Shelley Daniel Rutherford brings sunshine with her wherever she goes. Born and raised in Coral Gables, she graduated from the University of Florida and married Tommy Daniel.
She became involved in the initial phase of creating the Coral Gables Museum hosting one of the first events at their home. After 30 years of marriage, Tommy died tragically. Shelley now is remarried happily to Larry Rutherford.
Shelly credits her mother, Eugenia Beckwith McCrea, with setting an example of giving back and helping people, something her Christian faith teaches in sharing your time, talent and treasure with the less fortunate. Volunteering over the years with Beaux Arts and Junior League also inspired her to be generous with her time. Receipt of the 2013 Miracle Makers Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters certainly was well deserved.
Shelley also has been involved in numerous community outreach efforts as a member of the Orange Bowl Committee for 14 years. As her boys, Beck Daniel, 35, and Trevor Daniel, 30, were growing up she worked with the PTAs of their various schools and the usual events associated with involvement in those schools. She was one of those who lobbied constantly for the renovation of the Coral Gables Youth Center that now is so beautiful.
Over the years Shelley has become involved, like a good citizen, with various political campaigns. She has chaired the Festival of Chefs for three years to raise money for the Easter Seals Center and even plays bingo with the clients once a month. It is something she loves doing. Because of her mother, who started the auxiliary to Easter Seals, Gilded Lilies, with Joan Caldwell, Shelley has supported that group over the years.
Not to let any grass grow under her feet, Shelley has served for 13 years on the board of the Lighthouse for the Blind, working for a short time with blind babies and helping in a summer camp. She also has been involved in her church’s Altar Guild reading to students.
Shelley is a woman with a huge heart and smile to match.
