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    Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Celebrated its 14th Annual “Claws for Kids” Fundraiser in Memory of Judy Kramer at the Iconic Joe’s Stone Crab

    More Than 300 Guests Attended the Highly Anticipated Annual Fundraiser That 

    Raised Over $275,000 for The Club’s Youth Development Programs 

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade celebrated its 14th Annual “Claws for Kids” in memory of Judy Kramer at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach on May 6. South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and influencers were among the 300 guests who enjoyed Joe’s world-famous stone crabs and signature items without the wait.

     

    The event raised over $275,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s crucial programs and services at its six Clubs and sites combined. The funds will support its educational after-school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

    Belkys Nerey, Channel 7 News Anchor and journalist, returned as master of ceremonies, alongside mother-daughter duo Co-chairs, Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, and Special Events Chair, Olga Guilarte. The Claws for Kids host committee included Lily Pardo, Rae Stein and Jackie Gonzalez.

     

    “Claws for Kids” is held in memory of Judy Kramer, a longtime Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board member, who not only was a part of the Claws team that created the event, but she also chaired it since its inception until her passing in February 2021.

     

    At this year’s event, Thoma Bravo was honored with the 2025 “From the Heart Award” in recognition of its steadfast commitment and compassionate leadership in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. Thoma Bravo’s efforts have profoundly influenced the lives of countless youth served by the Club.

    Thoma Bravo is a leading private equity firm with a history and passion for investing in and growing software and technology businesses. Since opening its Miami office in 2021, Orlando Bravo, founder and managing partner, and Chip Virnig, partner of the Miami office, along with the Thoma Bravo Miami team, have been committed to giving back to the community they serve. Thoma Bravo has been a dedicated supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade through its involvement in the Clubs’ annual fundraisers, including the Christmas Tree Lot, the annual “Wild About Kids” Gala and “Claws for Kids.”

     

    “We’re thrilled to have returned to Joe’s Stone Crab to celebrate our 14th Annual ‘Claws for Kids,’ supporting great futures for Miami-Dade youth,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “This luncheon is a highlight for our supporters each year. The event’s success is made possible thanks to the unwavering support of our longtime partner Joe’s Stone Crab, our dedicated Special Event Chair Olga Guilarte, returning Co-Chairs Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, as well as our committed board members and generous donors.”

    “We were proud to honor the Thoma Bravo team with our 2025 ‘From the Heart’ Award in recognition of its generous support and enduring dedication to empowering Miami-Dade’s youth for generations to come,” he continued.

    The 2025 Presenting Sponsor was the Carmen Rebozo Foundation. The Premier Claw Sponsors were Abigail Pollak and Lisa and Victor Mendelson, and family. The Jumbo Claw Sponsors were Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, FPL, Murgado Automotive Group, Ocean Bank and Thoma Bravo. The Large Claw Sponsors were Baptist Health, Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, Alina and Tom Bezold, Charter America Holdings, First American Bank, Jackie and Nelson Gonzalez, Julie Grimes, Margaret and Clint Gulley, Kim and Eric Mendelson, Ryder System, Inc., South Florida PBS, Rae and Barry Stein, The Miller Saiontz Family, Truist Investment Services, Inc. and WSVN 7. Entertainment and reception were underwritten by The Bernhardt Family. Other contributors included Mark & Greta Walker Foundation and Colin Cowie, and Danny Pauscovic. The wines and prosecco were provided by Domaine Bousquet, and the printed programs were provided by Printhouse USA.

     

    About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to six Clubs and sites combined serving thousands of boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call 305.446.9910 or visit www.bgcmia.orgFacebookInstagramX and YouTube.

     

    About Joe’s Stone Crab

    Joe’s Stone Crab, which celebrated its 107th anniversary in 2020, was established when Joseph Weiss came to Miami for a change of climate to help his asthma. Weiss opened a lunch stand, originally offering fish and fries, on Miami Beach, which eventually evolved into today’s establishment. It is located at 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit www.joesstonecrab.com.

    ABOUT US:

    For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area. 

    This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

    Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

    If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com

    #thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay

     

    Pulling in Different Directions may Very Well be the Best Strategy

    David Magnusson
    David Magnusson

    I find it rather amazing that often times I can draw inspiration for writing from the most unusual of sights. I am walking down the street the other day, as part of a six mile “hike”; part of my daily work out. The knees are not having much of my running anymore.

