralgableswomensclub.com>.
Speaking of dedicated women, the Women’s Fund held its annual Power of the Purse Luncheon on Apr. 24 at the Hilton Miami Downtown. More than 800 guests bid on several dozens fabulous designer purses and heard the stories of individuals whose lives have been changed through the support this fund offers to gender specific programs in our area.
This year’s event was the first for the Woman’s Fund’s new CEO Debi Harris who promises to be a great addition to this incredible group of philanthropists. Chairing the event that attracted more than 800 was Joyita Garg, ably assisted by her committee members: Melissa Campbell, Ali Codina, Margarita Codina, Sophia Galvin, Dana Kulvin, Norka Munilla, Sharon Socol and Wendy Mestepey.
An art exhibition and reception was hosted by the Turnberry Bank of Pinecrest for Gulliver Prep on Apr. 28.
Among those in the crowd attending the event were several board members of the new Community Foundation of Pinecrest including chair Steve Beiley; treasurer Harry Hollub, and board members Hank Langston, Pierre Apollon, Carol Nobles and Jennifer Wollmann. Branch manager, Adam Hellman called up the winning art students all of whom received $25 savings accounts at the bank.
Finally, the Sixth Annual Relay for Life of Coral Gables has a date change. The new date is May 30 and 31 at War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Dr. For more information, please call event chair Charo Bolanos at 305-742- 9433 or send email to < charobolanos@aol.com > or call ACS staff partner Suzanne Wolar at 305-467- 3452 or by email at < suzanne.wolar@cancer.org >.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
