At a recent Installation Dinner for the GFWC Coral Gables Women’s Club, one new member shared that joining the club filled a void she did not know was there. That is certainly a beautiful testimony for a club that attracts women from all over Miami-Dade and even some from Broward County. With a children’s free dental clinic and countless outreach efforts, this is one busy group of women making a positive impact on our community. Gulliver’s own Deborah Van Stone Moore was installed as the club’s 2016-18 president on May 4th by Past President of the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs, Charlyne Carruth, at a lovely affair orchestrated by CGWC Past President Mireya Kilmon.
Installed that evening were Board of Directors’ Executive Committee for 2016-18 : 1st Vice President, Ruth Martinez; 2 nd Vice President, Susie Tilson; Treasurer, Nancy DesMangle; Recording Secretary Valerie Valenzuela; Assistant Secretary, Yvonne Elejalde; 1st Director, Mayra Dominguez; 2nd Director, Linda Hartwell; 3rd Director, Mireya Kilmon; Dental Clinic Director, Dr. Iris Torres; and Clubhouse Director, Barbara Lapsley.
New members inducted that night included two who missed their first ceremony and got a make up, Yvonne Elejalde and Arely Ruiz, both of whom are taking on leadership roles from the start. Yvonne will not only serve as Assistant Secretary, but will also be the Arts Chair and participate in the PR committee. Not to be outdone, Arely will take on the Chairmanship of Fundraising (Gala) and also serve on the PR Committee..
Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the annual Barbara Rosenthal Leadership Award by outgoing President Mayra Dominguez to Carmen Suarez. Carmen not only chaired the club’s first annual gala but has also held many other positions including the position of club secretary.
While Malls around town held Mother’s Day events and Teas at their various locations, Fashion for Charity beat them to the punch with their 5th Annual Tea at 2 on April 30th. This afternoon of tea, fashion, shopping and inspiration, was coordinated by Diane Superville and held at Granada Presbyterian Church to benefit the Fashion for Charity scholarship fund and community workshops. The affair included a great line-up of speakers including such notables as a celebrity lifestyle coach and award winning best selling author, Kathy Andersen, who addressed the crowd on ways to make positive personal changes, and renowned artist Carlos Marrero who gave instructions on ways to use his unique scarves with the beautiful Miss Art Deco Tyeshaa Hudson assisting as a model.
By the way, Kathy Andersen was also be the guest speaker at the Coral Gables Chamber’s
Non Profit Task Force event on May 20 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas at the Port of Miami. The affair, sponsored by Royal Caribbean, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Superville Travel, began in the morning and included a tour of the ship, lunch and a workshop ending at 2 p.m.
Finally, save the date of July 13 for Give Kids the World Scoops of Hope Breakfast at the Westin Colonnade 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. Charities are welcomed to call 305 968-3090 to learn how to fundraise with this event. Sell tickets for $10 and keep half of that for your charity.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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