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Elio’s Kitchen hosted a meaningful fundraiser on Nov. 13 at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club.
Elio’s Kitchen founder, Cristina Lama Evensky, recently joined Gloria’s Gab LIVE Show to share the organization’s mission of providing emergency supplies and financial aid to families of critically ill children — and supporting frontline workers “one meal at a time.”
That same week, 13 clubs from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) District 11 gathered for their Annual District Meeting at the Miami Springs Woman’s Club. District director Dr. Ruth Martinez introduced guest speakers Sara Dessureau, GFWC Florida state president, and Rachel Sturgis, GFWC FL’s director of Junior Clubs.
Highlights included the election of Shirley Pardon, past president of The Miami Woman’s Club, as District 11 director for 2025–27, and recognition of Iline Davila, president of the Coconut Grove Woman’s Club, who accepted a trophy for recruiting the most new members this year.
During the meeting, Sara Dessureau announced that the goal of raising $150,000 for the Flight of Honor for women veterans was exceeded. Thanks to the generosity of members, GFWC will provide an all-inclusive trip beginning with dinner in Lakeland before a chartered flight to Washington, DC. Veterans and their escorts — all women — will visit historic landmarks, including Arlington Cemetery, before returning home to a warm welcome from club members. She also noted that plans are underway to establish a national monument in DC honoring important women.
Speaking of women’s clubs, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club presented a Veterans Month program featuring retired Air Force Lt. Col. Duilia Turner on Nov. 12. Turner shared her experiences as a foreign affairs advisor and scientist, supporting shuttle missions at Cape Canaveral — including NASA’s STS-95 with Sen. John Glenn — serving as chief meteorologist for President Barack Obama aboard Air Force One, and leading the Women, Peace, and Security Program at U.S. Southern Command. Kudos to Civic Engagement chair Ann Ryan for coordinating this inspiring program.
In other club news, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, which operates a free children’s dental clinic, welcomed representatives from the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation on Oct. 22. Past president Barbara Lapsley, who has written the club’s grants for years, greeted Aldo Busot, John Edward Smith, Peter MeKras, Laura Russo, and Dr. Dean Rolle, expressing gratitude for their continued support.
The club’s next Gringo Bingo is set for Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Birdie Bistro. The lively Steven Bradley, from Vivo at Dolphin Mall, will emcee, with music by the multitalented Alex Guillen. A $30 donation includes a drink and 13 bingo cards, with proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run on Dec. 6, at Tropical Park — where Santa will be onsite.
From Dec. 3 to 9, the public is invited to a week of free choral concerts at 550 Biltmore Way for the annual Merrick Festival Choir Competition. Enjoy the voices of school choirs from all over the county. This event promises to get you in the spirit of the season. Kudos to fellow Coral Gables Rotarian Sally Baumgartner who produces this event year after year.
Also on Dec. 6, The Villagers Holiday Home Tour, “A Stroll in the Grove,” offers a festive way to kick off the season with boutique shopping and treats from Rita’s pop-up café.
Events to put on your calendar:
Currently running – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org pharaohs
Dec. 2 – CGWC Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro 6:30 p.m. RSVP to gloria@cnews.net; $30 per person includes 13 bingo games and one drink
Dec. 3-7 – Merrick Festival Caroling Competition and Dec. 9 – Award Show 550 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, admission is free to the public
Dec. 4 – Marine’s Toys for Tots Reception at Intercontinetal Doral- 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free with donation of an unwrapped gift.
Dec. 6 – Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run at Tropical Park, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. Run/Walk
Dec. 6 – The Villagers Holiday House Tour “Stroll in the Grove”
Dec. 12 – Celebration of 10th anniversary of the dedication of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doral
Dec. 9-17 – Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Tournament
Dec. 14 – Junior Orange Bowl Parade; visit juniororangebowl.org
Dec. 27-30 – Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament
Jan. 3-6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament at Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily
Jan. 4 – King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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