Many honored for philanthropy, volunteerism and athletic talent

Many honored for philanthropy, volunteerism and athletic talent
Many honored for philanthropy, volunteerism and athletic talent

Many events this past March celebrated deserving individuals in various areas of interest.

The Coral Gables Museum on Mar. 18 unveiled the Frank Lynn Gallery, honoring the legacy and generosity not only of Frank Lynn but also of Chip and Cindy Withers who carried out Frank’s wishes with loving devotion.

Frank passed away in 2016. At that time, Chip chaired the Coral Gables Museum and announced that the museum had received a $100,000 challenge match fund from the bequest of Frank Lynn. This was one of many bequests that serve as a legacy to a very special man. In fact, the Merrick Festival Caroling Competition now has an endowed fund thanks to Frank Lynn who judged the competition for years.

Longtime community leader, Betsy Adams, who is responsible with her Coral Gables Garden Club for raising the funds and building all the beautiful entrances to Coral Gables, was honored recently with her club with the naming of a Coral Gables park.

The Adams family are all committed to our community, from husband Larry Adams, retired from FPL, to son Thad Adams, from Allen Morris Company. All attended the dedication with many dignitaries and members of the Coral Gables Garden Club.

On the athletic front, the Nick Kotys Award, was presented by the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club to Miami High’s Johnny Ford on Mar. 27 at Duffy’s Tavern. Doug Kellner, club past president and current treasurer, once again coordinated the award process to select Miami Dade County’s best football player of the year. The award is decided on votes from coaches who turn in their top choices of which Johnny was on all the ballots. Johnny, who transferred to Miami High from Coral Gables High School, was proof the system was not biased so said Doug, a remark drawing laughs.

Johnny, a running back who can play offense and, at times, defense, scored two touchdowns in every game during his senior year and looks to attend University of South Florida in the fall.

The annual award presented to Johnny is named after legendary Coral Gables High School Coach Nick Kotys, whose teams won multiple state championships and were ranked No. 1 nationally for many years as well. Nick Kotys was not only a great coach on the field but also a man who developed men of integrity. Nick is in the High School Coaches Hall of Fame and will be forever remembered by the men he coached and by Coral Gables High School and Coral Gables Kiwanians.

Among the many enjoying the awards dinner for Johnny Ford were his mother, Oneika McGee; Johnny’s uncle, Joshua Ford; Coral Gables High School’s Dan Finora; Dr. Hal Wanless and Kiwanis Club board member Lynn Bauer; Jason Bryce, club president, and Rich Richards, club secretary.

Gables Bike Day on Mar. 25 was another fun day with picture perfect weather. Kudos to the organizers of this event that highlights bike safety and fun. Members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club were happy to participate providing many a chance to try riding a Trike including this writer’s doctor, Hernando Chong, and his brother. This event came the day after the Coral Gables Woman’s Club Gala presented by United Home Care to benefit the club’s free children’s dental clinic. Look for more on that successful event in next issue.

Until next time, keep making each day count.


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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.