This year, United HomeCare® , a 501 ( c ) ( 3) non profit, is celebrating its 45th anniversary of improving the lives of tens of thousands of elderly and disabled adults in Miami-Dade County. United HomeCare’s fundamental mission is to provide their clients with the dignity, independence and compassionate care they deserve. That mission remains as vital today as when the agency was created. This year also marked another milestone as United Healthcare held their 25th Annual Claude Pepper Awards Dinner. Hundreds gathered for this spectacular fundraiser held at Jungle Island on May 16 where a “who’s who” of guests enjoyed an evening of great food, drinks, an opportunity to bid on some splendid silent auction items and, of course, recognize those being lauded that night for their good works and for making a positive impact on our community. Honorees included Tibor Hollo, Chairman & President of Florida East Coast Realty, for Lifetime Achievement; Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. Family Foundation, for Community Builder Award; Alfred Sanchez, President & CEO of Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, for Corporate Service; Carlos Migoya, President & CEO of Jackson Health System, for Corporate Service Healthcare; Ana “Teri” Busse-Arvesu, Sr. Advocate Office of Mayor of Miami Dade County for Advocacy Award; Alex Penelas, Esq and Lilliam Penelas for the Thelma Gibson Community Service Award; SLAM! Charter School, Rene Ruiz, President and “Pitbull” Armando Christian Perez, Co- Founder, for Education Award; and Arquimedes and Rebecca Trujillo, Miami Empresarial, for the Media Award. Kudos to Carlos Martinez, United Homecare’s President & CEO; Alina Palenzuela; Blanca Ceballos; and all those who made this event such a success.
After serving 3 decades in the US Congress as it first Cuban American Woman to be elected to that body, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is retiring. The Congresswoman followed filled Claude Pepper’s seat when he retired and, like Claude Pepper, has been a true public servant. Ileana continues to serve on important strategic boards of directors and most recently was honored by the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as their Citizen of the Year on May 23. Presenting the award in the absence of Rotary President Dr. Susan Fornaris who was away on busines was Rotarians Felix Pardo with President-Elect Jim Skinner.
In other news, the Arthritis Foundation held its annual walk at Tropical Park on Sunday, May 19. This event raised more than $25,000 and received support by hundreds of walkers, volunteers, corporations and non profits such as the Coral Gables Woman’s Club whose Past President Mireya Kilmon has been a spokesperson for the Arthritis organization as one afflicted with rheumadoid arthritis for years.
Finally, Gringo Bingo on Clutch Burger at 146 Giralda Avenue in the Gables continues to raise funds for non profits with its monthly party the first Tuesday of each month. Limited to 40 seats, this is a sell out every month and in the first 3 events has already raised more than 4,000 for various charities include Rotary’s Military programs, Coral Gables Children Dental Clinic and Operation Smile. DJ Germain continues to donate his music and Clutch’s Steven Bradley makes any event a party and call bingo handing out great prizes donated by local restaurants. Call Gloria Burns to reserve 305 284 7379-O/ 305 968-3090-C
Until next time, keep making each day count.
