The weekend of Nov. 2 was a busy one with the South Miami Art Festival as well as an incredibly big bazaar at Our Lady of Lourdes. With almost 1,000 presold tickets for that event, the indoor outdoor charity event was a guaranteed success and gained great community support.
Organized by Olga Martinez with lots of student input and hard work, the event had something for everyone. They even had a wonderfully creative holiday photo area set up; so, don’t be surprised if you receive Christmas cards that have a similar background setting. This is certainly an event to put on your calendar every year.
Thousands gathered early on Saturday, Oct. 26, for the American Heart Association’s Annual Heart Walk at Marlins Park. With picture perfect weather, the crowd enjoyed visiting vendor tables, consuming healthy snacks including some great Del Monte fruit, and a fun program announcing top fundraisers and more. Ongoing music also added to a spirited morning of exercise and fun. As always, Miami’s Community Newspapers was on hand to support AHA and those whose lives have been saved because of the efforts of this organization. Among those spotted in the crowd were Billy the Marlin who enjoyed posing for photos with everyone; Coral Gables Hospital’s Maria Gidley with her new baby out for his first Heart Walk; Gulliver School’s Debi Moore who walked on the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club team. Also volunteering for that team was veteran Heart Walk participant Norris Perez and her family who came down from Broward County. Some may remember that Norris’ husband, a police officer, suffered a stroke years ago and was given little hope for a full recovery. He proved everyone wrong and is back to work and is most supportive of AHA and its mission.
On the club scene, the Rotary Clubs of South Dade orchestrated a fundraiser at Splitsville Luxury Lanes on Sunset on Wed., Nov. 6. The event kicked off Rotary International Foundation month; thus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit RI Foundation. Look for more on this in our next issue.
The Woman’s Cancer Association of the University of Miami Bush Chapter promises another great event with the Fabulous Fashions of “The Second Time Around” Luncheon, Wednesday, November 13th, 2013, at the Courtyard Marriott, 2051 LeJeune Road, Coral Gables, Florida. Proceeds benefit cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This fun filled affair begins with a Boutique at 10 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. and the fashion show at 12:30 p.m. Former TV weatherman and friend, Bob Soper, has graciously agreed to emcee and handle the auctioneering duties he does so well. Tickets are $50 per person/ cash bar. For reservations call JoAnn Cappelletti, 305 235-6453.
Look for great items early in the affair’s Boutique opened from 10 – 11:30 a.m., with a selection of beautiful jewelry and household items, some new and others gently used. Those items were donated to the Bargain Box, 1350 West Flagler St, Miami, a thrift shop operated by the WCA Bush Chapter and run mostly by volunteers. Last year the WCA of the University of Miami (there are three chapters, Bush in the Coral Gables area, Barton Ravlin in the Pinecrest area, and Heidi Hewes in Miami Shores), awarded $195,000 for cancer research grants at UM and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This event is great fun and one you will not want to miss.
Hands On Miami, one of the many agencies that was impacted by the economic downtown was re-launched the morning of November 2, at Vizcaya Gardens, Pat Morris, a fellow Rotarian and one of the founders of the organization in 1994, gathered former supporters, volunteers and civic leaders for this momentous and exciting rebirth. For information on this great way to serve your community email dgaschler@handsonbroward.org More on the event in next issue.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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