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September has been a month filled with one classic event after another, and the pace is ramping up for an even more spectacular October. From Miami fall fundraisers to Coral Gables community events, there is no shortage of reasons to celebrate.
A sold-out crowd gathered at the Coral Gables Bar Association installation gala on Sept. 6 at the Loews Hotel. Guests in elegant evening attire enjoyed a lively reception with music, cocktails, and appetizers before dinner.
The installation ceremony, officiated by Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel, was both inspiring and celebratory. The 2025-26 officers of the Coral Gables Bar Association sworn in were: president Daniel C. Fors, president-elect Elina Magaly Santana, treasurer Vanessa Michaud, and secretary Ian Illych-Martinez.
They will be joined on the board by immediate past president Alberto Manrara and colleagues Brian Barakat, Bruce Bounds, Julian Catala, Andres J. Corea, Madelin D’Arce, Rodrigo Fernandez, Javier L. Gonzalez, Jerome J. Kavulich, Monique Lavender Greenberg, Veronica Lopez-Calleja, PJ Mitchell, John P. Murray, Augusto Perera, Claudia Pernudi, Tomas Pila, David Segrera, William Sussman, and Vaness Vasquez de Lara.
On Sept. 5, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami hosted its Tropical Extravaganza: Benefit Dinner at the Rusty Pelican on Virginia Key to launch the inaugural Miriam’s Mentees Mentorship Program. Co-chaired by Norma Jean Abraham, Jill Daley, and Sharon McIvor, the event raised nearly $73,000 and was a tropical celebration in every sense.
Guests danced before dinner to live entertainment from saxophonist Jorge Perez and singer Steve Fatal, with a spirited raffle drawing closing out the evening. Among the many notable guests were BBBS COO Rebekah Lanae Lengel, director Gale Nelson, the Hon. Bronwyn Miller, Migna Sanchez-Llorens, Norma Lindsey; Carol Suroweic, Meme Ferre, Isabel Cancela, Miriam Almer, Shirlee Fernandez, Kathleen Monahan, Raquel Watters, and Rita Fernandez.
The Rotary Club of Coral Gables continues to bring engaging speakers to its weekly luncheons at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. Recent highlights included T.J. Villamil, president of Business Development at eMerge Americas; former Coral Gables Commissioner Kirk Menendez, who shared the history of the Coral Gables Youth Center, and G. Scott Hansel, president and CEO of Chapman Partnership for the Homeless. These events reflect the Rotary’s commitment to service and community learning.
Earlier in the month, the Orange Blossom Classic drew thousands of fans to Miami over Labor Day weekend. Events included the FIU-Bethune Cookman football game, a luncheon with community leaders, and Saturday’s marquee matchup between Florida A&M University and Howard University. Howard clinched a narrow victory, but the legendary FAMU Band brought down the house with a dazzling halftime show.
This year’s Classic carried extra significance: the very first Orange Blossom Classic in 1933 also featured FAMU vs. Howard, marking a special nod to tradition. Executive director Kendra Bulluck recently joined me on Gloria’s Gab LIVE to share more about the history of the Orange Bowl Classic and its cultural impact.
Looking ahead, the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library are preparing for their annual Late at the Library: Beyond Books Benefit on Saturday, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., at the Coral Gables Branch Library. Guests will enjoy gourmet food, wine and refreshments, lively conversation, and a silent auction — all to support the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
For more than 50 years, the Friends have championed library advocacy in Miami and provided vital funding for programs that serve families and students every day. Tickets are $200, with sponsorships available.
Upcoming events to mark on your calendar:
Oct. 4 – Hope Under the Stars Gala, Trump National Resort, benefitting Out of Foster Foundation & Citrus Family Care Network
Oct. 4 – Actors’ Playhouse Gala honoring Dr. Lawrence and Barbara Stein, www.actorsplayhouse.org
Oct. 8 – CGWC Ballads for a Bath Karaoke Night fundraiser, Birdie Bistro, 6:30 p.m., $40 donation includes four songs and one drink
Oct. 11 – Fifth annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, Miami Gardens
Oct. 11 – Late at the Library: Beyond Books Benefit, Coral Gables Branch Library, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 18 – Women Voice Network fundraiser, 2-5 p.m., Location TBA
Oct. 25 – 13th annual A Wonderland in Safe Haven Gala, Intercontinental Hotel Miami, 7 p.m., www.asafehavenfornewborns.com
Oct. 25 – Chapman Partnership Gala, JW Marriott
Oct. 28 – Women Voice Network fundraiser, 2-5 p.m., location TBA
Oct. 31 – Voices for Children Annual Luncheon, Loews Coral Gables (Hero costumes encouraged), www.beavoice.org
Oct. 31 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Halloween Party Fundraiser, Birdie Bistro, $40 per person, GFWCcoralgableswomansclub.org
Nov. 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island
Nov. 8 – Miami Woman’s Club 135th Anniversary Gala
Nov. 13 – Elio’s Kitchen second annual Fashion Art Beats, Coral Gables Woman’s Club, 6:30 p.m., www.FashionArtBeats.orgIn closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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