Halloween weekend was a busy one with parties galore and special events for charity. The University of Miami wrapped up its 2010 Festival Miami, a series of 20 concerts presented by the UM’s Frost School of Music, with a grand finale on October 30th . The evening featured Wycliffe Gordon, who received the Jazz Journalist Association Award for Trombonist of the Year 2001- 2002, 2006-2008, , and the Frost Concert Jazz Band directed by Dante Luciani. Among the many enjoying the night were Rick and Margarita Tonkinson, one of the many sponsors of this year’s festival.
That same weekend on October 29, Gulliver Schools held an induction ceremony and dinner for its own Athletic Hall of Fame with more than 30 years of athletic heritage to recognize and honor coaches, student- athletes, administrators and friends of the athletic program. This inaugural dinner, held at the Preparatory School gymnasium, began with cocktail reception followed by dinner and a program. Inductees included Gulliver founders Marian Krutulis and her husband, Joseph Krutulis (March 27, 1918 – June 27, 1983); as well as, Jan Gomez, Chuck Tobey and James Williams. Award winning journalist with WECT News in Wilmington, NC and Gulliver Alumnus, Max Winitz, emceed the evening that packed the beautifully decorated gym with friends, family, former staff and alumni for a truly memorable night.
South Florida Rotarians helped welcome Rotary Group Study Exchange visitors from Sweden and Latvia taking them to various businesses associated with their careers and concluding one day by attending a party on October 29, at the newly opened Coral Gables Museum. While most Rotarians came dressed in costumes, everyone enjoyed a food, drinks and the many attired for the Halloween themed evening including President Sally Baumgartner, and husband, Dr. Larry Goodman; Yolanda Woodbridge and her Group Study Exchange members; President Elect Debbie Swain and husband, John; Ter ry Long; and Walter and Annette Alvarez, to mention a few.
In upcoming events, join the fun at the Paragon 13 Theatre in Cocowalk for a private screening of the latest Harry Potter film – “Har ry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 1)” for the benefit of the Children’s Bereavement Center , which supports groups free of charge. On Saturday, November 20, and Sunday, November 21, 2010, during the screening there will be characters, giveaways, refreshments, and fun for all. Sponsorships are encouraged so that CBC participating children can attend for free. You may sponsor a family for $100, a CBC child for $25, or purchase a movie tickets for $25. Seating is limited. For information, go online to www.childbereavement.org.
Finally, congratulations to University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala who was awarded the 2010 Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights. Shalala, former U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services during the Clinton administration, received the award on September 16 at a ceremony and dinner at Blair House hosted by the current U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, and the Kaiser Family Foundation. That event honored Shalala’s retirement from the foundation’s Board of Trustees.
The Empowered Woman’s “Success Summit & Expo Miami” Thursday and Friday, November 11-12 at the Miami Museum of Science, will offer practical tools in sales, marketing and promotional strategies, including workshops, panel discussions, one-on-one coaching, networking exercises and much more…for male and females alike! It’s free and open to all, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., both days, reminds Michelle Villalobos of MIVISTA Consulting, Inc., founder of the Summit.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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