On Friday night, April 20, more than 100 people gathered at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind for a beautiful evening of music, food tastings, Bacardi bar and opportunities to bid on great silent auction items. Best of all, the evening of music featured Jose Feliciano who performed at this Music Under The Stars…Bon Appetit Miami event to benefit Miami Lighthouse Heiken Children’s Vision Program. Mistress of Ceremonies was Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who Co-Chairs the Congressional Vision Caucus. Among the notables in attendance were 20/20 Vision Sponsor, Angel Alvarez, of ABB Concise; MLB Chairman of the Board, Michael Silva; MDCPS Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who read a letter from President Obama celebrating the 20th anniversary of Miami Lighthouse Heiken Children’s Vision Program; philanthropist Kirk Landon with Pam Garrison; Shelly and La r ry Rutherford; Susan Kelley; Eugenia McCrea; Coral Gables Rotary Past President Yolanda Woodbridge; Tony and Debla Baradat; to mention a few.
Also on the non profit and cultural front, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre has brought to South Florida the regional premiere of Becky’s New Car by Steven Dietz, a hilarious comedy that will run through June 3. Artistic Director David Arisco brings this play to life with a wonderful cast including some of this writer’s favorites: Laura Turnbull, as Becky; Ken Clement, playing her husband; and Allan Baker in the role of Walter, an eccentric billionaire.
Evening performances will be held Wed. through Sat. at 8 p.m., with afternoon matinees on Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets for weeknights and matinees are $40, and on Friday and Saturday evenings $48. Group and senior discounts are also available. For more information, call the box office at 305-444-9293 or go online at www.actorsplayhouse.org.
The Two Hundred Club of Greater Miami held its bi-annual dinner at the Riviera Country Club on April 18. Club President Katherine Ezell welcomed members for the affair that featured as its guest speaker club, member Dr. Bradford R. McGiunn, a Senior Lecturer for University of Miami’s Department of Political Science and sought after expert on global political issues and strategies, McGuinn captivated the audience with his talk on the upheaval in the Middle East and American security. Among the many enjoying the evening and supporting the mission of this organization were President-Elect Bob Gallagher, Vice President James Loftus, Immediate Past President Dr. Richard Souviron, board member Hank Langston, and visiting from Italy, Rosa and Enzo Siviero, to mention a few.
The Two Hundred Club’s funds benefit families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. An immediate disbursal of $25,000 and $5,000 for each dependent child is only the beginning. For more information on this club, visit www.200clubmiami.org.
The Tropical Flowering Tree Society, an organization dedicated to the promotion, propagation, and preservation of tropical flowering trees, held its Annual Mothers’ Day Show & Sale on May 12 and 13, at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. As one of the largest shows of its kind in the world, Society President Lynda LaRocca was delighted with the many new varieties of plants offered this year. Coming up next month and a date to save will be the 75th Anniversary of the Royal Poinciana Fiesta on June 1-4.
Finally, a fond farewell to South Miami resident, well known attorney and Florida Gator, Lisa Lesperance, who has moved to the Carolinas. Dozens of friends and family gathered at Blue Martini on April 27 for an informal going away party. Among the many seen at the affair was brother and well known orthodontist, Dr. Lar ry Lesperance.
Until next time, keep making each day count. If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via email to gloriagalburns@aol.com.
