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The Villagers Garden Tour on Mar. 7 was a treat to behold as guests enjoyed a self-guided tour of five exclusive private tropical gardens, including stunning locations filled with orchids, water features, and lush landscapes rarely open to the public.
For this writer, the day began with check-in at Christ the King Lutheran Church, where the boutique offered a great place to shop for unique treasures and plants. Rita’s pop-up café provided the perfect stop for a bite to eat before or after touring the gardens.
Events like this remind us that gardens, kitchens, and community leadership all share a common purpose — bringing people together in service, celebration, and the preservation of history for generations to come. There is hardly a historic building in our area that has not benefited from the efforts of this amazing organization over the years.
Event co-chair Carmen Diaz Padron was a recent guest on my video podcast along with Villagers president Gina Guilford and one of the event underwriters, Becky Matkov, to talk about the importance of this fundraiser.
Among the generous homeowners who opened their properties for the tour were Jorge and Maritza Fernandez, Bill and Julie Ogden, Benjamin and Brooke Gettler, Brian and Grimsley Miller, and Javier and Michelle Font.
Another standout event took place at The Biltmore Hotel, where the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted its 15th annual Heart Disease Awareness Lunch Conference.
A panel of expert physicians shared valuable insights on heart health, followed by a lively fashion show presented by Miami International Mall in Doral, part of Simon Malls.
International Mall general manager Maria Prado and marketing manager Sara Valega helped coordinate the stylish showcase. Among the featured retailers was Ximma, a unique incubator representing more than 30 designers. In fact, this writer was delighted to be a last-minute recruit, modeling one of Ximma’s beautiful dresses on the runway.
In service club news, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Florida District 11 held its Arts Competition and meeting at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club on Feb. 25. Of the 13 clubs that make up District 11, there were 50 entries that had taken first place at the club level. Those entries were then judged at the district level, with first-place winners advancing to compete at the state convention in May.
Kudos to District 11 Arts chair Linda Hartwell for making the process seamless and fun for everyone involved. This meeting also marked the final one for district director Dr. Ruth Martinez, who has served impressively in the role for the past two years. She will be succeeded by Shirley Pardon of The Miami Woman’s Club.
Birdie Bistro on the Granada Golf Course continues to host family-friendly fundraisers for local charities. The Coral Gables Woman’s Club held its monthly Gringo Bingo on Mar. 10, with proceeds benefiting the club’s free children’s dental clinic.
Coming up on Mar. 27 will be another fun night on the Granada Golf Course — Tee Time Under the Stars. From 6 to 9 p.m., participants will enjoy glow-in-the-dark golf with lighted holes. The $60 admission includes golf, lite bites, and a wine and beer bar. To register, look for the ad with the QR code in this paper.
Next up for this hardworking group of women will be the club’s Mother’s Day Brunch on May 9, from 1 to 4 p.m., which promises to be over the top with a theme tied to South Florida PBS’s Titanic Immersive Voyage. Kudos to South Florida PBS for stepping up as the event’s major sponsor.
With a carvery station, unlimited mimosas, silent auction, and shopping, this event will have it all. Tickets are $200 for adults and $100 for children, and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Finally, a shout-out to the many birthday celebrants this month, including Dr. Hal Wanless, whose Valentine’s birthday doubles as a holiday party every year, and Cristina Lama Evensky, who celebrated her big 50th with a lavish, over-the-top party at their Coral Gables home. Also celebrating recently were fellow Rotarians Hank Langston, Yoli Woodbridge, Greg Martini, and many more who prove that in South Florida, there is always something to celebrate.
Dates to save on your calendar
Running through March – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices
Now through April – The Titanic Immersive Experience presented by South Floria PBS
Mar. 27 – Tee Time under the Stars; $60 per person golf with lighted holes to benefit CGWC Children’s Dental Clinic; includes lite bites plus wine and beer bar at Granada Golf Course.
Apr. 10 – Karaoke Night fundraiser at Birdie Bistro to benefit CGWC’s fee children’s dental clinic; RSVP at gloria@cnews.net
Apr. 25 – 3:30 p.m. – Doral West Dade Woman’s Club Trip on party bus to see Titanic Immersive Voyage in Boynton Beach at S. Florida PBS; $150 per person; for info, contact gloria@cnews.net
Apr 25 – Family Resource Center’s Art from the Heart annual fundraiser; 6-9 p.m., at Mana Wynwood, 320 NW 23 St. For more info, visit www.frcflorida.org
May 9 – CGWC Mothers Day Brunch; visit www.coralgableswomansclub.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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