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Spring is just weeks away and activity already has ramped up.
ABBA fans enjoyed a tribute band, ABBA Revisited, during Paws4You’s 2022 Gala, “Mama Mia Here We Go Again!” at the JW Marriott on Feb. 25. Numbers are still out but word is they made more than $100,000 that night to support this non-profit organization that rescues pets and finds them good homes.
With a fun ’70s and ’80s theme, most all were attired in disco and hippie-themed outfits adding to the fun. The evening was packed with things to do and eat from caviar, cocktails, and a silent auction to dinner, concert and a live auction with Cynthia Demos and the very entertaining celebrity auctioneer, John Curley from California.
A generous crowd helped raise lots of money while bidding on amazing trips and, of course, an exquisite watch from Chopard, the presenting sponsor. During the cocktail hour they even had some adorable puppies for guests to see that were, no doubt, adopted shortly after.
Founder and CEO Carol Caridad was so grateful for the community support she receives on an ongoing basis. Kudos to the co-chairs of the night, Ann Rubino and Kathy Cowan.
Among the many attending this sellout affair were Jean-Baptiste Maillard of Chopard, Norma Jean Abraham of The Anthony Abraham Foundation, and Renee Reichling of First National Bank of South Miami.
The General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) District 11 Arts Luncheon attracted GFWC Clubs from District 11 for an arts competition and lunch at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club clubhouse on Feb. 23. Members from clubs including Cocoplum, El Portal, Miami, Miami Springs, Hialeah, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Homestead and more gathered for a brown bag lunch instead of the usual buffet to play it safe.
Each club brought their first-place winners’ items to be judged with the first place winners in district going on the be judged at the GFWC FL state convention in May.
At that same luncheon, Elizabeth Kourtesis Fisher was announced as GFWC FL District 11’s Volunteer of the Year and awarded her prize and flowers by District 11 director Brenda Merrill. At the GFWC FL Convention in May, Elizabeth will be honored along with those state finalists representing other districts. At that time, the Volunteer of the Year for the State will be announced.
Speaking of women’s club, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Gringo Bingo on Mar. 1 attracted a record crowd with the half of the $2,000 proceeds to be shared with The Villagers, who have made several grants to help CGWC preserve the club’s historic clubhouse and upgrade lighting. It was a party as always with Steven Bradley as emcee and bingo caller and DJ Germain generously donating his services providing music.
Before the games started, CGWC president Ruth Martinez and this writer, presented the founder and CEO of A Safe Haven for Newborns (ASHFN) with a check for more than $1,300 that was raised for ASHFN at the February event. Nick thanked everyone and two of the ongoing sponsors attending that night, Elizabeth Gamez Vazquez and Frank Vazquez of EZ Title Services and 1st Empire Elite Financial. Save the date, Apr. 5, for the next Gringo Bingo. To RSVP, email gloria@cnews.net.
The South Miami Rotary Art Festival returned on Feb. 26-27 with lots of great art food and entertainment, all to benefit scholarships and the many charitable efforts of the Rotary Club of South Miami. The weather was perfect throughout the weekend and kudos go out to so many Rotarians and others volunteering their time.
As always the First National Bank of South Miami provided the headquarters where organizers coordinated work with other volunteers. Among the many hard working members at the event were Renee Reichling, vice president of festival sponsor First National Bank of South Miami; Sabrata Basu; Doreen Reitenauer; Laurie Kahn; Wendy Lapidus; and Roy Gonas.
Just one day later on Feb. 28, The Woody Foundation Lobster Fest was another great success. This soldout affair took place at Coral Reef Yacht Club.
Lobster Fest is one a several events held during the year to raise to help those with spinal cord injuries cope much like Woody Beckham whose father, Bill, was a recent guest on Gloria’s Gab LIVE on February 21. To view this show that also featured the co-chair of the South Miami Rotary Arts Festival, Laurie Kahn, visit
www.facebook.com/Communitynewspapers/videos/971746796881615/.
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s 2021-22 Diamond Ball, will be held Apr. 2 at Lowe’s Miami Beach Hotel. Juan Carlos (JC) Mas, chair and CEO of Mas Group of Companies and his wife Vivian Mas were recently announced as the 2021-22 inductees into the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame. During the Gala, the couple will be recognized for their philanthropic support and contributions to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the South Florida community over the past 25 years.
Their son, Sebastian, faced life-threatening complications as an infant and was admitted for 28 days at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. When Sebastian made a miraculous recovery, on his first birthday the family donated $1 million to the hospital. Since then, JC has served on the hospital’s Board of Directors as a member and chairman. For more information on the Gala visit NicklausChildrens.org/DiamondBall.
Finally, the 34th annual Junior Orange Bowl Creative Writing Contest is around the corner. The competition is for eighth graders only and entries must be received online or postmarked by Mar. 18. The theme for this essay competition is “How Can Art and Music Change Our Lives?” The awards ceremony will be on Apr. 10. For more information, call 305-661-1210 or go online to jrorangebowl.org.
Until next time, keep making each day count, share an act of kindness every day and stay safe.
