United Homecare has stepped up to support the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club as presenting sponsor for the club’s major fundraiser, a gala scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 24, 7 p.m., at the clubhouse, 1001-9 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd.
The annual event, chaired by Arely Ruiz, supports the club’s Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic that provides more than $225,000 in free dental care to the children that fall between the cracks in the healthcare system.
Kudos to United Homecare CEO Carlos Martinez and United Homecare’s Blanca Ceballos, a new club member, for stepping up as a firsttime sponsor. United Homecare’s commitment to the community is well recognized and very much appreciated, especially by the many children whose smiles are restored through the clinic.
Arely has a great team helping put together what promises to be the best affair ever with sub-committee chairs and members, including Iris Segui, Valerie Valenzuela, Linda Hartwell, Yvonne Llauro, and Marilyn Smit. The affair, at $95 per person, is definitely the best deal in town with a reception, silent auction with fabulous items, open bar and entertainment before moving to another ballroom for dinner by Celebrity Chef Chris Valdes during which guests will be surprised by some additional entertainment.
After dinner, everyone will return to adjacent ballroom before close of silent auction where they will enjoy dancing and some great desserts including Martica’s Sweet Creations flans and more.
Among the many items donated to the auction are exquisite David Yurman (his and hers) bracelets; Kendra Scott Jewelry; a series of cooking lessons valued at over $1,000; several two-night packages at such notable hotels as the Liaison Hotel in Washington, DC, across from the White House, Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Provident Blue Doral, Pullman Hotel, the new Candlewood Suites on NW 59th Avenue and 36th Street; an Ocean Reef Club fun day for4; Splitsville Kids Party; Golf foursomes from Melreese and The Biltmore courses; artwork; wine tastings; more than $3,000 in restaurant gift certificates from several restaurants including Seasons 52 in Coral Gables, Tarpon Bend, Tony Roma’s in Sunny Isles Beach, JohnMartins, Burger Bob’s, Fritz & Frans, various restaurants in The Falls, as well as a three-hour party rental at Kings Dining & Entertainment at Doral City Place with some food certificates; a Casino home party with three tables for three hours; artwork, and cooking lessons.
Those interested in bidding on items may do so buy visiting gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org where a link is being posted to the auction site.
On the cultural front, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre opened one of its best shows ever on Mar. 2, the Tony Award-winning musical Once. The show presents amazingly talented singers, including leads Ben Hope (Guy), from New York, who was understudy for Broadway production, with UM alumna Elizabeth Nesterode (Girl). This duo are joined by a wonderful cast all of whom are equally talented musicians.
Performers share the musical’s funny and sometimes poignant true story with an appreciative audience who are asked to join the cast on stage pre show to belly up to the bar as the musicians play and sing until it is time for show to begin. If you want a fun night out, this is certainly a show you will not want to miss.
As always, David Arisco puts together talent and directs like few others.
Opening night for this show provided guests with beverages from Bacardi, Guinness and Miami Brewing Co. with on stage bar, and a post show buffet provided by none other than JohnMartins Irish Pub & Bar, a fitting choice for this particular show. Once runs through Mar. 25.
David Arisco and Actor’s executive producer Barbara Stein treated the Rotary Club of Coral Gables to a teaser for the current show on Mar. 8. Once leading actors, Ben and Elizabeth, sang two of the beautiful songs from the show. The Coral Gables Rotary Club is honored to have Barbara Stein as an honorary member and appreciates the numerous programs she supplies throughout the year entertaining the members with production numbers typically before opening nights.
The upcoming season promises to be stellar. For information and tickets, visit actorsplayhouse.org or call 305 444-9293.
Speaking of Rotary, Coral Gables Rotarian Philip Wang, director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Miami, has been called back to Taiwan. Sadly, after a second tour with us, Philip’s duties at the office will end on May 6. He was the first diplomat to arrive at this region in South Florida in 1988 and returned years later as director general. Philip’s office in Miami is the representative office for the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Florida.
The office’s jurisdiction includes: Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands. In addition to providing consular services, the office is committed to improving the political, economic, and cultural relations between Taiwan and Florida.
Wang recently hosted a luncheon at Tropical Chinese with representatives from the islands who provided updates on hurricane recovery.
Among the guests were several fellow Rotarians involved in the efforts including former Gables Rotarian Telin Fernandez who moved to Puerto Rico, past president of the Coral Gables Rotary Club Yolanda Woodbridge with other members of the club’s International Committee, including Hatsunaro Kiyanitza, and Kelly Graces.
Philip has been a great Rotarian and will certainly be missed. His successor will be Director General Kuan-Chou Chien who is an outstanding diplomat who was most recently the Deputy Secretary General, Coordination Council for North American Affairs and has held numerous positions in locations from San Francisco to New York.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
