A Safe Haven for Newborns, a non-profit that has now saved more that 305 babies from abandonment and possible death, was the beneficiary of a kick off event for the first ever Flavors of Kendall Restaurant Week held the last week of June.
The affair charitable launch party featured numerous restaurants and vendors with samplings orchestrated by Denise Erwin of Pisco y Nazca and Rosa Albert of the Hilton Dadeland, which hosted the June 20th kick-off party.
Participating restaurants included Pisco y Nazca, Pubbelly Sushi, Table 55, Le Mirage Lounge & Whitney’s Restaurant, Two Brothers, Iberico, Inari Sushi, Devon Seafood & Steak, Earl’s Kitchen & Bar, Aoki Teppanyaki, and Sokai Sushi Bar.
Safe Haven’s founder Nick Silverio was most grateful for the ongoing community support that has helped the organization save so many lives.
In Other News
As June unfolded, South Floridian’s calendars were packed with everything from conferences to celebrations. On June 13, the Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association celebrated 34 years at its 7th Annual Conference & Exhibition at Milander Center for the Arts & Entertainment.
Among the many speakers during the workshops sessions were Ray Martinez, of Ultra Music Festival/ Miami Super Bowl Host Committee; Vivian Belzaguy of Ultra, who addressed sustainability at the festival for which they out-performed; and George Neary, recently retired Director of Cultural Tourism for the GMCVB.
Former Jr. Orange Bowl Executive Director and President, Roberta DiPietro, is the Executive Director of the GMFEA and has been for many many years bringing it to a new level. Kudos on a great event. The Coral Gables Woman’s Club was happy to participate once again this year to promote the club’s beautiful historic clubhouse, a great venue for wedding, galas, and special occasions.
Havana Special
If you were looking for a fun-filled summer adventure, Brightline and Rail Events Productions produced! They launch the Havana Special Rum Train, departing Virgin Miami Central on selected dates through June 29.
This wonderful fun train ride party was designed for adults 21 years of age and offered a unique cultural experience that lasted about two-and-a-half hours with guests arriving roughly one hour before the departure of a hour-and-a-half train ride.
Guests enjoyed three specialty rum cocktails, tastings, light hors d’oeuvres, entertainment by Cuban and Latin inspired music, and historical narration. Cuban food from Sergio’s and rum from local Cuban rum distilleries topped off the party, which was a really great way to check out the future of South Florida rail travel via Brightline.
For information, visit www.gobrightline.com. By the way, Brightline offers student discounts and kids ride free – so, a $10 ticket might be an inexpensive outing for the family.
Gringo Bingo
Speaking of fun events, the Gringo Bingo happened July 2 at Clutch Burger in the Gables, benefiting The Gilded Lilies, a fundraising organization for Easterseals. Since Clutch Burgers’ Steven Bradley and the Coral Gables Woman’s Club began holding these monthly events four months ago, they have raised more than $5,500 for various charities. For information, email gloria@cnews.net.
Finally, congratulations to Team USA Women’s Soccer Team who are killing it and do not ever get enough acclaim for this success. They need a parade! Speaking of parades, congratulations to all our Canadian friends on the Raptors NBA Championship win. Canada literally shut down for 2 hours on June 17 for the parade watched by the entire country. Toronto hadn’t had a major championship since the 1993 when the Toronto Blue Jays brought it – so, this was big.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
