“Giving Tuesday” on November 28 and “Give Miami Day” on November 16 brought gifts for countless charities making an amazing impact on those in need and the charities that serve them.
The Miami Foundation’s 2017 Give Miami Day certainly brought joy to the many served by our local non profits kicking off a bountiful holiday season of giving by coordinating their annual campaign for which the Foundation adds additional funds to each charity’s totals. From Camillus House, A Safe Haven for Newborns to Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic and more, the options to give online in that 24 hours brought in a record $10.1 million for 695 participating charities many of whom were on hand for AFP’s National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon on November 17th where the totals were announced.
Speaking of this luncheon, this annual event is coordinated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in partnership The Miami Foundation, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. Attracting more than 400 guests, attendees included a virtual Who’s Who of philanthropy from individual donors like Trish and Dan Bell to community, corporate, private and community foundations, as well as renowned business and civic leaders.
Kudos to AFP Miami Chapter President Barbara Norland, AFP Luncheon Chair and Treasurer, Richard Lehrman, and organizer Arely Ruiz on orchestrating a fabulous affair. Among the honorees were Joshua William (Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy); Nancy Hector (Outstanding Philanthropist); Bonnie Crabtree (James W. Mclamore Outstanding Volunteer); Wells Fargo, Julia Tuttle Award for Community Involvement & Corporate Citizenship); Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation (Outstanding Grant Maker); Jay I Kislak (Lifetime Achievement); and Harve A. Mogul (Champion of Philanthropy). In addition to these honorees, each sponsor table also honored some amazing individuals.
As a Platinum Sponsor, Miami’s Community Newspapers was pleased to honor Deborah Van Stone Moore, President of the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club. Among the more than 19 other table honorees were such notables as Ron Shuffield, Thelma Gibson, Ruth Admire, Chef Chris Valdes, and Douglas Fields, to mention a few.
Toy drives abound, but one that is especially large is orchestrated by Peterson’s Harley Davidson South with toys benefiting the children of West Perrine. Anyone can support this drive with a monetary donations online at petersonsharley.com/toydrive. This is Peterson’s Harley 2nd Annual Sugar 4 Kids Toy Drive that collects toys for 1-10 year old children. Donations of toys or items such as book bags, electronics, school supplies, sports teams, etc may be dropped off at Palmetto Bay Town Hall or at Peterson’s Harley Davidson South at 19825 S. Dixie Hwy.
In other news, the Cuban Association of the Order of Malta held its 12th Annual White Cross Gala at Riviera Country Club on October 14th. This year’s big award, Tuito Fidel (Defense of the Faith) Award, was presented to Christine de Marcellus de Vollmer, founder and president of the Latin American Alliance for the Family. On hand to give the invocation at the affair was Monsignor Thomas G. Wenski.
Doral well represented at Annual Merrick Festival Caroling Competition held recently to kick off holiday season for many. The annual event, orchestrated by Sally Baumgartner, awards cash prizes to winners competing in various categories during this week long event held in Coral Gables and open to the public. Ronald Reagan Senior High and Doral Academy Prep, both won Grand Prize in 2016 for Full Choir in their divisions. Ronald Reagan will have competed again this year on December 2 and then Doral Prep on December 3 with results coming next issue.
In other holiday news, Thanksgiving weekend was more than just football and food. That Sunday, the Junior Orange Bowl held its 69th Annual Parade attracting bands and 70 units from all over the county and beyond. Of course, Doral had any number of places to enjoy tree lighting ceremonies from City Place to Downtown Doral and City Hall.
Look for coverage of that parade and of the December 12th Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations in our next Doral issue.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
