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October in South Florida has been a month filled with heartfelt stories of resilience, empowerment and giving back. From domestic violence awareness initiatives to cancer research fundraisers, local organizations have shown how compassion and community spirit can truly make a difference.
On Oct. 9, Sonya Aleman addressed the Coral Gables Rotary Club 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 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.
Echoing that same message of empowerment, 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 Oct. 18 at the Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM) in City Place.
The newly formed GFWC Doral West Dade Woman’s Club proudly partnered with WVN to make the event a success.
In another uplifting effort, the Beeliver Foundation, founded by Yolanda 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 chic tropical 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.
Speaking of uplifting, if you want a great night out, don’t miss the current musical, Spitfire Grill, at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre running through Nov. 2. The musical’s opening night crowd enjoyed pre-show Bacardi Bar and Pincho’s burgers and kebabs before settling down for a spectacular performance. Kudos to the cast with amazing voices, actors Emily Van Vliet Perea, Laura Turnbull, Jim Ballard, Kimberly Doreen Burns, Nate Promkul, Heather Jane Rolff, and Tom Wahl, as well as director David Arisco.
Events you may want to save on your calendar.
Oct. 29 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Howl-O-Ween Pawrade, its inaugural Dog Costume Parade. Bring a doggie in costume or adopt one to benefit Miami-Dade Animal Services; the event is at 1001 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables; admission is free; RSVP to aguillen030@yahoo.com
Oct. 31– Voices for Children Annual Luncheon, Loews Coral Gables (Hero costumes encouraged); for informationvisit www.beavoice.org
Oct. 31- Coral Gables Woman’s Club Halloween Party, Birdie Bistro; www.coralgableswomansclub.org
Now thru Nov. 2 – Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents the musical Spitfire Grill; RSVP to www.actorsplayhouse.org
Nov. 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island
Nov. 8 – The Miami Woman’s Club 125th Anniversary Gala
Nov. 13 – Elio’s Kitchen second annual Fashion Heart Beats fundraiser at Coral Gables Woman’s Club to benefit Holtz Children’s Hospital, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $125 per person; for tickets go to www.fashionartbeats.org
Nov. 14 – GFWC FL District 11 Meeting at Miami Springs Woman’s Club
Nov. 15 – Titanic, the musical at Jerry Herman Theatre, UM Campus 2 and 8 p.m.
Nov. 18 – CGWC Gringo Bingo at Birdie Bistro; RSVP to gloria@cnews.net
Nov 19, 8 p.m., and Nov. 20, 2 and 8 p.m., Titanic, the musical at Jerry Herman Theatre, UM Campus
• Nov. 20 – Coral Gables Community Foundation Wine Auction at Loews Coral Gables, 6 p.m.; www.gablesfoundation.org
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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