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District 6990 Rotarians, an international district that includes Nassau and Grand Bahama, boarded the Celebrity Reflection for a weekend cruise on May 3.
The conference included two volunteer service projects in Nassau with the local Rotarians while the ship docked there on May 5. While several Rotarians volunteered to help clear fields in a nature preserve, others participated with a promotional video to bring about awareness for human trafficking in Downtown Nassau.
The two groups later joined for a boxed lunch and tour at the preserve followed by a bus ride back to city center for some liquor infused ice cream at a shop owned by a local Rotarian who donated a portion of the day’s proceeds to the human trafficking awareness campaign effort.
Kudos to outgoing District 6990 Governor Barbara Gobbi and so many Rotarians who helped make this a memorable conference. Among the many attending with this writer were past district governor (PDG) Robin and Susan Shelly, PDG Peter Verbeck, Sparkie Folkers, Ana Fornaris Gallagher and Tom Gallagher, Greg Martini, Lina Pinzon, Yoli Woodbridge, Ligia Corredor, Jay and Mara Almeida, Alma Rita Alvarez, Manohar Mahajan, Norisa Glickman, Cori Gittner, Shirley Pardon, and Macel Zangger.
Angels for Humanity’s “Tea for a Cause” was sold out on Sunday, Apr. 18. This over-the-top extravaganza took place at The Biltmore Hotel where guests walked the red carpet with some outrageously beautiful royal attire while an ensemble provided music for the reception that welcomed a magnificent horse and carriage providing great photo ops on the Country Club courtyard.
The assembled guests later gathered for lunch in the Country Club Ballroom where there was no end to the entertainment and great food.
The program featured emcee Marta Bloom and Angels for Humanity founder and CEO Judith Joseph. Performances by two opera singers, a tenor and soprano Veronica Iovan singing some Bocelli favorites that brought tears, as well as the music of an amazing violinist Steven Avi.
Guests were treated to a short program about the organization’s mission of providing countless children a chance to succeed, flourish and overcome the challenges of poverty, homelessness and more. An auction followed to wrap up the day.
Among the many assembled guests were a major donor Steven Horowitz, as well as such notables as Marile Lopez, Dr. Rudolph Moise, Arely Ruiz, Danet Linares, Claudia Coupet, Karina Christancho Stepniewski and Steven Stepniewski, artist Carl Craig and Marie Donald Manigat, Pierre Yves Gardere, and Katrina Peebles.
Finally, a young entrepreneur, the remarkable Leila Hilliard, has mentored and created an opportunity for so many others like her by creating the Young Entrepreneurs Showcase held initially at Dadeland Mall and most recently at Miami International Mall.
On Saturday Apr. 27, her Produce with Purpose non-profit conducted its Fifth Annual Young Entrepreneurs Showcase. From Christmas ornaments, skin care products, and lemonade stands to jewelry and beyond, 14 creative young “Kid Bosses,” some as young 7 years old, wowed the shoppers with their poise, passion, and creativity.
Leila changed it this year by carefully selecting 14 businesses to present their sustainability-focused ventures and even added a grand prize. One exceptional young Kid Boss, Miriam Jackson, who has been in business for more than seven years with Miriam’s Lemonade Stand Collections, was awarded a $1,000 cash prize to fuel her business venture. Hilliard, and the esteemed panel of judges were impressed by all those young entrepreneurs, many of whom have shown great growth coming back year after year.
Speaking of exceptional kids, Leila is the poster child. You see Leila Hilliard, at 10 years of age, wanted to make and sell her own jewelry. With great parental support, she found a way to do that, and now is mentoring and helping children herself.
While she soon will be moving on to the Honors College at the University of Florida, she will continue this annual showcase event with ongoing support of International Mall’s Maria Prado and so many others. By the way all you Gator fans, note that Leila’s dad is the Gator great and NFL alum Ike Hilliard.
Until next time, share your time and talents, count your blessings, and make a difference.
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