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Things are opening up and it is so wonderful to be able to convene groups to share ideas and that is exactly what those annual conferences accomplish. Gearing up for spring and summer events, the General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) District 11 Spring meeting brought together 11 clubs from as far north as Northeast Miami to as far south as Key West with a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, April 28. District 11 Director Brenda Merrill conducted the meeting during which many of the 11 clubs in the district joined to share their volunteer efforts and plans for the GFWC Florida Spring Convention in Orlando. The convention was held at the Rosen Plaza May 14 -16 during which time awards were presented to clubs for their various projects and initiatives. More on that next time.
Many of those same GFWC club members also enjoyed a Mother’s Day Tea on May 8 at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club to benefit the club’s free children’s dental clinic that provides services for children of the working poor throughout Miami-Dade County. With a sellout crowd, the club made more than $6,000 to provide much needed free dental care for Miami-Dade children who fall between the cracks in our healthcare system. Guests enjoyed an afternoon of shopping, music and a fabulous tea catered by club member Rita Tennyson, whose company, R Catering actually catered my daughter’s wedding. Co-chairing the event were Denise Valluerca and Iris Segui with lots of help from their committee: Lorena Holguin, Past President Arely Ruiz, President Ruth Martinez, Treasurer Nancy Desmangles, Kristina Jackson and this writer. Of course, lots of other club members pitched in to help.
The Club was most grateful for the community support from top sponsors: Brett McKnight Lapsley (in memorium), New York Life, and Dr Iris Torres as well as in-kind sponsors Admari Tea, HV Designs, Miami’s Community Newspapers and R Catering. Among the many attending from GFWC FL District 11 were The Woman’s Club President Shirley Pardon, President of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove Virginia Yermoli, Noreen Timoney, Anita Jenkins, Metris Batts, Maribel Fruitstone, GFWC District 11 Past District Directors Elizabeth Kourtesis Fisher and Lynda Randolph and current District 11 Director Brenda Merrill.
The Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association Conference is also on schedule to hold their 8th Annual Conference & Exhibition at The Fair annual conference on June 17. This new location is beautiful with lots of parking and ample space for exhibitors. The conference planning committee met at The Fair to check out the space and decide on set up and have lunch. Executive Director of the GMFEA Roberta DiPietro thanked committee members who came for all over the County to help. This promises to be a spectacular event with the “Who’s Who” of the festival and special events business participating and providing entertainment. For information on how you can get involved or have a booth, contact Debbie@festivalsiami.com or roberta@festivalsmiami.com.
Save Oct. 23, 2021 for a great event. Dr. Roselyn Smith is chairing a Florida Herstory Empowerment workshop at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club. They will have a few speakers in the morning advising attendees how best to apply for jobs, write their resumes, create online work-related profiles, go through interviews, etc. followed by lunch. In the afternoon, there will be a women’s job fair with several different prospective employers there to get applications from women and/or interview them on site. Attendees pay $12 to cover the cost of lunch. Employers pay $350 for their table and lunch. For information, email drsmith@roselynsmithphd.com or call 305-804-5418 (cell phone) or 305-666-8000 (office phone). Dr. Smith was also a guest on Gloria’s Gab LIVE that may be viewed by going online to https://fb.watch/5o-EDS6GO-/
In other news, A Safe Haven for Newborns’ Annual Golf Tournament just took place on May 14 at Trump National Resort in Doral. This day of golf, food and fun was one of many great fundraising events following a one year break due to the pandemic. Nick Silverio, Gina Perez, board and other dedicated volunteers have helped saved from abandonment 331 babies since A Safe Haven for Newborns was created. They continue to help moms 24/7 reaching beyond the state of Florida as word of their success grows. It was my pleasure to have Nick on my Gloria’s Gab LIVE Show on April 19. To view the interview, go to either of these links: https://www.facebook.com/Communitynewspapers/videos/491853081967899 or https://youtu.be/YES5h97CFZI
To find out how to participate in their Fall gala fundraiser to help carry out Nick’s mission of mercy, visit www.asafehavenfornewborns.com.
Until next time, keep making each day count, share an act of kindness every day and stay safe.
