The Coral Gables Community Foundation recently awarded over $130,000 in grants and scholarships.
The Foundation distributed $50,000 in grants to 24 deserving non-profit organizations in the community, one of which was a $5,000 donation to the Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic. That generous grant will pay for a much needed Cavitron for which Dental Clinic Director Dr. Iris Torres is very grateful.
Twice a year, the Coral Gables Community Foundation and its Community Giving Committee, chaired by David Olazabal, awards grants to non-profit organizations with an impact in Coral Gables.
Earlier this year the Community Foundation and its fund holders also awarded almost $80,000 in college scholarships to 16 high school seniors. The Foundation’s board, donors and the scholarship recipients gathered in April at the Coral Gables Museum to celebrate with their annual Scholarship Reception hosted jointly with the City of Coral Gables.
Kudos to Mary Snow, executive director, and her philanthropic board for all their efforts to make a positive impact on our community.
Save the date, Oct. 5, for this year’s annual Coral Gables Community Foundation fundraising gala, The Biltmore Ball. This year’s co-chairs, Sissy DeMaria and Lauren Harrison, are planning a black tie, masquerade benefit at The Biltmore Hotel with a “Venetian Fantasy” theme that promises to be another great success. For information on sponsorships or tickets, send email to mary@gablesfoundation.org.
In other happenings, the Coconut Grove Sailing Club is reaching out to Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce members and guests to join them for a joint members-only event on June 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Food, bar and raffle prizes as well will provide for some great networking and make it a great evening of fun. Pre-registered members and guests are $15 and all other $20. For information call 305-444-7270. The Sailing Club is located at 2990 S. Bayshore Dr.
Speaking of networking events, some 30 business executives gathered recently at Kings Dining & Entertainment for Miami’s Community Newspapers “open house” for Profit Inc. While the open house events typically are held at one’s place of business, Kings provided a nice change of pace with its many games and things to do for those who decided to stay after the reception.
Kings’ Steven Bradley provided a dozen door prizes in the form of gift cards good for play which many decided to use. In fact, a dozen or so moved into the private Karaoke Room singing until closing. While karaoke is a great use for that room, it is also a great space for private parties and that night provided both.
Among the Profit members enjoying yummy hors d’oeuvres and beverages while socializing and doing some business were Enrique Yunis, Kemp Mobley, LaWanda Loftus, Valerie Valenzuela, Jerry and Kathy Lance, Robert Beans, Rosemary Guilfoyle, Mike and Susan Sutta, and John Burns.
Several guests in attendance included celebrity chef Chris Valdes who was featured on the cover of Community Newspapers’ May/June issue of Inspire Health magazine; Cathie Burns, Century Homebuilders; Arely Ruiz, Arely Ruiz PR; Pete De La Torre, The Business Forum Group; Ana Bradley, owner of Clutch Burger in Coral Gables; Yvonne Llauro, RESF, and Marti Bueso, A Safe Haven for Newborns.
By the way, Steven Bradley has since left Kings to work with his wife, Ana Bradley, as they open her new restaurant, Clutch Burger in Coral Gables. Clutch Burger is located on Giralda Avenue off Ponce. With its beautiful décor, the restaurant also takes advantage of the spacious open seating area outside on the city’s newly designed Streetscape. This duo promises to make the place come alive with entertainment, great food and drinks.
Finally, a festive party for celebrity Chef Chris Valdes, celebrated his 27th birthday at Sloan’s Ice Cream at City Place in Doral. The evening was catered by his Best Chef’s Catering and complemented with some amazing Sloan’s ice cream. That place is a wonderland of candy, toys and ice creams, and you can bet the calories were worth every bite.
Multi-franchise owner David Olmo was on hand to share the fun as well as several friends including many from the Coral Gables Woman’s Club such as club president Arely Ruiz.
By the way, Chris is a finalist for the Star Chef on the Food Network which began airing on June 10. Tune in!
Until next time, keep making each day count.
