Autism Speaks Walk Annual Walk attracted about 8,000 participants on the morning of April 28 at Doral Central Park (aka JC Bermudez Park for those who have been around since the city was incorporated). This was the first time it was held in Doral and certainly provided a great location raising huge sums for a great organization.
Weather was picture perfect for the crowds attending and enjoying the music and many sponsor tents including a chance to win a Ford vehicle at their corporate tent. Kudos to our mayor and council members and our city parks department for bringing great events on a regular basis to our community and making our city a fabulous place to work, live, and play.
Doral businesswoman Arely Ruiz, president of the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, was among the many at the Autism Speaks Walk representing her club that supported the cause. That was the start of a busy week for that group of women as they planned for numerous activities including an Installation Dinner on May 1, a formal Pre Mothers Day Tea on May 4, and a Gringo Bingo game for Operation Smile on May 7. More on that in future issues.
The weekend of April 27 also featured the March of Dimes Walk the same morning at Marlins Stadium that drew another huge crowd. So many participated in multiple events that weekend, including American Airlines’ Susan Machado who coordinated American Airlines teams for both the Autism Walk as well as the March for Babies at Marlins Park. South Florida is fortunate to have so many great corporations who steadfastly support such various charitable efforts.
Laurie Jennings, a four-time Emmy Award-winning reporter and the evening co-anchor on Channel 10, hosted the March for Babies – an event close to her heart. After giving birth to extremely premature twins in 2006, Laurie has first hand knowledge what the March of Dimes does to battle premature births and, with her family, has served as host for the annual walk.
Finally, congratulations to United HomeCare, a private non-profit organization in our community that has delivered quality home health care in South Florida to disabled adults in an effort to allow older and/or disabled adults to lead independent lives.
This year, United Homecare celebrates its 45th year serving the community.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
