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Sharing love and support with our first responders at Surfside, the General Federation of Women’s Club Florida District 11 continues to help.
From 400 midnight meals provided early on as the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club and its catering team — with additional financial support from the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, Miami Woman’s Club, and Cutler Ridge Woman’s Club — to supplies, fans and more, GFWC FL joins the aid.
Elizabeth Fisher, former GFWC FL District 11 director, has been on sight every other day delivering supplies and assistance since the collapse of the Champlain Towers. GFWC clubs are delivering hot meals for responders who are working 12-hour shifts with 40 pounds of gear in the July heat. Keeping them hydrated means delivering cases of drinks as well as energy bars, and more.
Elizabeth also coordinated, with support from GFWC FL, for the purchase of two industrial fans from a business in North Miami. When the company found out the reason for the purchase, they donated two additional fans that have given much needed relief from the heat for emergency workers, volunteers and family members waiting for word on those still missing.
Of course, the GFWC FL clubs are just one of many organizations whose support has been critical. So proud of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, The Miami Foundation, Key Biscayne Foundation and so many others stepping up to collect much-needed funds to help so many who have lost families, friends and their homes. When it counts, our South Florida community rallies like few others.
In other happier news, several Rotary Club’s installed new officers during the past few weeks. Miami Rotarians held a lovely installation reception and dinner on June 25 at the Police Benevolent Association catered by R Catering who knocked it out of the park. Noreen Timoney, widow of a former police chief, was installed as president after serving 10 years as president of The Miami Woman’s Club. That club was there in full force with two tables to celebrate as were Noreen’s two grandchildren. Noreen’s fellow Miami Rotarian Shirley Pardon now takes over as president of the Miami Woman’s Club. These are two amazing women whose community service and leadership is to be applauded.
Speaking of amazing women, immigration attorney Kelly Garces completes her term as president of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables in a year that brought more challenges than ever before. Kelly rose to that challenge and made weekly Rotary meetings fun keeping everyone engaged.
At her last meeting, on Zoom, she reviewed all the many programs and projects the club had done this past year helping so many charities from donating to such notables as Chapman Partnership, Shake-A-Leg and the Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic to volunteering at food distribution, blood drives and more. Over the July Fourth weekend, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables installed new officers for 2021-22, as Kelly turned the gavel over to Nicolas Eterovic at Matheson Hammock Park.
This writer was surprised and honored to be named Rotarian of the Year while Past Presidents Yolanda Woodbridge was presented with the Presidential Award and Sally Baumgartner received the Service Above Self Award.
Summer fun instead of business meetings filled the calendar for the women of the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club. Two mini fundraisers are planned that will help raise charitable dollars while giving everyone an opportunity to meet in person after some many months via Zoom.
Next up, on July 21, at 7 p.m., the club has invited everyone to their historic clubhouse at 1001 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd. for a belly dancing class taught by Lamis, a 40-year veteran belly dancer. Proceeds will benefit the club’s free children’s dental clinic.
Lamis is generously doing the class free of her usual charge and bringing hip scarves for all to jingle during the class. She suggests a fitted shirt and leggings for your comfort. The cost is $20, and all the proceeds will be directed to the clinic. To RSVP, contact Theresa Gilmore at theresagilmoreap@att.net.
Coming up on Aug. 3, 7 p.m., at Clutch Burger, it’s time for the monthly Gringo Bingo followed by a fun filled Bunco Night at the clubhouse on Aug. 18, 7 p.m. To RSVP, send email to gloria@cnews.net.
Until next time, keep making each day count, share an act of kindness every day and stay safe.
