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October Blooms with Hope: Cancer Link, Beeliver Foundation, and The Women Voice Network Lead a Month of Giving
October blooms with hope from fundraisers for Cancer Link and Beeliver Foundation helping with breast cancer and liver research and another fundraiser for The Women Voice Network whose focus is on victims of domestic violence awareness month.
On October 16, 2025, Cancer Link “Hope Blooms” in Pink Luncheon and Fashion Show by Julian Chang was held at Jungle Island to help support liver research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Health System. At the affair, guests arrived early for a chance to bid on silent auction items and shop in the boutique while enjoying strawberry margaritas and Moscow mules before the lunch and fashion show. Among the many notable people in attendance were Founder and Chairman, Marlene Berg; Co-Presidents: Marisela Cisneros and Patrice Gimenez; TV Anchor and Reporter Janine Stanwood; Luncheon Co-Chairs: Acelia Bereg, Ana Britti, Susan Gordon, Jill Kaplan, Lindsey Lamchick, Linda Leeds, Jaclyn Lohmann, Donna Lyons, Sondra Marcus and Tanya Roberts; and Norma Jean Abraham.
Earlier in the month on October 2 the Beeliver Foundation, founded by Yolanda Gonzalez and Gabriel Carvajal, hosted its Havana Nights gala at the Biltmore Hotel to benefit the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center’s Liver Research Department. Guests dressed in tropical chic attire enjoyed live music, mojitos, and an exciting silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, celebrity-signed albums, and vibrant local art — including a standout piece by Máximo Caminero. The highlight of the evening came when Carvajal unveiled the foundation’s new logo, designed by Vice President Lourdes Carvajal, symbolizing renewal and hope.
Echoing that same message of hope, Iris Garcia, founder of The Women Voice Network, helps survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking reclaim their independence through online training and economic opportunities. To further this mission, the organization hosted a Domestic Violence Awareness Month fundraiser on October 18, at the beautiful Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM) in City Place. WVN was especially grateful to DORCAM’s Executive Director Marcelo Llobell for facilitating the venue. From comedian Cindy-Ann Boisson providing laughs, to a Sax musician adding music to great food, drinks and a silent auction, it was a packed program. Adding to that was a talk by (Ladies Empowerment Action Program) LEAP’S Executive Director Mahlia Lindquist along with touching testimonials from survivors, making for an inspiring and entertaining afternoon for a great cause. For the newly formed GFWC Doral West Dade Woman’s Club who attended and helped with the event, it was the club’s first outreach project that attracted new members.
Also, tying in with domestic violence, on October 9, Sonya Aleman addressed the Coral Gables Rotary Club (RCCG) during its weekly luncheon at the Hyatt Regency. Sonya shared her inspiring journey of survival and transformation, recounting how a Rotary Youth Exchange Program poster changed her life. Growing up in an abusive household, she found hope at age 15 when she applied for the Rotary student exchange and, at 16, traveled alone to Costa Rica. There, she lived with a loving family who gave her the confidence and care she had never known. It was an experience that changed the trajectory of her life. Following her talk, RCCG President Greg Petrino presented her with a certificate showing the club had donated polio vaccinations for 10 children in her name.
Most recently, Rotarians heard from yet another interesting speaker, Tony Franco, Chief Technology Officer Interglobal Legal – Crypto Division at the club’s October 23 meeting. The topic was “Crypto and Real Estate.” The Rotary Club of Coral Gables meets every Thursday, 12:15 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. Visiting Rotarians are welcome to attend.
Finally, here are some upcoming events to put on your calendar:
● November 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island.
● November 8 – The Miami Woman’s Club 125th Anniversary Gala.
● November 13 – Elio’s Kitchen 2nd Annual “Fashion Art Beats,” Coral Gables Woman’s Club.
● November 14 – GFWC FL District 11 Meeting, Miami Springs Woman’s Club.
● November 18 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro on Granada Golf Course, 7-9 p.m., $30 pp, RSVP gloria@cnews.net.
● November 20 – Coral Gables Community Foundation Wine Auction, Loews Hotel Coral Gables, RSVP gablesfoundation.org.
● December 2 – CGWC Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro 6:30 p.m. RSVP gloria@cnews.net.
● December 11 – Toy Drive/ Mixer at Intercontinental Hotel Doral.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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