    It was sunny, warm, and relaxing as I came across something that I have added to this article, in a photograph, for you all to see. It really is not much to be totally frank with you. A new tree is planted and stakes are driven into the ground to keep the tree upright. Not a big deal right? Who doesn’t love trees? In time, this tree will grow tall enough to fit right in with other “tropical looking” trees. Nah, it is not an oak tree or a spruce. Surely, it is not a Redwood. But it is truly South Florida in all its splendor. I took a photo, admiring the young tree.

    I kept walking.

    But then, as I usually do in the course of a work out…and most definitely when I used to run, my mind gets moving. I solve problems. I make plans. I get philosophical. My thoughts went back to the tree, I photographed about a mile or two earlier. I looked at the photo in order to gain some clarification to what I was thinking. Then it became very clear to me.

    The stakes, in an effort to keep the tree upright were all pulling in different directions.

    How can that be?

    How can any success come to anything when the movement is in opposite directions?

    But I get it. And it transfers extremely well into people and their trials and tribulations. As General Patton remarked, “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” That is not to say, the “pulling in opposite directions” is there to sabotage efforts, but rather to debate the different roads that will bring success at the finish line. There must always be a demand, not merely a request, that different minded people are part of the team, each respectfully arguing their points with documented support and strong rebuttal as to why their “way” is the best one.

    In the “Art of War” Sun Tzu pointed out that If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

    The secret obviously is to know yourself. Sun Tzu does not bring to the equation, what happens if you know your enemy but not yourself. Interesting. I suspect, if you do not know yourself, you are screwed from the get-go. Nothing good will take place. There is no 50-50.

    Therefore, every effort must be made that different opinions are invited to the table but even more so, that you ( your team) knows your strengths and weaknesses. You know your capabilities. You know yourself.

    The old saying, “don’t kill the messenger” should be replaced with “kill the one who does not bring the message.” ( I am being facetious of course in terms of being literal). Hence, in order to get the best, undiluted message, the “stakes” must pull in different directions, keeping the “tree” upright.

    It is amazing what you can conjure up when you allow your mind to think, to solve. And to summon my inner Dr. Seuss, “Oh the places you’ll go.”

     

    Thanks for reading The Avid David! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

    The Avid David is free. It will remain free. But if you enjoyed this post, you can spread the word and “wealth” by telling friends and associates to subscribe to The Avid David. It will also tell me that my writing has value. Thank you kindly.

    ABOUT US:

    For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area. 

    This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

    Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

    If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com

    #thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay

    Community News, Fara Sax with Chamber South Business Excellence Awards Luncheon


    ________________________________________________________________________

    Community News, Fara Sax with Chamber South Business Excellence Awards Luncheon 

    To learn more, visit: www.chambersouth.com

    For more news, be sure to go to: www.communitynewspapers.com

    #chambersouth #farasax #Communityvoicefarasax

    #thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay

    ABOUT US:

    Miami Community Newspapers is your go-to source for Miami community news, offering daily updates, podcasts, and multimedia content. Covering local events, business updates, and lifestyle features across Miami-Dade County, our family-owned media company publishes a variety of neighborhood publications both online and in print. Explore Miami’s culture through our exclusive community podcastsmagazines, and newsletters.

    A Message to the Residents of Miami-Dade County

    By Natalie Milian Orbis, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 6 

     

    Commissioner Natalie Millian Orbis

    It is an extraordinary honor to serve as your Miami-Dade County Commissioner—representing a community I have supported throughout my entire career. 

    From day one, my focus is clear: delivering smarter government, stronger services, and real results for our residents. I’m here to make your tax dollars work harder, make public services more accessible, and ensure every corner of our community receives the attention and resources it deserves. 

    I’m proud to serve as Vice Chair of the Government Efficiency & Transparency Ad Hoc Committee, and as a member of both the Airport Committee and the Appropriations Committee. With Miami International Airport right in the heart of the district I represent, I take seriously the responsibility to help it run efficiently and remain a powerful engine for jobs, tourism, and trade. 

    These roles allow me to take direct action on behalf of our residents —streamlining government, protecting your dollars, and making sure our budget reflects your priorities. 

    For nearly two decades, I’ve worked across County government—solving problems, delivering resources, and leading efforts in permitting, infrastructure, education, and public safety. As Vice Mayor of West Miami, I worked to protect neighborhood quality of life, launch youth civic programs, and expand services for seniors and families. That experience is what I bring to the table. 

