Holiday Family Fun Day 5K Race presented by Mitchell & West LLC is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 a.m.
Run in front of Coral Gables City Hall, the location lends itself to the various fun activities on hand for the children that morning. Look for cash prizes, trophies and awards for racers in multiple divisions. Best of all, the proceeds will benefit the Alzheimers Association. Those interested in participating should visit www.familyfunday5k.com.
That same day, the 28th annual Villagers’ Holiday House Tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tour will feature five historic Coral Gables homes showcasing the theme “Timeless Relevance” with members of The Villagers on-hand giving guided tours through the homes pointing out significant features such as Mediterranean influences, use of native coral rock and the colorful accents found in the iconic Chinese Village.
Attendees also will have an opportunity to shop at a gift boutique, participate in a quilt raffle and enjoy holiday treats. Guests will walk and drive in their own vehicles between the properties. Note that venues cannot accommodate wheelchairs or strollers and the owners request no high heels or photography.
Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance on-line at www.thevillagersinc.org or by sending a check and self-addressed, stamped envelope to: The Villagers Inc., PO Box 141843, Coral Gables, FL 33114. Ticket holders will receive tour directions with their ticket purchase.
Brickell Rotarians partnered on an international project with a Rotary Club from Tlalnepantia, Mexico, a club celebrating its 60th anniversary by coming to Miami. Approximately 38 Rotarians, their spouses and a few children made the trip staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Coral Gables . During their visit, Rotarians from around the district gathered for a Happy Hour at The Globe in Coral Gables to celebrate on Nov. 12.
In other news, Ocean Waves Quilt Guild’s Community Quilts chair Geraldine Tucker, who also serves on the board of Sunrise Community, visited the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Nov. 4 meeting at the invitation of the organization’s vice president of development Margaret Feldman. Geraldine has been on the Sunrise Board for the past 30 years and believes wholeheartedly in supporting community organizations that provide meaningful services in the community which, of course, also ties in with Sunrise Community’s mission of providing people with disabilities the assistance and support necessary to enable them to live valued lives in the community.
That said, Geraldine brought with her several beautifully crafted handmade lap quilts that were presented to the club for its children dental clinic to keep children receiving free dental care happy and warm during their visits. They will certainly make for a comforting touch. The talented ladies who make these quilts put a lot of love into each of these one-of-a-kind quilts and dental clinic director Dr. Iris Torres was delighted with the generous donation. Also benefitting the clinic will be a holiday boutique on Dec. 3. For more information on the club’s clinic and membership, visit www.gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
For information on the boutique, contact belletil@bellsouth.net.
Coral Gables Woman’s Club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month and typically alternated between a business and a program or fun night meeting. Women wanting to serve the community are encouraged to attend.
During the most recent meeting, members were treated to a talk by Noureen Ahmed, a student at the University of Miami who spoke about HOBY, a leadership program developed and initiated by Huge O’Brien, whom many may remember played the role of Wyatt Earp on television. Noureen experienced this program as a shy high school sophomore and related how it changed her life. Those with children going into their sophomore year may want to ask their child’s school about this incredible program.
Those participating in Smartride for HIV charities will be familiar with this club that year after year hosts two water stops during this 165-mile two day bike ride from Pinecrest to Key West. This is one of many outreach activities this club does in addition to supporting their own free children’s dental clinic.
CRU held a Vision Breakfast at the University of Miami Student Union during which Christian students of all denominations and several alumni shared testimonials that both educated and inspired the audience. The event sponsored by, among others, Allen Morris and EWM’s Ron Shuffield, included a silent auction that helped raise funds for various worthy programs.
Miami Lighthouse conducted its 10th annual “See the Light” Luncheon at Riviera Country Club on Thursday, Nov. 12. Hundreds of South Florida’s philanthropists and community leaders packed the club for this lunch, generously underwritten by Nostro Jones PA, GenSpring, Comcast and Brown & Brown Insurance.
The always entertaining Coral Gables Chamber president and CEO, Mark Trowbridge, emceed the program. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres provided by Norma Jean Abraham and a special keynote presentation made by Comcast’s Accessibility Team. Miami Lighthouse also honored Exile Books for its recent exhibition “Listen To This Building” which made downtown Miami architecture and its buildings accessible to the blind. Monster Sound Productions also stepped up to partially underwrite Audio/Visual for the lunch.
Finally, members of Profit Inc. gathered for an open house at the office of Coral Gables dentist Dr. Joe Briggle. This is one of the oldest business referral groups in Miami-Dade County andmeet every other Thursday at 94 Aero squadron for lunch. Joe Briggle has been a member for decades and is a past president as well. For more information on Profit Inc., visit profitinc.org.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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