On May 22, PARK (Perform Acts of Random Kindness) Advisory Council members enjoyed an Appreciation Breakfast get together hosted by Park Grove, a magnificent development being built in Coconut Grove. PATK founder and CEO Marly Q and husband Bert shared their excitement about this year’s race which promises to be better than ever. As in the past, the event will once again benefit multiple charities. Race day is October 3, 2015, and for the first time will be held on beautiful Virginia Key. Charities wishing to participate may register as a nonprofit and received half of the registration fees their team collects for their own charity. For any non profit thinking about holding a 5K to raise funds, think again. This is a way to have a race for your charity with no risk. For more information on this, visit www.5KParkFest.org.
Sharing proceeds from a fundraiser is not new to the Westin Colonnade either. In fact, for the last several years, the Coral Gables Westin Colonnade, whose pet charity is Give Kids the World Village a 70 acre resort in the Orlando area for children with life threatening illnesses, has underwritten a beautiful buffet breakfast. During that time, they have shared the $10 ticket price with any charity wanting to participate by selling tickets and keeping half of the money collected. This has always been a fun affair with door prizes, a silent auction and lots of other surprises including ice cream for breakfast as a dessert. Among the local charities already signing up to participate for this year breakfast are MADD, various Rotary Clubs, ASafe Haven for Newborns, Miami Christian School, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club Children’s Dental Clinic, Shine Bright Foundation, St. Thomas Episcopal Church Outreach Ministry, and more. The breakfast is scheduled for July 22, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.; so, those needing to get to work at 9 a.m. may come early and those with more flexible schedules may op to come later. Any charity wanting information on how to participate may contact this writer at 305 284-7379.
On the international front, the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Miami, whose offices are in Coral Gables, hosted a VIP cooking demonstration and tasting at San Ignacio College for the Doral Overseas Chinese Business Chamber in conjunction with the Overseas Community Affairs Council Republic of China (Taiwan) May 26. A cocktail reception followed the demonstration by international award winning Asian gourmet chef Pan Meng-jen and chef Tsai Wan-Litop who were flown over from Taiwan to create dishes for several events including the 6th Annual Asian Gourmet Gala on May 30, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Doral.
More than 100 guests gathered for Asian Gala that featured a seven course gourmet dinner that was over the top delicious. Among the many helping coordinate and enjoying the night were Charles Chang, Nubielena Medina, Juan Casamiro, and Marilyn Chou. Of course, Philip Wang was also on hand as the Director General of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Miami as well as Bruce Siddens, the Chairman of the Doral Business Council; Pete de La Torre and Sally Villalba, of the Pete de la Torre Hour on 880 Biz Radio; and Kent Crook, founder of the new Christian Chamber of Commerce of Greater Miami; to mention a very few.
By the way, TECO Director General Philip Wang, will be the featured speaker for the Doral Business Council’s Signature Breakfast on June 9th, at the Intercontinental Hotel. Just back from Taiwan, Philip Wang will provide some great information for this international themed breakfast. To reserve for that event, visit www.doralbusinesscouncil.org or call 306 470-9597.
Yvonne Elejalde, a very talented graphic designer and marketing professional for Douglas Elliman Real Estate, stepped up as a new member of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club to conduct a painting class that was both fun and educational. Best of all, the activity which was one of the club’s monthly fun nights helped raise funds for the club’s free children’s dental clinic that serves the working poor throughout Miami- Dade County. Members of the club come from all over Miami-Dade and even Broward Counties. Those wanting to serve the community and meet new people are welcomed to visit www.gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org
Until next time, keep making each day count.
If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via e-mail to gloriagalburns@aol.com.
