Coral Gables Woman’s Club Havana Nights Casino Night, Carnaval on the Mile, and
Grape Stomping at Farmer’s Market were part of a fun-filled recent weekend in the City Beautiful.
As different as these activities may appear, they all took place within blocks of each other and offered visitors who were fleeing the brutal cold weather up north a great taste of South Florida. While members of the Coral Gables Women’s Club were decorating their clubhouse for an evening of gaming, food and fun a la Havana, Cuba in the 1950s, Coral Gables Farmer’s Market entertained visitors with some the usual fresh product and plants, food and some authentic grape stomping performed by several notables including Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason, Coral Gables Hospital CEO Jeffrey Welch and Coral Gables Chamber president Mark Trowbridge, who ultimately beat out the mayor for most juice by a mere quarter cup.
Meantime, Carnaval on the Mile drew crowds for musical entertainment, art and so much more. Hundreds of vendor and food booths lined the Mile with stages every few blocks where musical groups performed. Among the many talented artists displaying their work was a friend of this writer, Roxy Sora, who now has beautiful limited edition signed and numbered scarves that are copies of her original art, one of which she donated to the Coral Gables Woman’s Club for the Casino Night/Silent Auction fundraiser.
Speaking of that affair, which packed their clubhouse on Saturday night, guests enjoyed cigar rolling, Cuban food, gaming and shopping as the night began. As guests collected their purchases, more fun ensued as guests took to the floor for dancing into the wee hours. Kudos to these women who support a free children’s dental clinic serving the children of the working poor and providing more than $225,000 in free care annually.
Among the many working the event and responsible for its success were Mayra Dominguez, Debi Van Stone Moore, Linda Hartwell, Carmen Suarez, Ruth Martinez, Enid Miguez, Dr. Iris Torres, Eneida Rivera, Robin Burr, Susie Tilson, Vicki McGroarty, Mitzi Jenner and dozens more.
In other non-profit action, on Thursday, Apr. 23, for the 30th year, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run will take over downtown Miami with staging at Bayfront Park. This 5K (3-mile) Run/Walk, presented by Verizon, has earned the reputation of being known as “Florida’s Largest Office Party.” The event encourages participation by employees of businesses, corporations, government agencies, financial institutions and non-profits – regardless of company size – and incorporates a special competition to award the overall men’s, women’s and co-ed teams in 20 different industries.
Since the very first event in 1985, participant numbers have grown to include more than 33,000 individual racers and in excess of 1,200 South Florida companies. This evening race begins promptly at 6:45 p.m.
Entry fee is $40 per participant and no registrations will be accepted after Mar. 26. For information, contact TeamFootWorks at 305-666-RACE (7223) or visit <www.mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com>, <www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzCorporateRun> or <www.teamfootworks.org>.
Finally, save May 1 for a great event supporting two worthy charities. Give Kids the World Village, a favorite charitable program of the Westin Colonnade, and Coral Gables are joining forces to produce a spectacular evening of casino fun, food, silent auction, prizes and drinks. With an “Alice in Wonderland” theme, look for lots of surprises. Come in costumes, if you like, or cocktail attire. Tickets start at $75 per person. For sponsorship information or tickets, call 305 968-3090.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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