The Rotary Club of Perrine-Cutler Ridge/ Palmetto Bay partnered with Robert Morgan and Cutler Bay Academy packaging meals for 130 families in need. Maria Kesti and Kackie Sera-Sirven were among the many there to enjoyed this outreach effort that epitomizes the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. Meanwhile Coral Gables Rotarians collected boxes of Christmas ornaments to delivery on Thanksgiving Day when about 20 members and their families volunteered to serve meals.
If you have children or grandchildren, Actors Playhouse for Young Audiences has a great way to get into the holiday spirit with its production of A Christmas Carol, the Musical. Of course, this is based on Charles Dickens wonderful novel and promises to warm the heart of all. In fact, as an added treat the Director of the Theatre for Young Audiences Earl Maulding, will play the part of Ebenezer Scrooge whom the Cratchit family and “Spirits” convince to change his “humbug” ways. The musical runs through December 23, 2018 at 4 p.m. During this run, there will also be a toy drive. Anyone bringing an unwrapped toy for the Neighbors4Neighbors drive will receive a flexible anytime ticket for Musical Theatre for Young Audiences good for the remaining 2018-19 season. To purchase tickets, call 305-444-9293 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org.
Harlem Globetrotters star El Gato Melendez , the team’s first Puerto Rican born player, visited Miami to talk about the team’s 2019 Fan Powered Word Tour last week. This tour marks the Harlem Globetrotters 93rd consecutive season traveling the world and they are coming to the Watsco Center at the University of Miami, on December 8, 2018, at 2 p.m. Leading up to this, the Harlem Globetrotters have added five new records to their growing list of Guinness World Record titles and recently celebrated Guinness World Records Day with an impressive somersault basketball shot made by one of the team’s biggest stars, Bull Bullard, at a staggering 58 feet, 1.25 inches away from the basketball hoop. Their brand new Fan Powered World Tour will provide fans with fans constant opportunities before, during and after each event with ways to directly interact with the team’s stars.
In other news, on November 15th, thousands of philanthropists set sail on the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, for the ship’s maiden voyage to benefit United Way of Miami-Dade’s community assistance programs. Philanthropic Honorary Chairs were Constance and Mike Fernandez and Co-Chairs, Conchi and Tony Argiz and Carol and Ed Williamson.
Speaking of philanthropists, the National Philanthropy Day Award Luncheon, orchestrated annually by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and co chaired this year by Andria Hanley and Adlar Garcia, was held November 2. This year’s honorees were Coastal Construction receiving the Julia Tuttle Award and accepted by Mike and Patrick Murphy; Linda Coll for Carnival receiving the Outstanding Grant Maker Award; Bob Dickinson who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Taylor Moxey awarded as the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy; Ana VeigaMilton presented with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award; and Tony Argiz who received the James W. McLamore Volunteer Award.
Finally, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club is collecting $15 Target gift cards for their patients in the club’s free children dental clinic. Coral Gables Hospital has once again offered to take collections to provide these children with what is possibly their only gift for Christmas but more are needed. Those interested in helping members with this drive may call this writer at 305 968-3090.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
