|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
One of the last big charity events of 2025 was held at Mar-a-Lago for A Safe Haven for Newborns. Graciously hosted by a dedicated group of Palm Beach supporters, it was an elegant afternoon affair coordinated by Event Chair and Producer Lexye Aversa. Guests, who enjoyed a captivating performance by Italian tenor Franco Corso and his saxophonist, agreed that his performance alone was worth the price of admission. The affair also featured the 2025 Grand Honoree, Dr. Gina Loudon, the Morning Show Host, American Sunrise on RAV TV, bestselling author children’s, non-fiction, Christian devotionals and mother of 5. The guests list included some other fascinating VIPs including Senior Ms. America, Dr. Lillian Glass, body language expert, best-selling author, award winning filmmaker, media commentator and philanthropist who has worked with numerous A-list celebrities.
During the luncheon, the Founder and CEO of A Safe Haven for Newborns, Nick Silverio, shared updates on the organization’s growing mission, including a scale model of the new facility needed to expand services. To date, A Safe Haven for Newborns has saved more than 435 babies from abandonment and possible death, while also supporting countless expectant mothers in crisis. A true labor of love, Nick—who has never taken a salary—finds his greatest reward in the children who grow up calling him “Uncle Nick.” True to the organization’s values, donations are never about naming rights, but about saving lives.
Guests were welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Claus for festive photos before entering the opulent ballroom, where luxury vendors offered exclusive shopping opportunities.
Closer to home, Coral Gables Woman’s Club held its annual board dinner at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel coordinated by Past President and GFWC District 11 Director Dr. Ruth Martinez with Past President Linda Hartwell. Current President Arely Ruiz graciously thanked her board for an amazing year and gifted each with a beautiful portfolio containing a personalized message for each. A gift exchange also provided a fun activity while enjoying a great meal. Coming up next for the club will be its monthly Gringo Bingo on January 13 at Birdies Bistro and then will be its Annual Children’s Festival held at their clubhouse (1001-9 East Ponce de Leon Blvd.) on February 7, open to all kids with interactive activities, food and lots of fun. Admission is free.
Profit Inc. members also took time out to celebrate the holidays with an amazing luncheon at Hereford Grill. Profit Inc. is one of the oldest business networking organizations in South Florida and has a rich history of helping businesses grow with good people. Among them is current President Felipe Isaza and Past President Carlos Ribero who is currently President of the Greater Kendall Business Association. Among the several dozens attending the luncheon with this writer were the Van Orsdels (Maria and Donald), Mike and Susan Sutta, Jerry Kavulich, Robert Beans, Daneza Socarras, Lawanda Loftus, Elena Kemper, Thomas Avila, Gabriel Silva, Gisela Castro and Gilma Hernandez.
Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Tournament wrapped up another successful event on December 17, and rounding out the season, the Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship teed off January 3–6 at the Biltmore Hotel. With a 60-year history, this prestigious, invitation-only tournament attracts top junior golfers from around the world, including notable alumni such as Tiger Woods—whose son, Charlie, and Matt Kuchar’s son, Cameron, are playing in this year’s Championship. Yet another tournament alum, Erik Compton, has daughter Petra playing for the girls’ title. Look for results in a future issue. Kudos to Steven Gonzalez, current Golf Committee Chair, and J.R. Steinbauer, long-time Tournament Director who recently transitioned and is a significant figure in the championship’s history, alongside other committee members.
Beyond golf, the Junior Orange Bowl continued to shine through its iconic December parade in downtown Coral Gables and its competitive basketball championships. Longtime basketball committee chair Chuck Little even added a meaningful service component for visiting teams from Pennsylvania and Washington DC, making their South Florida experience both memorable and impactful.
Check out these upcoming events and mark your calendar!
● Currently running through March – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January, 2026).
● January – The Titanic Immersive Experience opens presented by South Florida PBS. For info visit www.southfloridapbs.org.
● January 13– Coral Gables Woman’s Club charity Gringo Bingo at Birdie Bistro, 6:30 p.m. check-in / bingo 7-9 p.m. $30 pp. RSVP gloria@cnews.net
● January 30 – February 1– 47th Annual Miami Lebanese Festival, 2055 Coral Way, Fri . and Sat, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. / Sun. 12 p.m.– 8 p.m.
● February 7- Coral Gables Woman’s Club Children’s Festival. Free admission.
Supporting our remarkable charitable organizations is a meaningful way to begin the new year—celebrating generosity, community, and hope.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference. Happy New Year!
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.
