General Federation of Women’s Clubs District 11 director Elizabeth Kourtesis Fisher led the charge for clubs assisting with the Sept. 15 Honor Flight taking veterans from MIA to Washington, DC, for the day to reflect on their memorials and thank them for their service to our country.
Members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club prepared and donated 165 breakfast snack bags for the vets and those volunteers accompanying them on the flight, like Elizabeth from the Miami Springs Woman’s Club. Donna Myrill coordinated the snack bags with CGWC members participating that morning including Barbara Lapsley, Tiffany Perez, Kim Davison, Valerie and Elizabeth Valenzuela, Ana Lam, Kristina Jackson and Vicki McGroarty.
It was a long day as volunteers arrived at 3:30 a.m. to set up for the morning departure while many other volunteers were on hand later that evening for their welcome home.
In other news, longtime supporters, sponsors and board members of A Safe Haven for Newborns (ASHFN) gathered for a pre-gala celebration sponsored by Smith & Wollensky–South Beach whose general manager, Henry Delgado, is a member of the organization’s board of directors.
The restaurant provided guests with an open bar, yummy hors d’ouevres and a beautiful setting.
ASHFN’s CEO and founder Nick Silverio thanked the many sponsors several of whom were represented including Gina McDowell from Coastal Construction; Arnie Perez with wife, Carmen, and Doug Eney, from Carnival Cruise Line; Jackie Gutstein of Baptist Health South Florida; Efrain Sora, board member, from Global Insurance; Roxy Sora of Artful Fashions; Dr. Francisco Medina with wife, Eva, from Baptist Hospital Pediatrics; Aurora deArmas, NCL, and Dr. Jaime Fernandez, a neonatologist and new ASHFN board member.
Also seen enjoying the evening with this writer were longtime supporter State Rep. Rene Garcia; ASHFN board member Jerome Hurtak and wife, Donna; Dr. Humberto Barrios and wife, Beverly; Marti Bueso; Coral Gables Woman’s Club member Theresa Gilmore; Judy Ruiz; Ann McCormick, and Gina Perez. Everyone enjoyed a heartwarming video that demonstrates A Safe Haven for Newborns’ outreach and how it has helped saved more than 287 babies from abandonment and possible death.
The upcoming gala for A Safe Haven for Newborns promises to be another stellar event and will be at the Intercontinental Hotel Miami on Oct. 20. You will want to bring your credit card for their sensational silent auction and other wine and jewelry options. Guests will enjoy a great program, entertainment, cocktail hour, dinner, open bar, and more. Individual tickets are $225 per person and sponsorships still are available. For more info, visit www.asafehavenfornewborns.org.
Also, on Oct. 20 is another great event, Coral Gables Woman’s Club fifth annual Halloween Haunted House Party at the clubhouse, 1009 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd. in Coral Gables. This is the best Halloween party in town for only $35 per person advance purchase/ $40 at door. Guests will enjoy music by DJ Johnny, costume contests, dancing, prizes, hors d’oeuvres and more with a cash bar. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit GFWCCoral Gables WomansClub.org.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
