South Florida club women bring home honors

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General Federation of Women’s Club members from South Florida’s District 11 made a big showing at GFWC Florida’s Spring Convention on the weekend of May 14. For many who had been meeting via Zoom and unable to have in person club meetings, this was the light at the end of the tunnel. Members from most of the 193 clubs from around the state gathered to share projects and be recognized for their efforts. A fun 50’s theme included everything from a cheer leading contest and team poster creation to be donated to inspire others to a lip syncing competition. In South Florida, eleven clubs make up District 11 and all make an amazing positive impact on our community. For those efforts all the clubs report on their efforts and vie for awards at Convention.

This year, two District 11 Clubs got special honors. The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, a club that has members who reside in Pinecrest/ Palmetto/ and beyond, not just Coral Gables, won a top award. They were named the Outstanding Club of the Year for the State in their Category. The Miami Woman’s Club also won the first Pat Keel 1895 Gratitude Award for their generous donation the 1895 Society to help preserve GFWC Florida’s Lakeland headquarters.

In addition, this writer from the Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) was also honored to represent District 11 as its Volunteer of the Year while Karen Cunningham, of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, was chosen as an alternate Leads candidate to attend the national convention. Denise Valluerca, of CGWC, was also a Leads candidate from District 11 honored at the event where Karen and she walked with other Leads graduates during Saturday luncheon.

Coming up soon, the Great Miami Festivals & Events Association Conference & Exhibition will be held at The Fair, 10901 SW 24 St., on June 17, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This is a must attend event for festival organizers, event planners, entertainers, vendors and any business owner that supplies these people. Enjoy breakfast, reception and lunch while attending educational workshops, visiting exhibitor booths and an entertainment showcase that is always amazing fun. For more info on tickets or sponsorships, visit festivalsmiami.org.

In other news, several events are back for the fall. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables will hold its annual Chili Cook Off at Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park on October 31. That’s right, on Halloween; so, work on your best chili recipe and save the date. Looking for this to be a South Florida event with chili contestants from Pinecrest/ Palmetto Bay and beyond.

Those interested in sponsoring the event or signing up to enter contest, contact this writer for information at gloria@cnews.net. By the way, there is also a prize for best decorated tent, so those creative people will have a challenge as well.

Another upcoming date to save is for the Epilepsy Florida’s Walk the Talk is back, Saturday, November 13, to help the 426,000 Floridians living with epilepsy. The Walk the Talk events for epilepsy will feature family-friendly entertainment, including music by a DJ, local vendors, take home goodie bags, awards, and much more! The location is yet to be announced but you can sign up today by visiting https://www.epilepsyfl.com/walk-the-talk-2021. By making a $50 personal donation you can also ensure you get this year’s 2021 Walk the Talk t-shirt.

Finally, for all my Florida Gator fans, there is good news. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is back to 90,000 fans this fall and starting June 28, Florida Athletics will resume full in-person participation in athletic and other activities on their campuses, including fan participation in stadiums and arenas.

Until next time, keep making each day count, share an act of kindness every day and stay safe.


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A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.