Miami-Dade Commissioners Joe A. Martinez and Jose “Pepe” Diaz may have lost their bet with Dallas Mayor Dwaine Caraway about the outcome of the NBA Finals, but some local patients definitely won as a result.
The commissioners made good on their bet by performing a community service project wearing Dallas Mavericks jerseys, part of their wager with Mayor Caraway. The commissioners visited Miami Children’s Hospital on Friday, July 15, and participated in arts and crafts with pediatric patients who are all from the hospital’s oncology and hematology floors.
The commissioners already have sent Mayor Caraway stone crabs from local favorite Joe’s Stone Crab, a box of Cuban pastries, and hand-rolled cigars from Cuban Crafters, a care package that also was part of the deal.
“We may have lost our bet, but Miami is still behind its team and we were able to bring some joy to kids in need, so there’s still a victory there,” Martinez said. “I thank Mayor Caraway for having a bit of fun with us during the NBA finals.”
Diaz joked, “I think the children may have questioned our allegiance at first, but were more interested in showing us their artwork. Spending time with the kids at Miami Children’s certainly outweighed a small sting to our pride.”
For information, contact chair Martinez’ office at 305-375-5511.
