Students were the focus of many of these area events

Education and “Green” programs were high on the agenda this past month. The Dade Association for Academic Non- Public Schools (DAANS) held their annual student recognition luncheon on April 21 at the Doubletree Hotel. More than 800 students, educators, family and friends attended this luncheon with students from more than 75 schools. Among the major sponsors for the event was Gulliver Schools, a school with a long history of supporting education, both public and private. Among the many area schools attending were Temple Beth Am, Westminster as well as Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, whose wonderful choir provided entertainment throughout the event.

In other education/green news, 125 students from 25 South Florida public and private high schools showcased their eco-science projects, eco-friendly meals and seed germination research during the Fairchild Challenge annual Research Projects Showcase competition. The Fairchild Challenge is a South Florida-based environmental outreach program founded in 2002 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden during that offers students a showcase for their projects. Four types of projects were included in the showcase: LEED-Certified Science Classroom, Green Cuisine, Solar Inventions and Seed Germination Study.

GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club honored their outgoing President, Pam Schaefer, with a party following her final board meeting of the club year. Schaefer opted not to have the Club’s Annual President’s Reception in her honor because she wanted everyone to focus on raising money for the club’s free children’s dental clinic and was brought to tears by this loving gesture from the membership. Among the many on hand to celebrate were Pam’s husband, John Schaefer, and daughter, Sandy.

Schaefer had just returned from the Florida Federation of Women’s Club convention where, as winner of a raffle for Heifer International, she became Heifer royalty for the weekend with all the trimmings. She even perfected the royal wave.

Also honored with Schaefer was CGWC fellow club member, Mireya Kilmon, who was named FFWC Volunteer of the Year from among 14 women representing their districts in the State of Florida. Kilmon is the current American Image National queen 2009-2010 and will be the Chairperson of the 2nd Annual Arthritis Walk, at Crandon Park, on November 13.

Kristi House, an organization that provides a healing environment for all child victims of sexual abuse and their families, regardless of income, through prevention, treatment and coordination of services with our community partners, held their Breaking the Silence Luncheon. Leon Medical Centers was once again the lead sponsor for this annual affair, held this year at The Biltmore Hotel on April 23 to a packed ballroom.

Guests heard testimonials and were encouraged to help break the silence on child sexual abuse. Kristi House is also planning a Mother’s Day fundraiser on the Liberty of the Seas, to be held May 9. For information and tickets, go online to kristihouse.org. Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers.

Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via e-mail to gloriagalburns@aol.com .

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A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.