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The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run was a smashing — and hilarious — success on Dec. 6 at Tropical Park where costumed holiday characters turned the fundraiser into pure festive fun.
A large crowd attended, including a strong team from HCA Mercy Hospital, whose orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas was the event honoree. Also, on hand to cheer on participants were Mercy CEO Allyssa Tobitt, Mercy COO Jessica Miller (in a standout costume), Mercy director of communications Annabel Beyra, and Arely Ruiz, president of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club. They were just a few among the hundreds who took part in the lively morning run.
In the days leading up to the race, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club hosted its December Gringo Bingo, with proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation and delivered on race day.
Special kudos go to the club’s longtime volunteers, Steven Bradley, the much-loved “Gringo,” who calls the numbers each month, and Corey Tennyson, who provided deejay services.
What began in 2019 as a one-time bingo fundraiser for veterans — created by Steven and this writer — quickly grew into a monthly tradition that has since raised well over $100,000 for dozens of nonprofits. The club continues this success thanks in large part to Steven, who donates his time despite a demanding schedule as managing partner of Vivo Sports and Social at Dolphin Mall, and the support of Miami’s Community Newspapers to promote the events.
Dec. 6 also brought the annual Villagers Holiday House Tour, presented this year as a festive “Stroll in the Grove.” On Nov. 25, Villagers president Gina Guilford and past president Kelly Schild (Gina’s sister) joined Gloria’s Gab LIVE to highlight the event and the extraordinary impact The Villagers have made in historic preservation.
Kelly, who co-chaired this year’s tour with Merlin Ebbert, shared that the group has awarded $2 million in grants to 200 organizations, an astonishing achievement for an all-volunteer nonprofit. With record attendance this year, 2026 promises to be even more impactful for preservation projects.
The historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club, itself a past Villagers grantee, recently showcased both history and artistry by hosting Her Art Basel on Dec. 3. Curated by Arts and Culture chair Alex Guillen, the exhibition featured works by women artists, including her mother, Celia Guillen. While one ballroom became an elegant gallery, the other hosted the club’s annual Holiday Dinner Party catered by celebrity chef Chris Valdes. Guests enjoyed cocktails, admired the art, then returned for dinner and beautiful performances by Margarita Parsamyan, an operatic soprano and the founder of MP Miami Music School, with one of her students, Elizabeth Rojas.
Holiday performances continued with the Merrick Festival Caroling Competition, which brought 30 choirs from across Miami-Dade to compete for cash prizes. Directed each year by Sally Baumgartner Goodman, the beloved event is made possible by sponsors including Miami-Dade County, City of Coral Gables, Holtz Children’s Hospital, and Coral Gables Community Foundation. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables, one of the award sponsors, invited the winning choir to perform at the club’s holiday luncheon – always a seasonal highlight.
For those seeking holiday inspiration while shopping, the Festival of Trees Showcase at Miami International Mall (NW 87th Avenue and 25th Street) is a must-see experience. Mall general manager Maria Prado shares that the display features beautifully themed holiday trees created by St. Thomas University’s fashion and visual merchandising students, each inspired by an iconic brand such as Swarovski, Crocs, Aliss, Pandora, and Sephora.
Admission is free, and the installation offers a festive backdrop for photos, shopping, and seasonal cheer.
Upcoming events for your calendar:
Now through March 2026 – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January 2026)
Now thru Dec. 31 – Festival of Trees at Miami International Mall, Doral, free admission
Dec. 27-30 – Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament
Jan. 1, 2026 – College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl, noon, Hard Rock Stadium
Jan. 3-6 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament, Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily
Jan. 4 – Annual King Mango Strut Parade, Coconut Grove
Jan. 10 – Voices for Children Annual Gala, Ritz Carlton
January 2026 – The Titanic Immersive Experience opens presented by South Florida PBS, for info visit www.southfloridapbs.org.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference. Happy Holidays!
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