Coral Gables Woman’s Club started a series of Halloween related events on Oct. 21 with its annual Haunted House Halloween Party. Wild costumes, great food and music always make this the best deal in town. Kudos to Barbara Lapsley, Marilyn Smit, Iris Torres, Ralph Rivera, Linda Hartwell and so many others for another stellar event.
On Halloween, lots of businesses enjoy the day with costume contests and more. Community Newspapers, with executive editor Michael Miller dressed as Caesar, was one such group. Coral Gables Hospital, whose administrative team was attired in Stars Wars costumes set the stage for the comepition among various hosptial departments and were entertained big time by an America’s Got Talent team performance.
A bingo fundraiser for the victims of the earthquakes in Mexico took place on Nov. 1 following a short meeting at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club. The club’s International Department, chaired by Mitzi Jenner, orchestrated the fundraiser with lots of help from Mayra Dominguez and meeting hosts Valerie Valenzueal and Arely Ruiz. The club, with members coming from all over South Florida, encourages women interested in giving back to visit the website at GFWCCoralgableswomansclub.org.
That same evening club president Debi Van Stone Moore presented the Member of the Month Award to Dr. Iris Torres, the club’s Dental Clinic director who not only has her own dental practice but always handles the club’s free clinic. Iris is always there with her husband, Ralph, and family whenever help is needed.
Speaking of CGWC, club president Deborah Van Stone Moore of Gulliver Schools is among the many “Spirit of Philanthropy” table honorees at the upcoming AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon at the Hilton Downtown on Nov. 17. Miami’s Community Newspapers is proud to recognize Debi at the luncheon. Featured among the main honorees that day will be the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, a longtime supporter the CGWC’s Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic. More on this event in subsequent issues.
The seventh annual A Safe Haven for Newborns Gala packed the ballroom at the Intercontinental Miami on Oct. 21, when hundreds gathered to support this organization that has saved, in just the past 12 years, 269 babies from abandonment.
CBS4’s Lauren Pastrana emceed the evening introducing the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation “A Safe Haven for Newborns” founder Nick Silverio. Taking the podium, Nick expressed his gratitude to all who attended and made the event possible including major sponsorship from the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation.
Nick called up Thomas Abraham, chair of the board of the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, to whom Silverio presented the prestigious Monarch Award. Other notables recognized from the stage included artist Roxy Sora, who provides an original piece of art every year to the event and donated one of her beautiful wearable art tunics; Norris Perez, auction chair; event ambassador, State Sen. Rene Garcia; Foundation director, Henry Delgado of Smith & Wollensky that hosts the gala launch party; Miami’s Community Newspapers; Charles Smith, ASHFN hair; ASHFN directors: Dr. Francisco Medina, Jerome Hurtak, Efrain Sora and Chief Otto Drozd, and many others. Nick also surprised Gina Perez, a longtime volunteer and ambassador, for her outstanding contributions to the organization calling up a teary eyed Gina to receive a very special award during the program after which dancing and more merriment began.
South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Women’s Society held a luncheon at The Biltmore Hotel to benefit breast cancer research with a great panel moderated by Cynthia Demos. This group is active with monthly meetings all over town and always with great program orchestrated by Lily Garcia and her board. Panelists provided great insight and information on breast cancer, risk factors, treatment, and more.
As we approach the end of the year, there are lots of dates to start filling your calendar. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, 4 p.m., join the fun as the annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade travels down Miracle Mile with lots of bands, floats, children and more. For tickets or additional information visit jrorangebowl.com or call 305-662-1210.
Finally, non profits are encouraged to list your events on Community Newspapers’ website at cnews.net. The listing is free.
Until next time, keep making each day count. Make a difference!
