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Several South Florida clubs from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) District 11 recently attended the state organization’s annual Fall Board held at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando. There was much to celebrate as the district’s newest club, the GFWC Doral West Dade Woman’s Club, was welcomed officially into the Federation.
GFWC Florida president Sara Dessureau and director of Junior Clubs Rachel Sturgis presented a gavel, a certificate, and a celebratory gift to the club’s president (this writer) and members Dr. Ruth Martinez and Arely Ruiz. Both women are also members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, which sponsored the new Doral West Dade club.
Adding to the excitement, astronaut Cady Coleman delivered an inspiring keynote presentation and signed copies of her new book, Sharing Space: An Astronaut’s Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change, which sold out immediately. Her message of courage and collaboration perfectly complemented the weekend’s theme of service and empowerment.
Conference attendees also celebrated the impressive progress of GFWC Florida president Sara Dessureau’s President’s Project — Flight of Honor — which will take GFWC women who have served in the military on an all-female honor flight to Washington, DC, in March 2026.
The goal of raising $150,000 for the project nearly was reached during the event.
It’s also a banner year for another District 11 club, The Miami Woman’s Club, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a spectacular gala on Nov. 8 at its historic Biscayne Boulevard clubhouse. Event organizers Rita Tennyson, Cora Atkins, and club president Metris Batts promise an unforgettable evening.
The philanthropic spirit continues locally as organizations across Miami-Dade host events supporting children and families in need. On Oct. 4, the Out of Foster Foundation (OOFF) and Citrus Family Care Network held their Hope Under the Stars Gala at Trump National Doral. Guests enjoyed live music, artistic sketches, and a lively auction. The evening was emceed by six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Laurie Jennings with guest speaker Sen. Ileana Garcia, vice chair of the Florida Senate’s Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee.
OOFF founder Rudy Bustamante, who recently appeared on Gloria’s Gab LIVE, discussed the foundation’s mission to support young adults transitioning out of foster care — providing them with housing, education, and life-skills support. Among the many notable guests were Miami-Dade tax collector Dariel Fernandez; Coral Gables assistant city manager Carolina Vester; Miami-Dade property appraiser Carlos Garcia; United HomeCare CEO Carlos Martinez with wife, Gretta; Chapman Partnership CEO Scott Hansel; Dr. Hal Wanless; Lynn Bauer; Jerry Kavulich; Jose Fuentes; Blanca and Hector Ceballos; Howard Wolfman; Ettore and Sandra Sabatella of the Doral Family Journal.
That same day, the Family Resource Center (FRC) hosted its annual bowling tournament at Bird Bowl, another sold-out fundraiser. The Coral Gables Woman’s Club fielded a team for the first time, enjoying a day of friendly competition, laughter, and camaraderie. Organizer Idania Lemus and Melissa Vera ensured participants were well-fed with pizza, hot dogs, and refreshing beverages. Players ranged from semi-pros to those who could barely break 100, but everyone agreed it was a strike for a great cause.
Save the Dates
Oct. 25 – A Safe Haven for Newborns Gala, Intercontinental Miami, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 – Chapman Partnership’s Illuminations Gala, JW Marriott Marquis
Oct. 31 – Voices for Children Annual “Be a Hero” Luncheon, Loews Coral Gables
Oct. 31 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Halloween Party, Birdie Bistro
Nov. 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island
Nov. 8 – The Miami Woman’s Club 125th Anniversary Gala
Nov. 13 – Elio’s Kitchen Second Annual “Fashion Art Beats,” Coral Gables Woman’s Club
Nov. 14 – GFWC FL District 11 Meeting, Miami Springs Woman’s Club
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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