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It’s always inspiring to see people in our community take action to make our world a cleaner, kinder place — and lately, Rotarians and Women’s Clubs have been leading the way.
On July 12, Rotarians gathered at Matheson Hammock Park and Marina for what’s called a Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo. Volunteers — some on boats, some on land — worked together to pull in 112 abandoned crab traps and 782 pounds of trash. The surprise of the day? Someone even found a Gucci purse!
Coordinating this and other environmental efforts for Rotary District 6990 across the tri-county area is Robert Bull, president of the Rotary Club of Pinecrest. Robert is especially passionate about tackling the problem of plastics in our waterways — a concern shared by so many who love South Florida’s natural beauty.
That same spirit of service was alive and well with the Brickell Rotary Club, which teamed up with Clean Miami Beach and the Nobu Hotel for a special beach cleanup. This one honored Japan Ocean Day, a national holiday in Japan, and was a beautiful gesture of friendship to Miami Beach’s sister city, Fujisawa.
Seventy volunteers showed up and collected 270 pounds of trash. Among the Rotarians lending a hand were Roberto Reyes (with baby Alicia), Valentina Montes, Valeria Zapata, and Natalia Numa.
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs District 11 is jumping on board with a “no plastics” initiative. The Coconut Grove Woman’s Club members spent the summer upgrading their historic clubhouse and celebrated its new sound system on Aug. 2 with a lively dance party fundraiser coordinated by Marlene Erven. DJ Nicholas Martin kept the music going while guests enjoyed tasty appetizers and a cash bar.
Among the many helping make this event a success were Lina Duque, Kat Sitton, Freda McMillan, Jeanie Heller, Nancy Boggio, Lisa Remeny, Mimi Lara, Travis Swain, Jonathan Welsh, Catherine Swain Pendlebury, and Robert Deresz. The event was such a hit that president Illine Davila already is getting requests to make dance parties a regular thing.
Meanwhile, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) has been busy raising funds for great causes. The group’s monthly Gringo Bingo continues to be a hit, and in July they went above and beyond, hosting two fundraisers in one week at Birdie Bistro. The first, on July 22, benefited the Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy for Community Education (ACE Academy). The second celebrated member Rita Tennyson’s birthday and raised money for Voices for Children, which supports foster kids, and The Women Voice Network, which empowers survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Thanks to the generosity of Rita’s friends, CGWC sponsors, and donors, each organization received $500 — a gift that will touch countless lives.
A recent annual breakfast at Denny’s, hosted by Lynn Bauer and Dr. Hal Wanless, gave the ACE Academy teachers a chance to turn in classroom wish lists, receive donated school supplies, and meet the school’s new principal, Geneva Green.
Ruth Marinez, PhD, past president of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, and this writer presented a $500 check for the principal’s special fund from Gringo Bingo proceeds, while several other presented other donations. Luis Valenzuela, founder of the Miami Show Museum, gave each teacher a door prize ticket for a chance to win more than a half-dozen beautiful shoes he donated. All in all, it was a great opportunity for donors to meet the amazing teachers whose dedication has changed the lives of so many at risk young people.
Dates to save:
Aug. 30 – Orange Blossom Classic, FAMU vs Howard, Hard Rock Stadium; orangeblossomclassic.com
Sept. 6 – Coral Gables Bar Association Installation Gala, 7 p.m., Loew’s Coral Gables Hotel
Sept. 9 – CGWC’s Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro, 6:30 p.m., RSVP gloria@cnews.net
Sept. 13 – LEAP’s Second Chance Gala, 6 p.m., The Hotel Colonnade, $280 per person; info@leapforladies.ccsen
Sept. 25-28 – General Federation of Woman’s Club FL, Fall Board, Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando
Oct. 2 – Beeliver Havana Nights, The Biltmore Hotel, 6:30-9 p.m., $150 per person, RSVP @bee.liver; 305 310-3585
Oct. 4, – 11 a.m.-1 p.m., FRC’s 28th annual Strike Against Child Abuse Bowling Tournament at Bird Bowl, 9275 SW 40 St., to benefit Family Resource Center; www.frcflorida.org
Oct. 4 – Out of Foster Foundation/Citrus Family Care Network’s “Hope Under the Stars Gala” at Trump National Resort, 7 p.m., for info www.outoffoster.org
Oct. 24 – The Home Team 10th anniversary Masquerade, 5-9 p.m., $500 per person
Oct. 25 – Alfalit International Groove Ball (1960s attire), Trump National Resort, Cocktails start 6:30 p.m., contact info@alfalit.org
Oct. 31 – Voices for Children Annual Luncheon at Loews Coral Gables
Nov. 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island.
Nov. 13 – Miami Lighthouse’s “See the Light” luncheon at The Biltmore Hotel; for info contact csisser@miamilighthouse.org
Nov. 14 – GFWC FL District 11 Meeting, Miami Springs Woman’s Club
Until next time, remember — small acts of service can make a great impact. Stay safe, be kind and make a difference.
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