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A red carpet welcome set the scene for the first Volunteer Awards Ceremony at The Palace
Suites-Kendall where seven residents were recognized for their community service.
Officiated by The Suites General Manager Gabriel Garrido, Palace owners Helen and Jacob Shaham
helped present award plaques and bouquets of long-stem roses to the honored recipients.
“This is important to bring attention to these seven residents who donate an extensive amount of time to helping make their neighbors’ lives more fulfilling and joyful,” said Garrido. “Each one came to us with their ideas of what they wanted to do to help.
Whatever they offer comes from their hearts and we appreciate their interest in making
The Palace a better place to live.”
Honored at the ceremony were the following:
Gerry Hacker: A former piano teacher, Hacker plays the baby grand piano in the Plaza for her neighbors in the morning after breakfast and for special social hours. In May, she and her son performed a special concert and she is now working on a special sing-a-long show.
June Blank: A well-known Miami yoga instructor, Blank now teaches yoga and meditation for Palace residents.
Bobbe Seagal and Paul Herzog: They conduct a weekly current events class. More than 25 residents regularly attend these stimulating discussions. Class preparation requires hours of research and Seagal and Herzog put passion and energy into each project.
Patsy Shaw: A talented baker who self-publishes a cookbook, Shaw bakes desserts every Tuesday for the Classical Hour event to share with residents. Her most popular sweet treats are lemon cake, toffee bars, almond tarts and rum balls.
Mariana Lopez Ona: The Catholic rosary group needed someone to officiate and Ona volunteered. She was so well suited to the role, she has been leading the group for nine years.
Phyllis Ehrlich: For four years, Ehrlich has found time to lead a short story reading group for her neighbors. About 20 residents met monthly to discuss an assigned short story. In addition, she is also known for organizing charity drives to support local organizations, including Chapman Partnership for homeless people and most recently raised over $4,000 for a Surfside collection following the tragedy in the City.
Jacob Shaham thanked all of the recipients and spoke to the audience of residents and families.
“What they have done can’t be bought because they share their gifts of knowledge and talents with others. During the last year when outside instructors weren’t permitted in the community due to COVID-19, you made your neighbors’ lives so much richer. We appreciate your selflessness.”
For more information about The Palace Suites, please visit www.ThePalace.org.
