On April 30th, Gabriel De Armas, the President of the Rotary Club of South Miami and Director of Business and Community Development for Home Instead Senior Care, orchestrated the South Miami Rotary Club’s “Strike A Cause” Bowling Tournament that raised $1,400. The event, held at Splitsville in South Miami, combined a charitable fund raiser, sport, fun and fellowship. Attracting more than 70 members, friends and family , the crowd bowled the night away enjoying each other and Gabriel’s infectious personality and gregarious nature that are contagious. Just ask his fellow Rotarians who have enjoyed a great year under his leadership which will be turned over to another super social Rotarian, President Elect Mike Sutta, in the near future. Helping coordinate the successful night were local supporting sponsors including Trembly Law Firm, P.S. Financial, Second Chance Credit, The Ponce Society, Super Swipe and Vital Systems Support.
Rotary Clubs are service organizations that support and care deeply about local, national, and international causes. Proceeds from this “Strike a Cause” event and other similar fundraisers, will be sent to responders working with Rotarians to deal with the tragic and ongoing earthquakes being experienced in Nepal. Rotary International has pledged to match club donations; thus, South Miami Rotarians are sending $3,000 that will be matched for a total of $6,000 being sent for emergency aid in that devastated area of the world. To learn more about Rotary events and contributions, please contact: gabrieldearmasjr@homeinstead.com or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofSouthMiami.
Speaking of fun events, it is never too early to think about creating a Bed for the Coconut Grove Bed Race. Hold the date, November 7th, and start thinking about assembling a team to race. More on this in months to come.
In other news, The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame recently announced their new slate of officers: President, Gerard Loisel; President-Elect, Tracy Kerdyk ; Vice President, Richard Horton; Treasurer, Marc O’Connor; Secretary, Mead McCabe; and Immediate Past President, K.C. Jones. This active group’s next big event, the 2015 UMSHoF Celebrity Dolphin Tournament will be held June 26-27, in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Always a fund tournament, for more information call 305-284-2775. Sponsorships are still available!
Little Lighthouse Foundation’s second year of Learn & Earn closed on April 10th weekend with a celebration at Citrus Grove Middle School (CGMS). On Friday, the Little Lighthouse joined forces with the Miami Marlins for a spirit day that included lots of activities and prizes for students participating in contests to reinforce standardized testing strategies and etiquette. The following day, LLF hosted the final tutoring session of the year. LLF is yet another great volunteer organization in South Florida that make a positive impact and those wishing to give back may want to check out their volunteer opportunities.
Yet another great group looking for support saves the lives of infants. A group of prospective donors join the board of A Safe Haven for Newborns for a reception hosted by Smith & Wollensky on May 20th. As of this writing, Nick Silverio, rejoices in announcing they have saved 228 babies to date since he founded the organization. For more information on how to help this organization visit www:asafehavenfornewborns.org.
Finally, South Florida will miss a great man who made such a positive impact on South Miami and Coral Gables, John Sorgie. He was a dear friend to so very many, generous in time talent and treasure and an all-around great guy. A mentor to some, a buddy to others and a really smart businessman, civic leader and husband to his beloved Annie. John’s viewing and funeral service were held May 1 and 2 respectively drawing large numbers of people who both loved and respected him. From members of the Elks Club, Profit Inc, Rotary, Jr. Orange Bowl, to members of the Chamber, he will be missed by all. He was a man of vision who threw himself into whatever project he took on and achieved much success. We are all the better for having known him.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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