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The Voices for Children Gala, themed “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” was nothing short of breathtaking as it took over the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne on Jan. 10.
The sold-out evening welcomed 600 beautifully dressed guests and raised an impressive $1.5 million to support Voices for Children’s vital work with foster youth. Guests were greeted with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in a magical setting accented by towering, illuminated blooming flowers — perfect for the photo ops everyone loves.
A silent auction, violinist, and a dramatic move into an equally stunning ballroom for dinner, program, live auction, and dancing made the night one to remember.
Coming up at month’s end, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, is one of my personal favorites — the 47th annual Miami Lebanese Festival. If you’re looking for a cultural experience that feeds both body and soul, this is it. You won’t find better festival food anywhere, most of it handmade by church members and absolutely delicious. With large tents, plenty of seating, lively music, dancing, and wonderful company, it’s truly the best bang for your buck on the festival circuit.
In other news, The Monday Forum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community development through fellowship and shared learning, held its January meeting at Fleming’s Steakhouse in Coral Gables. Forum chair Bob Trescott introduced guest speaker Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, president of The Miami Foundation, who captivated the audience with insights into current data and trends in philanthropy.
Among those in attendance were Lew Temares, Chris Zoller, Richard Bermont, Aida Levitan, Marilyn Holifield, Brian Keeley, and Elise Grisoni.
On the service club front, Coral Gables Rotarians rang in the New Year with their legendary Moose Milk Party at Matheson Hammock Park — a decades-long tradition coordinated this year by acting president Sally Baumgartner. Members gathered on New Year’s Day with potluck favorites, including Southern black-eyed peas for good luck, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of Moose Milk. (For the record, Moose Milk is a blend of vanilla ice cream and gin—one combination this writer politely passed on, though those who indulged seemed to enjoy it.)
Among those celebrating were Bruce Kerestes, Frank Sexton, Bill and Chi Quesenberry, Carol and Jasper Brock, Debbie and John Swain, and Sue Padalino.
And finally, for the first time ever, the 42nd annual King Mango Strut on Jan. 4 began with a lively pre-party at noon featuring the School of Rock Coconut Grove House Band and the Miami-Dade County Pet Adoption Trailer, complete with adoptable pets. By parade time, thousands lined Commodore Plaza and Main Highway, with hundreds more joining the route in assorted groups.
It was great to see the longtime “Marching Freds” and strong participation from the Coconut Grove and Coral Gables Woman’s Clubs. As always, the visual feast included stilt walkers, dancers, comical units, floats, and outrageous parodies — from a “Trump–Epstein Friendship” statue to “Foxy News.” At King Mango, nothing is sacred—and that’s exactly the point.
Upcoming events for your calendar
Now through March – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org›pharaohs.
January – The Titanic Immersive Experience opens presented by South Florida PBS. For info visit www.southfloridapbs.org.
Jan. 28 – Second annual Launch Party for the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival, 6-8 p.m., Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove
Jan. 30-Feb.1 – 47th annual Miami Lebanese Festival, 2055 Coral Way, Friday and Saturday 6 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday, noon-8 p.m.
Feb. 7– Coral Gables Woman’s Club Children’s Festival, 1001-9 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; free admission
Feb. 10 – CGWC Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro; 6:30 check in, bingo from 7 to 9 p.m.; RSVP Gloria@cnews.net
Feb. 27 – Rotary Club of Coral Gables Piano Concert to benefit the club’s international outreach, Coral Gables Congregational Church, time to be announced
Feb. 28 – 135th anniversary Gala for Coconut Grove Woman’s Club. 6 p.m. cocktails; 7 p.m. dinner and program
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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