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Gables Rotarians recently heard a presentation via Zoom on Shelter Box USA made by the Shelter Box USA’s new board member Steven Tonkinson. After hearing Steven’s talk, the club passed a virtual hat. Members were offered a challenge grant and donated a total of $3,300 during that meeting which will be matched by the Tonkinson Foundation. Steven’s journey began years ago with Shelter Box USA,an international organization that provides shelter for those in need for a myriad of reasons from disasters to conflicts, began years ago. Soon after learning about their work through his Rotarian father Rick Tonkinson, Steven became a passionate response team member making many trips over the years to disaster areas to oversee the distribution of the shelter boxes and more. RCCG President Kelly Garces was delighted to see her fellow Rotarians step up to meet the challenge. Kudos to all in supporting this amazing non profit at this critical time that will result in a $6,600 contribution to that great cause.
Gables Rotarian begin club year with several outreach efforts. Most recently helping State House Representative Anthony Rodriguez and Feeding South Florida with a Food Distribution in Kendall to those in need. Among those particiapting with this writer that day were Walter Alvarez, Bill and Melissa Quesenberry and Joey Vazquez to mention a few.
Also, on August 22, Coral Gables Rotarians will join forces with Coral Gables Woman’s Club to host another blood drive with Innovative Transfusion Medicine in front of the clubhouse at 1001 East Ponce de Leon Blvd. Blood donors will receive free Covid antibody testing and a chance at some Apple products giveaways and snacks. During this pandemic, the need for blood donations is critical and will save lives. To reserve a time slot, please call (305)812-1844 and ask for Theresa Gilmore or email for appointment at theresagilmoreap@att.net.
In other news, it is a big year for the South Miami/ Coral Gables Elks Lodge 1676. July 18, 1945, World War II was coming to an end as Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill and Josef Stalin met at the Postdam Conference eight weeks after Germany had agreed to unconditional surrender. On that day, the BPOE was 77 years old and on that same day the South Miami/ Coral Gables Elks Lodge 1676 was chartered. Yes, folks, that lodge is now 75 year old and, while times are tough, that anniversary certainly deserves a celebration. Exalted Rule Jim Glogowski advises that due to the pandemic, they are still closed and do not have a target date yet to reopen. They are, however, planning a Charity Ball on February 13, 2021; so, mark you calendars. As usual, volunteers are helping out with cleaning, painting and making improvements in order to be in good shape for the Gala and reopening. In the interim, Zoom meetings are the norm as they are for almost every civic and service organization in town.
For those of you who always enjoy the Alzheimers Walk, there is a new twist this year. You can walk anywhere you want safely alone and still sign up to join a team at alzflnews@alz.org. Perhaps having a Zoom call as you are walking on a particular day could be different and fun. Of course, that isn’t the only organization looking to save their special events and you can expect many more creative ways to engage and support you favorite charities.
Speaking of favorite charities, A Safe Haven for Newborns is tops for many and having saved seven babies since this March. Nick Silverio and his staff are working 24/7 to insure Safe Haven is there for mothers in need and were so happy to welcome babies Valentia, Darryl, Trip, Aaron, Nikki, Mateo and Olivia, all of whom are now living with their forever families. In addition, they have assisted pregnant women and mothers in need in South Carolina, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Homestead, Miami, Broward and Palm Beach County. This included Referral Counseling, Shelter, Maternity Homes, Motels (temporary), abuse issues, baby items and connection to Medicaid. They continue outreach efforts distributing (in English, Spanish & Creole) a medical history questionnaire and a card to all hospitals and fire/ems stations statewide to provide to a mother after she leaves their facility. The card contains the message; ”Dear Birth Mother, You have given your baby a special gift, a chance for a future. Now, please take care of yourself. We can help you get a medical checkup, speak with a counselor, or answer any questions you may have. Please call us at 877-767-2229. All calls are confidential”.
Until next time, keep making each day count and stay safe.
