Hundreds of soccer players from ages 5 years to forty plus gathered at Evelyn Greer Park on Sunday, May 2, for the inaugural Pinecrest Soccer Marathon, the first of its kind in South Florida. Organized by the Community Foundation of Pinecrest to benefit its many programs and initiatives, this was the first marathon of its type in South Florida. CFP Chair Steve Beiley praised Event Chairman Pierre Apollon and Logistic Chair Steven Steele, and the many volunteers who helped make this a memorable day for all.
The Foundation generously waived entrance fees for all participants thanks, in part, to the support of such corporations and businesses as Norwegian Cruise Line, Jennifer Wollmann (EWM Realtors), Heller Waldman, P.A., The Corradino Group, Community Newspapers, Casthely Orthondontics, GOL TV All Soccer Network, Soccer Locker, Costo, In Source, Fine Printing, Rick Tonkinson and Associates, and the Village of Pinecrest, to mention a few.
Music provided by local RA Music, DJs Ross Gassman and Alex Parker, added to the festive atmosphere throughout the day while vendors like Cold Stone Creamery, Joy Wallace Catering and The Crepe Maker, offered a variety of great food while Del Monte Fresh donated cases of bananas for the players.
Among the many others volunteering their time doing everything from manning various tables to refereeing were Shannon Buckley, Dan Heller, Julio Dominguez, Corina Woolman, Vivian Beiley, Christina and Cathie Burns, Fred Silverman, Daisy Lewis, Lee Kessler, Jean Meceron, Nicholas Calvo, Robert Ruano, Glenn Barditch, Enid Leon, Hazel Goldman, Gaspy Miranda, Chris Coffey, Tom Bovee, Jorge Guarch, Elizabeth Rosillo, Rick and Margarita Tonkinson, to mention many of those helping make the day a success.
Teams and individual players came from all over Miami Dade County, with play on five fields and fun was had by all. Dads even got in on the auction playing on teams with their sons and daughters. The entire Village Council stopped by to check out the action and the day concluded with drawings for raffle prizes that included a 4 night cruise generously donated by Norwegian Cruise Line. Proceeds from that raffle and the event will help fund education, senior services, parks and cultural initiatives in the community.
Finally, the South Miami/ Coral Gables Elks Lodge began Monday, May 3, presenting professional entertainment featuring INCREDIBLE MAGIC, produced by Nelson Dela Prida, Ron Olmsted, and Rick Del Vecchio. Every other Monday, Elk Club members and their guests can enjoy an incredible show, Draft Beer and a slice of pizza or a hot dog for just $15. For Tickets for the next event on May 17, call Anne Goodrich at 305-666-2495.
Until next week, keep making each day count.To re Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers.
Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via e-mail to gloriagalburns@aol.com .
