Spring events help fund kids aging out of foster care

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The month of May was packed with charitable events, not the least of which was a VIP social at Trump National Resort on May 12, hosted by the Out of Foster Foundation (formerly known as the Magic Waste Foundation). Gathered at this beautiful venue were long-time supporters of the work being done by the Out of Foster Foundation (OOFF) and Citrus Family Care Network for those young people aging out of foster care and have no safety net.

Guests at the affair enjoyed an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres while learning about the ongoing efforts being made to help those young people. The Out of Foster Foundation helps provide critically needed assistance from housing to training and more.

That evening president/CEO of Citrus Family Care Network Mario Jardon praised the efforts of OOFF after which Rudy Bustamente, founder of the Out of Foster Foundation, presented a check for $48,000 to the Citrus Family Care Network for its work in carrying out the mission of providing comprehensive services to support families and children in need aging out of foster care.

Also lending a hand in that effort, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) provides care for many foster kids in its children’s dental clinic and also will be donating $500 from the club’s next Gringo Bingo fundraiser to the Out of Foster Foundation to support its work.

For those who may not know, Gringo Bingo is a combo party/bingo affair with a deejay providing music along with a funny entertaining emcee, Steven Bradley, sales director at Vivo at Dolphin Mall. Guests receive 13 bingo cards with chance to win some fun prizes and a drink ticket. For those who want to eat, there is a full menu of items for purchase.

A shout out to Vivo for prizes, Miami’s Community Newspapers for marketing and monthly sponsors Lynn Bauer and Dr. Hal Wanless, Jerry Kavulich, Carlos and Mayra Rossi, Dr. Chaviano, Tom and Kim Davison. The June event will be held on the 18th at Birdie Bistro, 6:30-9 p.m. To RSVP send email to gloira@cnews.net.

Next up for CGWC is its fundraiser for the free children’s dental clinic, a weeklong cruise on MSC’s World America, from June 28 to July 5. This promises to be a terrific experience that will even include a “Day of Service” in Roatan, Honduras, on July 1, when club members be delivering school supplies in person to an elementary school. Look for more on that when we return.

Speaking of woman’s clubs, the General Federation of Women’s Club, GFWC Florida’s District 11, that includes 12 clubs in South Florida, met on May 23 at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, for a quarterly meeting that also served to recognize and award a $2,000 scholarship each to three young women: Ana Kamila Perez Gonzalez, Amiesha Copeland and Ashley Martinez. GFWC FL District Director Dr. Ruth Martinez thanked the District Scholarship chair Helen Tarbutt and her committee members, Sonia Mesa and Christel Liscombe, for their efforts in evaluating the applications and selecting the winners.

The meeting also offered clubs a chance to share and to brag about the many ways they are making a positive impact on our community. From organizing egg hunts and clothing collections to awarding numerous scholarships, and hosting cultural events to support the arts, these clubs do that and so much more.

In other service club news, Coral Gables Rotarians use the occasion of 5th Fridays throughout the year to enjoy a social event hosted by one of its members. On May 30, hosting honors fell to Miami’s Community Newspapers where this writer, a Gables Rotarian, with CN’s publisher Michael Miller welcomed Rotarians and guests. The affair was coordinated by RCCG past president and secretary Sally Baumgartner.

Guests enjoyed touring the building, CN’s studios and viewing the amazing sports and historic memorabilia adorning the office walls. Among the many attending this evening of fellowship were Keith and Angela Phillips; Carol and Jasper Brock; Gregory Petrino; Jim Skinner and wife, retired Judge Maria Korvick; Jennifer Kila; Hadley Williams; Frank Sexton; Bill Quesenberry and wife, Chie; Sue Padalino, and Christine Constantini.

In other news, on May 16, United Homecare’s Annual Claude Pepper Awards Luncheon, was held at the Pullman, drawing a record sellout crowd. Many were there to support honorees like Miami’s Community Newspapers’ owners, Michael and Grant Miller. Kudos to UHC CEO Carlos Martinez and his amazing staff including Alina Palenzuela and Blanca Ceballos for their efforts in caring for the seniors in our community.

Dates to save on your calendar:
June 18 – GMFEA 12th Annual Conference, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Milander Center for the Arts & Entertainment, 4800 Palm Ave, Hialeah. To register, visit GMFEA.org.

June 18 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club Gringo Bingo, 6:30-9 p.m. Birdie Bistro, RSVP to Gloria@cnews.net.

June 28-July 5 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club fundraising cruise, MSC World America sails from Miami.

Sept. 25-27 – GFWC Florida Fall Board – Rosen Plaza, Orlando.

Oct. 4 – 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Bowling Tournament at ., 9275 SW 40 St., to benefit Family Resource Center; visit www.frcflorida.org.

Oct. 24 — The Home Team 10th Anniversary Masquerade 5-9 p.m., $500 per person.

Oct. 31 – Voices for Children Annual Luncheon at Loews Coral Gables.

Nov. 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island.

Nov. 7 – GFWC FL District 11 Meeting.

Nov. 13 – Miami Lighthouse’s “See the Light” luncheon at The Biltmore Hotel. For information contact Cameron Sisser at csisser@miamilighthouse.org.

In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.

 

 

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A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.