With a mission of providing Miami’s underprivileged students with an alternative to gangs and other negative neighborhood influences, Guitars Over Guns was founded. Over the summer they held a 4-weekworkshop with scholarships to several participants at South Dade Cultural Arts Center directed by musician and hero Dr. Chad Bernstein. Co-founded by UM Alum Jonathan De Leon, the organization continues to reach out to change lives. Students in their program recently released a You tube video- “Am I Wrong – Guitars Over Guns Student Video Remake.” Check it out and you will be amazed at the talent.
By the way, Guitars Over Guns Miami has a newly created Young Professionals Board that will be launched on Thursday, September 10, 6 pm to 9 pm, at Curators Voice 299 NW 25th St. with a Founders Happy Hour, sponsored by Russian Standard and Wynwood Brewing Company. Look for this event to showcase a selection of GOGO’s amazing young artists, special performances by up and coming artists, Fantine and Jordan Brown. Look for a special surprise keynote speaker will cap off the evening. Sounds like a fun evening for a great cause. For more information, visit online at www.GuitarsOverGuns.org or contact Helen Braswell 720-298-4667 / Bianca Caviglia 305-926-2333
In other good news, several non profits are getting on the band wagon for two great upcoming events that offer any participating charity an opportunity to raise funds at no risk. On October 3, folks can enjoy an afternoon of festival fun starting at noon on Historic Virginia Key Beach Park that includes a 5K race with PARK Project. Any charity may register runners online and will get to keep half of the $40 race registration fee for their own charity.
A Safe Haven for Newborns is one of dozens taking advantage of this great way to raise funds for their charitable outreach projects. For more information, go to www.5KPARKFEST.ORG or call 786-571- 7732.
On Saturday, November 7th, the Great Grove Bed Race, renamed Bed Race Evolution, Coconut Grove, will offer another opportunity to have each team use any sponsorship they receive to be directed to their favorite non-profit. Gables Rotarians will be back at the bed race this year selling beer for tips to support their Veterans programs and may even have a bed to race. Last year Rotarians raised more than $800 which helped them furnished apartments of 5 previously homeless veterans. Bed Race Productions’ Barbara Ferenzi and Daisy Lewis are masterful at orchestrating this day of family fun and laughter beginning with performances by Hip Hop Kidz. The pit crew parade of beds and judging will be followed by an afternoon of races as spectators enjoy the show, food, beverages and vendors in a festival like setting along beautiful Bayshore Dr. Save this date… you will not want to miss it.
In other news, Brickell Rotarians’ September 8th breakfast meeting at Pericone’s will feature guest speaker: Dreema Stokes, of the National Parkinson Foundation. Dreema will share information on Moving Day® Miami presented by Terranova Corporation. Coral Gables attorney, Seth L. Coleman is the Entertainment/Activities Co-Chair for NPF and he encourages all to join them at Bayfront Park on November 15th, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Moving day walk will feature a “Movement Pavilion,” with activities such as yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, dance and much more. Save the date.
To continue with Brickell Rotary news, this relatively young Club welcomes visitors and meets for breakfast one week and then has a social the alternate week. In fact their September 15 – Happy Hour Meeting is at Taverna Opa with guest speaker Renee Molina, of the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy. That will be followed by a September 22 breakfast meeting featuring Javier Correoso discussing status of Casinos in Miami.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via e-mail to gloria@communitynewspapers.com.
