Members of the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club and major donors were celebrated and thanked for their efforts at a lovely reception underwritten and hosted by the Hotel Colonnade in the Aragon Cafe on August 6. On behalf of the CGWC board of directors and club members, Club President Arely Ruiz thanked Hotel Colonnade General Manager Ian McClendon, Food & Beverage Manager Roger Vivas, and their accommodating friendly staff for providing a perfect venue, delicious hors d’oeuvres, drinks and amazing service. During the evening, Arely took a break in the festivities to present several donors with gifts as a thank you for their ongoing support. The affair also served to kick off plans for the 2019 Gala to be held February 9, 2019. Several major donors were recognized including the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Delta Dental, Coral Gables Community Foundation, Miami’s Community Newspapers, Coral Gables Hospital, The Giving Tree, Publix Charities, Dr. Briana Vara, and many others. Among the many attending were Blanca Ceballos, Hernando and Elizabeth Valenzuela, Yvonne Llauro, Donna Myrrill, Kim Davison, Valerie Valenzuela, Barbara Lapsley, Dr. Iris Torres, Ana Lam, Mireya Kilmon, Jessenia Francisco, Kate Swain, Noreen Timoney, Shirley Pardon, Tim Sheehan, and Aileen Ortega.
In Rotary news, two recent speakers at the Rotary Club of Coral Gables discussed issues critical to our quality of life. First up was Alice Bravo who addressed the club on July 26. Bravo shared updates on current projects and future transportation related plans for our county.
The following week, on August 2, the club heard from Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation. This was especially timely with the toxic algae threat becoming more severe and threatening wildlife and our waters. There can be help to stem this if we proceed building a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee to take toxic water from lake, process it and let it drain to the south.
Problem is, the legislature needs to move on this. The funding is there. Eric stressed the importance of contacting our law makers and has an easy way we can all do this. Text 52886 and then type in WATER. That one step will make your voice heard.
On the cultural scene, the return of the hilarious hit, Big Bang, opened at Actors Playhouse in the Gables on July 27. This two man musical comedy starring Nick Santa Maria and Ken Clement was brought back by popular demand and it is no surprise it received a standing ovation. Aside from a great show, opening night theatre goers enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner compliments of Catering By Lovables and, of course, the open bar courtesy of Bacardi. Among the many guests enjoying the evening were Jack Thomson, and former Mayor Dorothy Thomson, School Board member Marta Perez, Fran Sevcik, Valerie Valenzuela, and Roy Gonas.
In other news, The Ponce Society of Young Professionals, the Coral Gables Community Foundation’s young professionals group, hosted their annual Shirt & Tie Drive at Copper 29 on August 7. This annual drive began in 2012 and is combined with an after hours reception. As always, members and guests generously donate dress shirts, ties and pants so that the Coral Gables High School Football team can continue their tradition of dressing up on Game Days. The Ponce Society plans to distribute these items to the football team during a pizza party before the team’s first game of the season. Kudos to Joe Lancaster, of La Salle Dry Cleaners, who has kindly donated his dry cleaning services for those donated items.
Rotarians from around the district attended a Rotary2Rotary social event on August 8th at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre and had a chance to enjoy the show. For many Rotarians, it was a double header. Earlier that same evening, Coral Gables Rotarians joined with the Coral Gables Bar Association for a social that served as a mini fundraiser for the Rotary Club’s international projects. This affair at the new Aloft Hotel on LeJeune was coordinated by Rotarian and CGBA member Kelly Garces, who happens to also chair the club’s International Committee. It is always great to find opportunities to work together with other organizations to share ideas while raising funds for worthy programs. This event raised more than $400 for charity.
PACE Center for Girls 5th Annual Believing in Girls Luncheon will be held Thursday, October 25, at the Hotel Colonnade (180 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables)
Until next time, keep making each day count.
