Coral Gables Rotarians orchestrated an amazing Chili Cook-Off event on February 24, at Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park followed a few weeks later with a sold out Gringo Bingo fundraiser at Clutch Burger on Giralda Plaza. First up, the Coral Gables Rotary Chili Cook-Off was chaired by Pinecrest residents Greg Martini with his sidekicks Bruce Kerestes, who handled the chefs. Debbie Swain returned to tackle operations, while others helped with sponsorships and recruiting teams. The event raised thousands for the many charities of the Rotary Foundation of Coral Gables as well as dollars for scholarships with a silent auction and raffle coordinated by Terry Long Gomes.
Greg Martini’s son, Joey Martini, competed again with his Chiliteer buddies winning the youth category. It was great to see so many chefs, like Joey, returning year after year including a fun loving Rotarian and Realtor Zach Price, who always comes up with an unusual chili; and RCCG Past President Don Trombley, whose team has won many times and always puts on a good show. Also back again were the women of the (CGWC) Coral Gables Woman’s Club with Rita and Saesha Tennyson and Valerie Valenzuela. Saesha took over Chef duties from former Chef Valerie, who assisted again this year. CGWC new member Denise Valluerca whose Shell Lumber team did not compete this year, got Shell to donate supplies the woman’s club needed for their tent which won “Best Decorated.”
Community Newspapers is always a Media Sponsor but actually entered the competition and the chef duties fell on this writer who now has a new respect for those who compete and was blessed to have CN’s brilliant IT/ digital guy, Aaron Guerrero as our Sous Chef. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital was the People’s Choice winner this year with Overall Winner awarded to Don’s Hot Tamales Team with CRB Geological & Environmental Services coming in 2nd and St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in 3rd place. Look for all the winners on their website www.chilchillin.com.
Just a few weeks after the Cook-Off, Coral Gables’ Rotary’s benefited from Clutch Burger’s inaugural Gringo Bingo fundraiser created by Clutch owner Steven Bradley. Bradley and celebrity DJ Germaine, who donated his services, entertained a sold out crowd on March 5 for this unique Gringo Bingo experience to benefit charity. RCCG President Dr. Susan Fornaris, of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, was on hand to support the event and most grateful that Steven and Ana Bradley chose Coral Gables Rotary’s veterans program at the Veterans Administration Hospital as the event’s first beneficiary. Guests enjoyed Clutch sliders and drinks under the sky with perfect weather. Kudos to Clutch Burger for underwriting the event and the numerous restaurants who donated prizes and cash the event made more than $1,650 for the programs at the VA Hospital chaired by Yoli Woodbridge.
In other news, congratulations to South Florida’s very own St. Hugh Catholic School. At this year’s 27th Annual Future City Finals Competition in Washington D.C. , the school’s team was awarded the prestigious Best Indoor Environment Award, sponsored by ASHRAE, for their future city model.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
