GFWC Florida welcomes new club, galas shine

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While many service organizations are struggling to maintain membership, the opposite is true for the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Florida District 11. At the Fall Board planning conference, held Sept. 26-28, the District’s newest club was officially welcomed into the Federation. GFWC FL president Sara Dessureau and GFWC FL director of Junior Clubs Rachel Sturgis presented a gavel to the new club’s president (this writer) and members Ruth Martinez and Arely Ruiz, along with a celebratory gift and certificate.

Among the District 11 clubs attending were The Miami Woman’s Club, now celebrating its 125th anniversary; Coral Gables Woman’s Club; Cocoplum Woman’s Club, and Hialeah Woman’s Club.

One highlight of the weekend was an inspiring keynote address on Saturday night by astronaut Cady Coleman. Coleman’s new book, Sharing Space, is such a great read and the books she had with her that night to sign were sold out in short order. You will want to order this inspiring and fascinating story.

In other club news, the International Committee of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables has partnered with the Coral Gables Bar Association (CGBA) to co-host the association’s monthly mixers. These collaborations create meaningful opportunities for nonprofits to network and support important causes.

At the Oct. 10 mixer, funds raised by Rotarians went toward purchasing school supplies for six preschools in the poorest areas of the Dominican Republic. For years, Coral Gables Rotarians have been providing books and materials for these preschools, resulting in improved educational outcomes and lower dropout rates among students who begin their education there.

These mixers are held the second Wednesday of each month, offering a fun way for professionals and community leaders to connect while supporting charity. Tickets are $15 for Rotarians and CGBA members, $30 for non-members, $10 for law students, and free for sitting judges. To RSVP, contact Kelly Garces at kgarces@garceslaw.com.

Meanwhile, galas are lighting up the fall calendar. On Sept. 26, “The Enchanted Garden” Gala took place at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove to benefit the Luminous Advocacy Project. With breast cancer awareness month in October, the event highlighted early detection and equitable healthcare access. Hosted by Luminous Global, the gala featured cocktails, live music, a gourmet dinner, and powerful testimonials from survivors.

Among the notable guests were supermodel and Real Housewives of New York star Kelly Killoren Bensimon; Florida State Rep. Fabián Basabe; Claudine De Niro, and Marta and Ron Bloom, who came to support Luminous Advocacy Project founder and CEO Marylin Dans.

Honorees and donors included Jose Dans, Heidi Dans, Norma Jean Abraham, Ana VeigaMilton, Sari Sosa, Dr. Ramona Probasco, and Julio Figueroa Cisneros. Awardees included Xiomara Beatriz Brandfon, Rosario Rico Toro Korn, Enrique Martinez, Jessica Cristobal, Vivian Quiroga, Frank Navarro, and Manny Lara.

The evening also spotlighted Luminous, the first breast familiarity tool designed to give users a visual reference of their breast health, promoting awareness and early detection. Already available in the EU and UK, and expanding into the Middle East and U.S., Luminous Global continues its mission to inspire hope and transform breast health worldwide.

Some upcoming events for your calendar:
• Oct. 18 – The Women Voice Network fundraising event, 2-5 p.m., to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Doral Contemporary Art Museum at City Place Doral; pre-event tickets are $75 and $85 at door.

Oct. 25 – 13th annual A Wonderland in Safe Haven Gala, 7 p.m., Intercontinental Hotel Miami, www.asafehavenfornewborns.com

Oct. 25 – Chapman Partnership Gala, JW Marriott

Oct. 31 – Voices for Children Annual Luncheon, Loews Coral Gables (Hero costumes encouraged); for info visit www.beavoice.or

Oct 31- Coral Gables Woman’s Club Halloween Party, Birdie Bistro; GFWCcoralgableswomansclub.org

Nov. 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island

Nov. 8 – The Miami Woman’s Club 125th Anniversary Gala

Nov. 14 – GFWC FL District 11 Meeting

Nov. 15 – Titanic, the musical at Jerry Herman Theatre, UM Campus, 2 and 8 p.m.

In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.

 

 

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A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.