South Florida’s General Federation of Women’s Clubs District 11 was well represented at the GFWC International Convention in Austin Texas held the end of June. Among the group from South Florida were several members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club including President Arely Ruiz, with Past Presidents Barbara Lapsley and Linda Hartwell and board members Ana Lam and Kim Davison. GFWC Florida actually went home with 10 awards from the convention. Kudos to all the inspiring club women wh make our world a better place.
Speaking of GFWC clubs, Cocoplum Woman’s Club has a great Book Review coming up on July 24 at 11 a.m., featuring Mamta Chaudhry and her debut book that is “a heart wrenching love letter to Paris, called Haunting Paris. Chaudhry, who has taught literature and creative writing at the University of Miami, is already working on a second novel. For the club, having this gifted author do a book review is a chance for them to raise dollars for the club’s education scholarship fud. Tickets are $25 and inclde a lite lunch and beverage. This promises to be a lovely event especially for those many book club members around town who love reading as much as this writer. To RSVP, call 305 793-9641 or email ajtrav2644@att.net.
On the topic of fund raisers, Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) July 2nd Gringo Bingo sponsored by Clutch Burger on Giralda Avenue in the Gables raised more than $1,000 for Gilded Lilies/ Easterseals. Gilded Liles newly elected president Jackie Milanes worked with the CGWC from her vacation abroad to sell tickets as her first initiative in that position. Both Jackie and CGWC President Arely Ruiz returned from trips just in time to attend this event and help Clutch Burger celebrate its first anniversary which was actually July 1, Canada Day. Jackie even brought cupcakes for the crowd and a balloon to help mark the occasion. CGWC President, coming off the plane from Austin, was also on hand with several club members to applaud Clutch for its community outreach.
The bingo crowd enjoyed the antics of Steven Bradley as bingo caller and emcee along with the awesome music provided as an in-kind donation every month by DJ Germain. Everyone was amazed at the great prizes donated by local merchants included many who donate month after month like Kao Sushi, Bulla, Pisco y Nazca, and Kings Bowl in Doral. This dynamic duo are ready to do it again on August 6th, 7-9 p.m. , at Clutch Burger, 146 Giralda Avenue. The club will be directing funds from the August 6th event to sponsor A Safe Haven for Newborns. RSVPs are a must for this event that is limited to 40 people. For information, call or text 305 968-3090.
Finally, local Rotarians from the Coral Gables Club gathered at Matheson Hammock for their annual July 4th picnic coordinated by Secretary and Past President Sally Baumgartner who says who can’t go wrong with Shirty’s BBQ. Among the many enjoying the day were Rudford and Lauren Hamon with their new baby, Nico Eterovic with his family, Sam and Past President Susan Fornaris, Past President Walter and Annette Alvarez, Past Presidents Don Trombly, Greg Martini, Frank Sexton, and President Elect Kelly Garces, to mention a few.
