November has been a busy month for fall fundraisers with multiple events seemingly every weekend.
On Friday, November 15, The Plaza Health Network Foundation’s “Women of Distinction & Caring” fundraising luncheon honored eight dynamic women at the Hilton Miami Downtown. The affair was chaired by Norma Jean Abraham who seems to be everywhere making a positive impact wherever she goes much like those being honored. The festivities this year began with a champagne reception, boutiques and a silent auction coordinated by Joanna Barusch and Nancy Schwartz. Following the reception, guests moved on to an impressive luncheon program. This year marks the event’s 10th anniversary. The 2019 honorees included Hon. Amy N. Dean; Lilliam Machado; Barbara Reese; Margaret Pericak-Vance, Ph.D.; Barbara Montford. M.D.; Michele Ryder, MSN,RN,MSHSA; Patricia Whitely, Ed.D.; and Silvia Elena Rios.
Proceeds from this event help The Plaza Health Network Foundation, a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ), fund its patient focused innovative programs and services that go beyond what is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and insurance. The Foundation contributes to covering the costs of $2 million of uncompensated care provided by the Plaza Health Network annually to patients and residents in need.
The annual 165 mile 2 day SMARTRIDE brought in more than $1.3 million for aids related charities the weekend of November 15-16, 2019, with 100 percent of monies collected going to charity. Once again a team from the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club supported the event with their time, talent and treasure, donating to the cause and manning water stations for the two days in their Wizard of Oz costumes. With a different theme every year, the group, who became involved because of Glen Weinzimer from the first ride, is led by their Pit Manager Carmen Suarez. Those volunteering for this year’s ride were club members Dr. Iris Torres, Mayra Dominguez, Ruth Martinez, Linda Hartwell, Donna Myrill, Vicki McGroarty, Dale Poster-Ellis, and Martha Black. In addition, club member Cindie Ruiz actually rode the 165 miles from Miami to Key West representing the club, one of 450 riders participating.
Speaking of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, this active group’s next fundraiser, Gringo Bingo will be December 3, 7 – 9 p.m. Generously hosted every month by Clutch Burger on Giralda Plaza, this next event will benefit the Jr. Orange Bowl Festival. As always, DJ Germain will provide music and the very entertaining Clutch owner Steven Bradley will call bingo and award great prizes donated by local merchants. To reserve space email gloria@cnews.net or text me at 305-968-3090.
By the way, and earlier beneficiary of the club’s Gringo Bingo was for the November 16 the Walk to End Alzheimer’s chaired by this writer’s fellow Coral Gables Rotarian Humberto Comellas. At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club, he was presented with a 41,200 check from the proceeds of that bingo night.
In other CGWC news, December 5, 2019 marks the 86th anniversary of the repeal of the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution (Prohibition) . Join in some Speakeasy fun at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club (1001 East Ponce de Leon Blvd.) that night with music and spirits. Proceeds from the event will benefit the club’s free children’s dental clinic. For more information on that fun night, visit www.gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
