The beautiful weather this time of year makes it especially busy for those wanting to do it all.
These include outdoor events such as the Coral Gables Rotary Chili Cook Off on Feb. 24, 1-5 p.m., at Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park just south of Miracle Mile in the Gables. This year’s event chair once again will be Greg Martini who initiated the event during his term as club president. Sidekick Bruce Kerestes is handling chefs while Debi Swain and others are managing other operations.
The RCCG ‘s Scholarship Foundation Committee, headed by Terry Gomes, will be conducting a raffle during the event as well as a silent auction — so, there will be lots to eat, drink and buy. Admission is free but there is a small donation for those wanting to taste the chilis. Proceeds from the event benefit numerous charitable programs supported by the Rotary Foundation of Coral
Gables. Those interested in participating may register at chilichillin.com.
Speaking of outdoors, Agave’s CFO, Greg Schwartz, gave Rotarians a detailed look at the plans and progress with the $7 billion project transforming Ponce Circle (Rotary’s Chili Cook Off Park) in downtown Coral Gables. Look for Agave to spruce up Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park which will enhance future events there.
Speaking of outdoors activities, on March 9, 8 a.m.-noon, at Amelia Earhart Park, 401 E 65 St. in Hialeah, look for the sixth annual A Safe Haven for Newborns Walk. Grand marshal leading off the Walk will be Steve Stowe, vice president/executive director of the Miami Heat Charitable Fund. He has been 19 years with the Miami Heat, two years of which in this current role.
Since the Heat Charitable Foundation was created, Stowe’s efforts on behalf of the Heat organization have helped raise more than $20 million for local non-profits. Of course the heart and soul of A Safe Haven is its founder, Nick Silverio. Among the organizations amazing group of volunteers is Norris Perez who seems to work on every committee and has chaired the walk year after year.
Those interested in supporting this effort may join as a team captain, member or individual and every penny you raise helps ASHFN save babies from abandonment and potential death. Nick and Norris promise a fun day with food, music, and entertainment for the entire family.
For more information visit www.ASafeHavenforNewborns.com or email norris.perez@halo.com.
Yet another walk for a great cause will be on Saturday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m., to benefit the Scleroderma Foundation. Hundreds will gather at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek to support the 15th Annual Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk/Run. This is a disease that has no known cause or cure and and can effect any organ with one of the most visible signs apparent when it effects the skin. The Scleroderma Foundation looks to raise money to educate and fund research.
For more information visit scleroderma.org. To register for the visit online scleroderma.org/steppingoutsoutheastflorida. Sponsorships are available starting at $250 to $5,000.
Finally, remember to buy your tickets or make a donation today to support the Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic. The club’s gala with its Mardi Gras theme promises to be an amazing evening of food, open bar, entertainment, dancing, silent auction and more. Tickets still are available at $125 per person.
For more information and updates, please visit the club’s Facebook page: @GFWC Coral Gables Womans Club or www.gfwccoralgableswomansclub.com. Tickets are available on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2EDWzel.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
