Gearing up for the club’s upcoming fundraisers, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s September 18th meeting focused on new members coordinated by 2nd Vice President/ Membership Chair Jessenia Francisco. Members learned of the many outreach efforts and upcoming events benefiting the community including the club’s next Gringo Bingo fundraisers at Clutch Burger featuring DJ Germain that started in March to benefit the club’s numerous charities. In addition, now is the time to sign up for our community’s best Annual Haunted House Halloween Party to be held on Saturday, October 26 at the CGWC clubhouse, 1001-9 East Ponce de Leon Blvd. That annual party is one you won’t want to miss. Food, cash bar, music, dancing, awesome costumes, contests and prizes… all for only $50 pre-paid or $60 at the door. This event helps support the club’s free children’s dental clinic that provides more than $247,000 in free dental services for children of the working poor.
In more charity news the Alzheimer’s Walk, to be held November 16 at Museum Park, was the beneficiary of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s September 10 Gringo Bingo fundraiser hosted by Clutch Burger bringing in more than $1,100 for the Walk. That September event, which is always a great party, was bigger than ever because it was attorney Lillian Ser’s birthday. Lillian, who lost her mother to Alzheimer’s, took advantage of the event to support the Alzheimer’s Association and celebrate her birthday taking most all the seats for her crowd of friends. It was the first time ever there was dancing at a bingo game but with Germain’s music it could not be helped. Next up on October 1, Gringo Bingo will benefit the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run in December. Look for more fun as that is also the birthday of DJ Germain who has, like Steven Bradley, donated his services every month to support the CGWC’s charitable causes.
In other news, an impressive Veterans Outreach event, sponsored by Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. from District 36, was held on September 13, drawing hundreds of veterans who enjoyed food, music, goodie bags and an opportunity to learn from the more than 67 Federal, State and local agencies and organizations participating such as the Social Security Administration, Veterans Hospital, Florida Department of Children and Families, United States Housing and Urban Development, Home Financing Center, and the GFWC Coral Gables Women’s Club there with information on their free Children’s Dental Clinic, to name a few. The agencies also included Universities, Colleges, Banking, Support services such as Fishing with America’s Finest. This daylong event was orchestrated by Judith Ruiz, Legislative Assistant/Chief of Staff to Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. and included an inspirational video and program that left many in the crowd with goose bumps.
Among those attending were Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez; Captain Danny Burgess, Director of the Florida Veterans Affairs; Florida Senator Tom Wright, Chair of the Florida Military Affairs Committee; Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart; State Representative Brian Avila who just return from the National Guard Reserve; and Senator Rene Garcia. The event took place at the Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment in Hialeah whose Mayor Carlos Hernandez graciously offered the lovely venue.
Finally, condolences to the family, countless friends and fellow Gator fans on the loss of former Pinecrest Councilman / Vice Mayor Jeff Cutler. He was so well loved and left us too soon, leaving a great void. His ready smile, endless energy, compassion and generous spirit leave us all with a hole in our hearts. He was such a good person and an amazing asset to our community
May he rest in peace.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
