Halloween highlights: Nonprofits put ‘fun’ in fundraising

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Halloween 2025 brought out creativity and community spirit as South Florida nonprofits hosted festive events that blended fun with purpose.

On Oct. 29, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club transformed its historic ballroom into a “Paw-rade” where dozens of dogs strutted their stuff in adorable costumes. Guests enjoyed treats, music, dancing, and pet vendors, while event chair Alex Guillen partnered with Canine Companions to showcase rescue dogs available for adoption.

Festivities continued across Miami-Dade. The Coconut Grove Rotary Club hosted a Halloween Bingo, while other Rotarians held a Monster Mash. On Halloween day, the Voices for Children’s “Be A Hero” luncheon at Loews Coral Gables drew a sold-out crowd, including Miam-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a VFC co-founder. Attendees embraced the superhero theme, raising vital funds for foster children.

Meanwhile, the Junior Orange Bowl launched its event season, preparing for the county’s largest parade on Dec. 14. New executive director Mimmi Balaam, a University of Miami alum from Australia, shared her vision on Gloria’s Gab LIVE. The show was a way to introduce Mimmi, discuss her background, and promote the upcoming season already underway.

Coming up soon is the JOB’s annual basketball tournament. For JOB Basketball chair Chuck Little this is the main event of many he holds during the year. Of course, JOB is probably best known for its world-class tennis and golf tournaments, both of which are free for spectators. If you want to see future pros, there is no better place. For information on all the events, visit Jrorangebowl.org.

Beyond festivities, global causes found a local stage. On Nov. 3, Football for Peace, FIU’s Institute of Environment, and the FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee hosted Unity / Water Youth Activation Day, combining sports, science, and sustainability. Sixty local teens explored Biscayne Bay by boat, joined by Olympic gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, former NFL player Johnathan Cyprien, and other athletes.

Finally, Coral Gables Woman’s Club members kicked off holiday shopping for a cause. A Lele Reis Jewelry Pop-Up at Suranas in Merrick Park benefited the club’s Free Children’s Dental Clinic, thanks to designer and CGWC member Leticia Matheus, a longtime supporter of the club’s charitable mission.

Upcoming 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

Through Nov. 23 – Miami Book Fair, Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus

Nov. 18 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro on Granada Golf Course, 7-9 p.m., $30 per person, RSVP to gloria@cnews.net

Nov. 20 – Coral Gables Community Foundation Wine Auction, at The Plaza, 2811 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Seventh Floor, Coral Gables, RSVP gablesfoundation.org.

Dec. 2 – CGWC Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro 6:30 p.m.; RSVP gloria@cnews.net; $30 per person includes 13 bingo games and one drink

Dec. 3-7 – Merrick Festival Caroling Competition; Dec. 9 – Award Show, 550 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, free to the public.

Dec. 4 – Marines Toys for Tots Reception at Intercontinetal Doral- 5:30-7:30 p.m.; admission free with donation of an unwrapped gift

Dec. 11 – Toy Drive/Mixer at Intercontinental Hotel Doral

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

Dec. 27-30 – Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament

Jan. 3-6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament, Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily

In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.

 

 

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A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.