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The General Federation of Women’s Clubs Florida has taken on a unique project, “Flight to Honor,” chosen by GFWC FL President Sarah Dessureau, as her “President’s Project.” While “Honor Flights” honoring veterans with a trip to visit Washinton D.C. and the Arlington Cemetery occur on a regular basis, this honor flight is unique in that the veterans being honored are female members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Coral Gables Woman’s Club is just one of 13 clubs in District 11 raising funds for this “Flight to Honor” project and most recently, the Coco Plum Woman’s Club received a $1,800 check for the Rotary Club of Coral Gables to support the cause.
When the Coral Gables Woman’s Club looked for an event venue to do their part to raise funds for this President’s Project, they found a partner with the Coral Gables American Legion Post 98. Meredeth McKissick, CGWC’s President’s Project Chair, and GFWC District 11 Director and Past President of CGWC Dr. Ruth Martinez were overwhelmed with the support the event received from the America Legion Coral Gables and its Post Commander Juan Carlos Gomez, Treasurer Cliff Van Allen (who also served as bartender); and “Legionnaire of the Year,” Daisy Baez. CGWC President Arely Ruiz and District 11’s President Project Chair, Virginia Yermoli, were also on hand to accept some generous donations for the cause that night. Among the many supporting the affair with this writer were Theresa Gilmore, Carmen Suarez, Barbara Lapsley, Kim Davison, Dr. Iris Torres, Will and Iris Segui, Javier Fernandez, Amanda, and Zuny Liscano. CGWC is just one of 13 clubs in District 11 raising funds for this “Flight to Honor” project and most recently, the Coco Plum Woman’s Club received a $1,800 check for the Rotary Club of Coral Gables Foundation to support the cause.
The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club also collaborated with ReCircle Society, a non-profit that helps orchestrate clothing and accessory fashion swap events that serve as a mini fundraisers and opportunities to collect donations. Club members and friends brought in slightly used or new clothes they no longer wanted and were able to swap for other items if they wished or to just enjoy an evening with friends. Hundreds of items were collected and later distributed to Lotus House; given to designers to upcycle; and/ or sold to support the mission. Kudos to Jackie De Francesco, CGWC’s Environment Chair, for organizing a very successful fashion night exchange and club social that also served to recruit new members and raise charitable funds. Recircle Society’s Ting-Jung Huang reported that the total waste diverted by the event came to 95.77 pounds. This same club with Jackie in the lead also participated in the Mattheson Hammock Coastal Cleanup collecting 10 pounds of micro plastics.
In other collaborative effort, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables joins forces with the Coral Gables Bar Association to hold joint mixers on the second Wednesday of every month. This past March mixer, which also serves as a mini fundraiser, was held at Ruth’s Chris Steak House that provided lovely appetizers and wine. Among the many enjoying the evening with this writer were Bruce Bounds, Kelly Garces, Jerome Kavulich, Judge Patricia Pedraza, and Jonathan Vazquez.
A Safe Haven for Newborns (ASHFN) hits the links with its 8th annual fundraising golf event, “Tee Off for a Cause,” on Friday, May 16, 2025, on the manicured greens of the Red Tiger Golf Course at the Trump National Golf Resort in Doral. With a one o’clock shotgun start, the day promises fun from start to finish with proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s mission of ending infant abandonment. To that end, ASHFN offers many programs to the distressed teen or woman who is facing an unexpected pregnancy and feels she has no one to turn to for help. See the calendar below for more info.
On the cultural front, Waitress made its regional debut this month in Coral Gables at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Billed as a heartwarming, feel-good story, Waitress, is the hit Broadway musical that is sure to serve up laughs and more. Those attending The Women’s Fund Power of the Purse Luncheon had a preview of the musical with the waitresses performing several songs from the show. The musical will run until April 20th, 2025. For tickets, visit actorsplayhouse.org
Finally, the Vintage Market at Merrick House on March 15, a first-time event that promises to return, served as a fundraiser for Merrick House. On a picture-perfect day, a great crowd enjoyed socializing with friends, neighbors and learning about the history of Geroge Merrick home with scheduled tours. A variety of interesting vendors provided a fun afternoon of shopping for unique items. Among the mix were members of the Woman’s Cancer Association of the University of Miami, Robyn Hardeman, Christina Beauvoir, and volunteer Lauren Birden.
Here are some dates to mark on your calendar:
April 9 – Shop at Free Trade Store at Coral Gables Congregational Church for charity event.
April 9 – Independent Schools of South Florida Star Luncheon – 11:30 a.m.. Miami Airport Merchandise Mart.
April 26, 2025 – Family Resource Center’s Annual Art From The Heart event- 6-9 p.m. at Mana Wynwood 318 NW 23rd St., Miami, FL.
April 29. 2025 – City of Coral Gable’s Centennial Celebration –June Morris’ Play @ $100 pp and Dinner @ $600 pp.
May 10, 2025 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Mother’s Day Tea / Tickets $150 pp– For info visit www.gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
May 16, 2025 – 8th Annual Tee Off for a Cause Charity Golf Tournament at Red Tiger Golf Course at Trump. Call 305 882-1305 ext. 104 or safehaven@asafehavenfornewborns.com.
May 16, 2025 – United HomeCare’s 30th Annual Claude Pepper Awards Luncheon, 11 a.m., at The Pullman Hotel.
June 28, 2025 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club fundraiser – Cruise on MCS new ship MSC World America 8 days from $959. For info, call 954-900-5942 or www.HappeningOutTravel/CGWC/
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference!
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