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The Association of Fundraising Professional’s (AFP) Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon was held Nov. 2 at Jungle Island. Honorees for the coveted awards presented that day were David Lawrence Jr., Ron Book, Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez Esq. Family Foundation, Bilzin Sumberg, The Frederick A. Deluca Foundation, and Julie and Charlotte Krass, all of whom have made a huge positive impact on our community.
AFP president Melissa Wetzel, CFRE worked with the National Philanthropy Luncheon co-chairs Christine Perez, CFRE and Mélida Matos and Arely Ruiz to orchestrate that memorable day during which table sponsors were able to present their own honorees awards.
Miami’s Community Newspapers was delighted to honor Dr. Ruth Martinez who is serving her second term as president of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club among her numerous other philanthropic activities. Mostly recently, Ruth also was honored as the Rotary Club of Coral Gables Citizen of the Year.
Speaking of Rotary, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables held a movie night on Nov. 5, featuring a movie based on a true story about Coach TJ and his team titled I Will Soar. The movie night came with an open bar, lots of food and popcorn plus a terrific inspiring documentary.
The affair raised $10,000 that will support Amber’s Room, an amazing after-school program at the Villages of Liberty City, introduced by the Urban League of Greater Miami. Jane Swanko, the writer/director of the award-winning film, and Tomey Sellars, the singer in the film, as well as football great and general manager of University of Miami football Alonzo Highsmith, were on hand to address the audience and field questions.
Aside from Amber Hayward, guests included many sponsors and donors such as RCCG president Frank Sexton, past presidents Sally Baumgartner (who coordinated the event), Greg Martini, Yolanda Woodbridge (who sponsored the bar), Don Slesnick and Carlos Bolado.
Among others enjoying the night with this writer were Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Jerry Beverly, Merlin Ebbert, Jenny Azcuy, Jeffrey Solomon, Bill and Chie Quesenberry, Hadley and Jennifer Williams, and Dipak Joshi. Also in attendance were football players Jeremiah McClendon and Marquis Waters from Coach TJ’s Atlantic Community High School football team on which the documentary was based.
In other news, “Gringo” Steven Bradley, with sidekick celebrity DJ Germain, of IHeart Radio, helped the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club raise big bucks for charity with the club’s Nov. 13 Gringo Bingo at Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen. The club shared proceeds with the Alzheimer’s Association and were delighted that Lillian Ser/Ser & Associates stepped up once again for Alzheimer’s to be the main sponsor along with monthly sponsors Lynn and Hal Wanless, Jerry Kavulich, and Carlos and Mayra Rossi.
Next up for the Coral Gables Woman’s Club is its Roaring Twenties Centennial Gala, on Saturday, Dec. 2, at its historic clubhouse. This promises to be a memorable evening that is packed with fun, surprises, great entertainment, dancing, silent auction, open bar by Bacardi, and more. From appetizers provided by celebrity chef Chris Valdes, delicious dinner by Rita Tennyson/R Catering, and desserts provided by the 4 Sisters Rum Balls, you are sure have a memorable dining experience. Among the main sponsors as of this writing are The Allen Morris Company, South Florida PBS, and Miami Dade County Commissioner Kevin Cabrera. Proceeds will benefit the club’s free children’s dental clinic providing dental services for approximately 500 children every year.
For more information on the clinic, membership of purchasing tickets, visit gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
On the cultural front, the upcoming 36th season of Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre was previewed on Oct. 29 for an Actors’ fundraiser attended by more than 125 supporters at The Watermark at Coral Gables. It was a magical night as executive producing director Barbara S. Stein, founding chair Dr. Lawrence E. Stein and artistic director David Arisco were on hand to welcome guests to this preview and to thank longtime dedicated donors and season ticket holders who have been instrumental in the growth and success of Actors’ Playhouse over the years.
This extraordinary evening was made possible by the generosity of The Watermark at Coral Gables, along with the in-kind donations from Bacardi and Vicky Bakery. Guests enjoyed special appearances from the cast of Sweet Goats & Blueberry Señoritas (opening night Nov. 10), esteemed playwrights Richard Blanco and Vanessa Garcia, and captivating performances by Marcos del Risco, JL Rey, Gabrielle Graham, and Becca Andrews.
The new season also includes a marvelous musical, Legally Blonde. While Legally Blonde’s star, Becca Andrews, could not attend in person, her audition video was certainly one of many highlights that evening. Theater lovers will want to get in line to buy their season tickets now at actorsplayhouse.org.
Finally, on Nov. 7, The Villagers invited the public to the Coral Gables Museum to preview a new book Coral Gables, part of the Coffee Table Journeys Collection, by author-illustrator José Gelabert-Navia. Villagers Immediate past president Susan Medina was on hand to introduce Gelabert-Navia, a professor and former Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Miami and practicing architect with the firm Perkins + Will. Gelabert-Navia then took the stage to speak about the illustrations, answer questions and sign books that were on sale that night for a special price.
Among the many enjoying the evening was Alana Perez, who retired from Pinecrest Gardens and almost immediately took the presidency of The Villagers — and who better?
Coming up next is a huge event. On Dec. 9, look for The Villagers’ Holiday House Tour & Boutique,10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, go to www.thevillagersinc.org.
Until next time, share your talents, count your blessings and not your challenges, and make a difference.
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For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
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