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When a disaster strikes, immediate help comes from everywhere and then what? Neil Handler experienced it and has plans to help with the Phoenix Life Project, a nonprofit that he founded within months after the Surfside condo collapse. His goal is to help heal those traumatized by the tragic event who are suffering with PSTD. As the father of the lone survivor, Neil Handler understands that after the emergency services have answered the call with nonprofits and the community stepping up to provide food, clothing, and more that what follows are mental health issues. To address those needs and fund services, Neil has big plans. In record time Neil has created the nonprofit and has planned a huge fundraising gala on June 25 at the St. Regis looking to raise $3 million. While his focus starts with Surfside, he expects it to expand the outreach and ultimately help wherever disasters strike.
On June 6, I was honored to have Neil as a guest on my Gloria’s Gab LIVE Show with Patty Vila, of My Psychiatrist, to speak about how he, his son, emergency team workers, etc. are all dealing with what they experienced that is much like our military coming back from service in war zones. Setting up a nonprofit and scheduling its first big fundraiser was the first of many ways Neil expects to grow the nonprofit’s impact. To view this show, visit https://www.facebook.com/Communitynewspapers/videos/595552855320292 .
To check out the Gala on June 25 at the St. Regis, go to www.phoenixlifeproject.org.
Speaking of grand events, festival and event planners, entertainers and vendors were among the crowd attending and participating in this year’s Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association 9th Annual Conference & Exhibition at Jungle Island on June 2. From keynote speaker Lee Schrager, of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, to some amazing entertainment throughout the day as well as an Elton John tribute show, the event was a great success. Kudos to Conference Producer, Debbie Magenheimer; new GMFEA Executive Director, Amanda MacMaster; GMFEA President Lanie Shapiro, of Touchpoll South Florida; as well as their board and all the volunteers for creating a great event once again. Former Executive Director Roberta DiPietro was also seen helping with this transitional year.
Also there enjoying the conference was Rotarian Frank Sexton pitching his Rotary Club’s Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, October 30 with Coral Gables Woman’s Club members Saesha and Rita Tennyson promoting the CGWC clubhouse rental, the club’s free children’s dental clinic and their other fundraisers and programs.
Speaking of CGWC, aside from participating in the aforementioned GMFEA Conference & Exhibition, club members had a busy few weeks participating in the Literary Festival at the Coral Gables Youth Center, hosting the Tucker Elementary promotion party, and holding their monthly Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger that raised more than $1,000 thanks to the Law offices of Jerome Kavulich who sponsored the fundraiser that benefits so many charities. In fact, a portion of the June 7 event will be sent to a Relief for musicians in the Ukraine, a charitable outreach effort for which the Frost Chopin Festival is collecting donations at their five upcoming free concerts. Shout out to Steven Bradley, Clutch owner and Bingo emcee, and DJ Germain who donates his services making every Gringo Bingo event a party. This charity fundraiser supports numerous charitable activities during the year and is held at Clutch Burger the 1st Tuesday of every month. To RSVP, email Gloria@cnews.net.
By the way, this 4th Annual Frost Chopin Festival returns live June 19 – 26. Associate Professor at UM’s Frost School of Music and Artistic Director of the Frost Chopin Festival, Kevin Kenner, was a guest recently on Gloria’s Gab LIVE show to talk about these free world class concerts made possible by their generous donors. For more info on concerts, tickets or to live stream, visit www.frostchopinfestival.com
Until next time, keep making each day count and share an act of kindness every day.
