South Miami Rotary outreach extends to homeless assistance in downtown Miami and most recently on Sunday, August 26.
South Miami Rotary partnered with Servidores del Servidor, a partnership that initiated through a recently departed Rotarian Ernesto Lafontaine and the South Miami Club members represented by Jeff McNabb, who was Rotarian of the Year for 2017, current President-Elect and Treasurer, along with Zilkia-Marie Denis (an unofficial honorary member of their club). The volunteers that day served food, water and human comfort (through compassion and taking time to learn of their stories) to more than 100 homeless, located at various locations from overpasses to parking lots, taking this humanitarian service to at least half a dozen locations. In fact, Zilkia-Marie went above and beyond by personally donating a large box filled of personal hygiene (mostly feminine lotion) projects, which turned out to be a big hit. Jeff shared that one of the homeless they served was moved that he donated a dollar to help with their supplies, while another thanked them for coming “just in time”, which they speculated might have averted a suicide attempt. Obviously, this club, like so many other Rotary Clubs, is being lead by leaders with a big heart.
Speaking of great leaders, the Junior Orange Bowl has them in abundance. Leading up to its 70th anniversary kick off celebration on September 20th at University of Miami’s Newman Alumni Center, the organization had a busy August with a volunteer appreciation networker on August 16th, a 70th Birthday Bash at Kendra Scott on August 18, and then a Back to School fundraiser at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza on August 21.
For those interested in becoming involved in volunteering, the Junior Orange Bowl events offer many opportunities to serve. Specific events that are held over several days can especially use more volunteers such as Sports Ability Games, Basketball and Tennis. The event was held at the award-winning Best Brokerage for four consecutive years: EWM Coral Gables – South Miami where members and volunteers gathered to discuss this upcoming Junior Orange Bowl Festival Season providing a networking social to stay connected while also serving as a way of thanking the remarkable people who have chosen to dedicate their time and energy in support of the Junior Orange Bowl. For more information on becoming an Orange Serve Volunteer, visit www.juniororangebowl.org/how-to-help/volunteer.html or for more information call 302 662-1210.
Finally, still time to sign up for some great events for charity. Coming up on September 22, look for St. Jude’s Walk/Run at Tamiami Park, 10901 SW 24 St. 6:30 a.m., race time is 7 a.m. Registration for Walk is $10 or for the Run, registration is $20. For more information, call Jessica Cerda at 305 537-1422 or register online at www.stjude.org/walkrun.
In other event dates to save: October 20, A Safe Haven for Newborns Gala will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, 7 p.m. Tickets are $225 per person and may be purchase online at asafehavenfornewborns.org. To date, ASHFN has saved from abandonment more than 282 infants.
For those who love Halloween parties, the best one in town is produced by the Coral Gables Woman’s Club and will be held at their clubhouse, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., 1009 East Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables. Tickets for this 5th Annual Haunted Mansion Party are $35 in advance or $40 at door. This is a 21 years or older event. St. Jude’s
Until next time, keep making each day count.
