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The spring convention for General Federation of Women’s Clubs Florida (GFWC FL) provided the hardworking members of the area women’s clubs an opportunity to learn and to be recognized on a state level for all their efforts.
Nearly 500 women, including many from of our South Florida women’s clubs, attended the convention at the end of April at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando. Educational workshops, business meetings, and presentations provided a full weekend of programs highlighted by the announcement of award winners in numerous areas of service.
GFWC Florida State president Sara Dessureau entertained the Friday after dinner crowd with a game of Simon says but this time it was “Sara Says” with proceeds from the games to benefit the President’s Project-Flight to Honor.
On Saturday night, guest speaker Rob Scheer gave a powerful talk. Scheer, the author of A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Family at a Time, has a podcast ranked No. 1 for topics relating to foster care and adoption. Following the dinner program, guests lightened the evening with bingo and other parties to conclude a hard day of collaborating with sister clubs. The convention wrapped up with a Sunday luncheon featuring Ginny Whitten, manager of One More Child and founding member of Loft 181, a clothing boutique that serves teenage girls in foster care and those rescued from human trafficking.
GFWC FL District 11 clubs received awards including the following: Coconut Grove Woman’s Club for most creative entry in Membership that will go to GFWC National for competition with clubs from all other states; Coco Plum Woman’s Club which received second place in Fundraising and Development, third in Human Trafficking & Awareness, second in Legislation & Public Policy, and third in Education & Libraries; Coral Gables Woman’s Club awarded first in Communications and Public Relations, first in Leadership, and third in Fundraising & Development; Miami Springs Woman’s Club that received a second place in Health & Wellness, and Miami Woman’s Club received first place in Domestic Violence, second in Environment, and second in Women’s History & Resource Center. Congratulations to all.
Speaking of GFWC outreach efforts, at this time of the year, we are more likely to be outside — walking, running shopping, or simply engaging in outdoor activities. If you are confronted by an attacker, Coral Gables Woman’s Club wants you to be prepared and to that end is offering a free Women’s Self-Defense Class at its clubhouse, located at 1001-9 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd., on Wednesday, May 14, at 6 p.m. This class is perfect for women of all skill levels. Whether it’s your first time or as a refresher. The public is invited to come and invite your family and friends.
While many were in Orlando for that GFWC convention, other GFWC members held the fort at home attending various charity events. Notable among the happenings in April were Family Resource Center’s “Art from the Heart” Gala at Mana in Wynwood and Actors’ Playhouse 34th annual “Reach for the Stars” Gala Auction. Both were successful as always.
FRC moved their event to Mana in Wynwood which is an amazing large space giving them additional room to display the art up for bid and to entertain the crowd of art enthusiasts with characters who tied into the event’s theme, Alice in Wonderland. Guests raved about the event and I suspect Mana will be seeing many more events there in the future.
On the business scene, members of Profit Inc. recently held a member social hosted by Fogo de Chão at Dadeland. As one of oldest business networking groups in South Florida, Profit Inc. president Carlos Ribero and the board, with video podcasts at Miami’s Community Newspapers, have helped members grow their businesses and tell their stories like never before. Among members and guests enjoying the networking at Fogo de Chão were Susan and Mike Sutta, Lawanda Loftus, Jerry Kavulich, Felipe Isaza, Vicente Cruz, Daneza Socarras, and Robert Beans.
Finally, here are some other events to mark on your calendar
May 14 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Self Defense Class, 6 p.m., free to all.
May 16 – Eighth Annual Tee Off for a Cause Charity Golf Tournament at Red Tiger Golf Course. Call 305-882-1305, ext. 104, or send email to safehaven@asafehavenfornewborns.com.
May 16 – United HomeCare’s 30th annual Claude Pepper Awards Luncheon, 11 a.m., at The Pullman Hotel.
May 23 – GFWC FL District 11 Meeting at Coral Gables Woman’s Club, 1001 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd.
June 18 – 12th annual Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association Annual Conference & Exhibition, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment, 501 Palm Ave., Hialeah; for info or to register, visit www.gmfea.org.
June 28 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club fundraiser, cruise on MSC World America, 7 nights/8 days from $959. For more info, call 954-900-5942 or visit www.HappeningOutTravel/CGWC/.
Oct. 31 – Be A Voice Luncheon at Loews Coral Gables to benefit Voices for Children.
Nov. 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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