The Palmetto Senior High School Alumni Association held a fundraiser last month at the Banyan Bowl in Pinecrest Gardens to raise money for their new college scholarship fund. The main event was Ron Magill’s famous Sex and the Animals presentation.
Before he took the stage, class of 1961 (Palmetto’s first graduating class) and Alumni Association founding board member Pamela Garrison and class of ‘70 alum and Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner welcomed Magill, a 1977 alum, presenting him with a proclamation marking Feb. 26 as Ron Magill Day.
“I consider my time at Palmetto Senior High the most formidable years of my life,” said Magill. “It really molded me into who I am today, and so I feel a tremendous debt to this school and community. I’ll always do anything I can to support my alma mater.”
Magill went on to treat the audience of more than 200 to a laughter-filled, 90-minute presentation about how animals “get it on.” What was eye-opening is that there is personality, style and social graces that go along with sex in the animal kingdom.
“Animals ask for permission and, in a lot of cases, do sex better than humans,” Magill told us as he gave us a slide presentation. “Take a look at this elephant and tell me he’s not smiling.”
Not only was his presentation incredible, it was the second to the last time it will ever be seen. After 25 years, Magill thought it was time to retire it.
“I couldn’t think of a better place to do the penultimate show,” he said.
Mayor Lerner, is the Alumni Association’s founding board president said the evening was a success.
“We’re still not finished counting, but more than $7,500 was raised,” she said. “We sincerely thank our sponsors who contributed $3,000 before the event even started.” The Association was created in 2011 and acquired non profit 501c3 status in 2013. If you are interested in joining, a life membership is just $100 and the website is www.palmettohighalumni.org.
STAR-STUDDED UM HALL OF FAME BOWLING TOURNEY
The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame (UMSHofF) hosted the fourth annual Celebrity Bowling Tournament last month at Splitsville in the South Miami Shops at Sunset Place. It was a packed house.
Donors bowled with some of their favorite former Canes all-stars in a relaxing evening of family fun, food and camaraderie.
“This is great!” said event host Clinton Portis, a UM alum and former NFL running back. “The Canes community is strong and to be able to come out and see so many of our best while raising money is a privilege.”
The Tournament featured live and silent auctions, with some very unique and personal items up for grabs.
K.C. Jones, president of the UMSHofF, reminded us about the mission.
“We recognize, honor and celebrate the individuals that have brought acclaim to the University of Miami with their performance on the field,” he said. “We have inducted some of the most incredible athletes in the world.” Among those attending the tournament were Santana Moss, JD Arteaga, Rich Mercier, Wayne Beckner, Don Soldinger, Tracy Kerdyk, Alex Santos, Jodi Appelbaum- Steinbauer and Hal Sears, along with DJ Williams, Steve Edwards, Ray Buchanon and Rob Word. Clinton Portis even brought along a few of his NFL buddies — Sidney Rice and Takeo Spikes.
Proceeds from the tournament benefited the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, as well as the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
Marc Buoniconti was on hand and said he was pleased to see so many people turn out to help his fund.
The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame also hosts a fishing and golf tournament and an annual banquet.
UM HALL OF FAME INDUCTION BANQUET
The UMSHofF will host the 47th annual Induction Banquet on Thursday, April 9, at Jungle Island. Inductees are two-time Olympic medalist Lauryn Williams and football stars Jonathan Vilma, Kevin Patrick, Rusty Medearis, Winston Moss and the late Sean Taylor.
Rounding out the class are College Baseball Hall of Fame member Alex Fernandez, NCAA Champion diver Chris Mantilla, basketball star Kym Hope and former football assistant coach Rob Chudzinski. To attend, contact UMSHofF executive director John Routh at 305-284- 2775 or visit online at www.umsportshalloffame.com/bowlingtournament.htmlUMSportsHallofFame.com.
REAL ESTATE UPDATE
The real estate market is back in South Florida. If you’re curious about what your home is worth go to miamihal.com/myValue to register for a free, no-obligation home evaluation. Only a neighborhood expert who has seen the inside of your home can give you an accurate value. Contact me to get started.
Hal Feldman is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. Contact him with story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com, Hal@MiamiHal.com or www.facebook.com/MiamiHal.
