VFC Gala raises $1 million, Jr. OB and King Mango Strut usher in 2024

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2024 is off to a wonderful start with some incredible events in South Florida.

Voices for Children’s Gala knocked it out of the park raising $1 million at last count thanks to generous donors and sponsors. Almost 500 guests gathered at the Mandarin Oriental on January 6, with a spectacular affair chaired by Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz, Gabriela Ibarra, and Ron Goncalves. Guests included a list of notables including countless philanthropists, elected officials including Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and people devoted to the cause. A stunning reception included lots of entertainment and a silent auction followed by a live auction, dinner and dancing while raising funds for the Guardian Ad Litem programs and related initiatives. President and CEO Kadie Black was a recent guest on my show with Danny Rodriguez, of Blue Missions, to talk about the amazing work they are doing with kids in foster care together. For information on the organization’s efforts and to donate, visit www.beavoice.org.

The Junior Orange Bowl Golf Championship offered free admission during the tournament. Only the best amateurs in the world are invited to play in this event that has seen the likes of Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia. This year’s championship was chaired by JOB Past President Steven Gonzalez, and in the past has always brought young players from almost every continent in the world. This year’s champions were Kayla Bryant, from Boca Raton, FL, and Darren Zhou, from Hong Kong. Past President J.R. Steinbauer and Steven Gonzalez shared the honors of presenting the trophies which stay at The Biltmore with the champions’ names engraved.

Coconut Grove came alive, as always, with craziness and fun at the Annual King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove on January 7. Rain delayed things a bit but folks stuck in for a fun-filled afternoon of laughs. This irreverent spoof on the former King Orange Jamboree Parade never disappoints, with participation by so many including the Coconut Grove Woman’s Club and Coconut Grove Rotary Club. Several members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club even participated with the “Marching Freds” as “Friends of Fred.” One of the most entertaining groups marching was the “Ronnie Horror Picture Show” in full costume and choreographed dance moves. Kudos to all for a wonderful day.

On January 28, Archbishop Thomas Wenski’s annual charity bike ride kicked off at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 11691 NW 25 Street in Doral. After registration at 7:30 a.m. and mass at 8:30 a.m. conducted by Archbishop Wenski, a massive group of motorcyclists kicked up their stands and headed for Peterson’s Harley-Davidson South where they enjoyed prizes, live entertainment and food trucks. Proceeds benefitted St. Luke’s Center, a program of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Miami, Inc.

In some other good news, A Safe Haven for Newborns (ASHFN) recently saved its 388th and 389th babies, Caleb and Cyrus. ASHFN’s founder & CEO Nick Silverio works 24/7 at no pay to save babies from abandonment and possible death, and helps expectant mothers in their times of crisis with a hot line. Those saved called him “Uncle Nick,” a name he loves and one that is most appropriate. To support Nick’s efforts and that of ASHFN visit www.asafehavenfornewborns.com. Also, save the date, May 17, for ASHFN’s “Tee Off for Cause” Golf Tournament at Trump National Doral. Always a great fundraiser for such a worthy cause and tons of fun.

Finally, on the cultural front, coming up January 31 through February 25, you will want to buy tickets for Legally Blonde the Musical. This wonderfully funny award-winning production based on the movie by MGM and book by Amanda Brown, is a must see at Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre featuring a great cast. For tickets, go to www.actorsplayhouse.org.

Until next time, share your time and talents, count your blessings, and make a difference.

 

 

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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.