We are already at mid year and summer seems to be almost over before it begins with numerous activities in the works for July and through the end of the year as organizations gear up for fall. This month is a busy one. Next up is the Annual Little Black Dress Party for Dress for Success. Ladies are invited to wear their favorite black dress for an evening benefiting Dress for Success on Saturday, July 28, 8 – 11 p.m., at Blue Martini Brickell. All general admission tickets @ $5 and raffle proceeds will benefit Dress for Success – Miami, an organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools women need to succeed in work and in life. Guests will have a chance to win luxurious designer giveaways, enjoy the best in live entertainment, sip complimentary champagne and specialty cocktails and receive entry into their designer raffle for a chance to win luxurious giveaways featuring – heels, luxury handbags, jewelry, spa and beauty gift certificates, weekend getaways, hotel stays, champagne packages, and much more.
For more event information: LauraC@bluemartinilounge.com or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blue-martini-brickell-the-little-black-dress-party-2018-tickets-46778826730.
In other news, on Independence Day, Rotary Clubs throughout the district seemed to have programs, picnics and more planned to celebrate our Nation’s birth. Coral Gables Rotarians shared their picnic event at Matheson Hammock with Executive Director of Global Ties, Annette Alvarez, and their visitors from 13 different countries from as far away as France, Nigeria, Romania, Turkey and Russia to Ecuador, Mexico and Papua New Guinea. While some played volleyball thanks to Pinecrest resident and Club Past President Greg Martini who brought the net and ball, others just enjoyed sharing stories with the international visitors and the great BBQ lunch from Shorty’s orchestrated by Past President Sally Baumgartner. Among the many enjoying the day were Club President Susan Fornaris and Sam Fornaris, Yolanda Woodbridge, Greg and Nancy Martini, Carlos Bolado, Bruce Kerestes, Terry and Charles Gomes, Keith Phillips, Bill Quesenberry, Frank Sexton, Hadley Williams, John and Helen Witty, George Reeves, Kelly Garces, Aaron Glasser, Ron Gerstl, Michaala Speijers, and Hatsi Kiyanitza, to mention a few.
That same evening Rotarians from the Miami Club had a party at the home Rotary Club of Miami Rotarian Don Van Orsdel and his wife Maria. Their beautiful home on the golf course provided guests with front row seats to the the fireworks display at The Biltmore Hotel. Among the many guests there enjoying food and fellowship that evening were Club President Dave Skinner and Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak.
Speaking of Rotary, our local clubs continue to serve our community with international and local projects from helping programs for our armed forces to conservation and more. Most recently, the Gables Rotary’s International Committee has decided to help with an effort brought to them by fellow Rotarian, Joan Reitsma, of The Giving Tree, as part of a Thrivent Action Plan Project called Operation Gratitude. Joan has a yarn and gift store at 248 Giralda in Coral Gables and has discounted yarns for those interested in knitting scarves, hats, etc for our men and women serving our country overseas. She will even get you started if you don’t know how to knit. This is a great way to learn a new craft and help our military stay warm this winter. For more information, email Joan at jlreitsma@aol.com. Other civic groups are welcomed to join the effort.
Finally, one of this writer’s all time favorite shows, The Big Bang, is opening this week at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Those who have already seen it are coming back for more….. it is that good. More on opening night festivities in the future.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