    My commitment is simple: I’ll show up, listen, and act—with urgency, integrity, and respect. There will be no interruption in service—our offices across the district remain open and my team is here to help. 

    I’m deeply grateful to Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera for his leadership and to my colleagues on the Board for their trust. I look forward to working together to deliver the transparent, effective government our residents deserve. 

    Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to earning your confidence every step of the way. 

    —Natalie Milian Orbis 

    Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 6

    Un mensaje a los residentes del condado de Miami-Dade 

    Por Natalie Milian Orbis 

    Comisionada del Condado de Miami-Dade, Distrito 6 

    Es un honor extraordinario servir como su Comisionada del Condado de Miami-Dade, representando a una comunidad a la que he apoyado durante toda mi carrera. 

    Desde el primer día, mi enfoque es claro: ofrecer un gobierno más inteligente, servicios más fuertes y resultados reales para nuestros residentes. Estoy aquí para hacer que el dinero de sus impuestos rinda más, hacer que los servicios públicos sean más accesibles y garantizar que cada rincón de nuestra comunidad reciba la atención y los recursos que merece. 

    Estoy orgullosa de servir como vicepresidenta del Comité Ad Hoc de Eficiencia Gubernamental y Transparencia, y como miembro tanto del Comité de Aeropuertos y el Comité de Apropiaciones de la comisión del condado. Dado que el Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami se encuentra en el corazón del distrito que represento, me tomo muy en serio la responsabilidad de contribuir a que funcione con eficacia y siga siendo un potente motor de empleo, turismo y comercio. 

    Estas funciones me permiten tomar medidas directas en nombre de nuestros residentes – la racionalización del gobierno, la protección de sus dólares, y asegurándose de que nuestro presupuesto refleje sus prioridades. 

    Durante casi dos décadas, he trabajado en todo el gobierno del condado, resolviendo problemas, proporcionando recursos y liderando iniciativas en materia de permisos, infraestructuras, educación y seguridad pública. Como vicealcaldesa de West Miami, trabajé para proteger la calidad de vida de los vecindarios, poner en marcha programas cívicos para los jóvenes y ampliar los servicios para las personas mayores y las familias. Esa experiencia es la que aporto hoy. 

    Mi compromiso es sencillo: Me presentaré, escucharé y actuaré con urgencia, integridad y respeto. No habrá ninguna interrupción en el servicio – nuestras oficinas en todo el distrito permanecen abiertas y mi equipo está aquí para ayudar. 

    Estoy profundamente agradecido al Embajador Kevin Marino Cabrera por su liderazgo y a mis colegas de la Junta por su confianza. Espero con interés trabajar juntos para ofrecer el gobierno transparente y eficaz que nuestros residentes merecen. 

    Gracias por la oportunidad que me han brindado. Espero ganarme su confianza en cada paso del camino. 

    -Natalie Milian Orbis 

    Comisionada del Condado de Miami-Dade, Distrito 6

    ABOUT US:

    For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area. 

    This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

    Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

    If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com

    #thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay

    Public Relations Services by Miami’s Community Newspapers: Connecting Communities, Elevating Brands

    At Miami’s Community Newspapers, public relations isn’t just about press releases — it’s about building meaningful connections and giving local businesses, nonprofits, and leaders the visibility they deserve.

    Here’s how our PR services help you get noticed across Miami-Dade and beyond:

    • Strategic Storytelling
      We craft compelling feature stories about your business or cause and publish them on CommunityNewspapers.com, reaching thousands of engaged local readers.
    • Digital & Print Exposure
      Your story doesn’t just live online — it’s also featured in one or more of our 13 local print editions, targeted to neighborhoods from Homestead to Aventura and into South Broward County.
    • Social Media Amplification
      We promote your content across our highly active Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels — increasing reach and engagement with curated hashtags and geo-targeted posts.
    • Video & Podcast PR
      Be a guest on one of our 35+ weekly video podcasts or let us create a custom segment just for you. Your message is heard, seen, and shared — across platforms like NewsBreak, MSN, and Nextdoor.
    • Meet & Greet Events
      Join our monthly Meet & Greets attended by over 150 local influencers, business owners, and officials. It’s an ideal space for PR networking and brand awareness.
    • Press Release Writing & Distribution
      Need to make an announcement? We write, edit, and distribute your release — making sure it lands with impact and SEO strength.
    • Legal Notice Exposure
      We publish court-eligible legal notices in Miami-Dade and Broward counties — helping attorneys and businesses meet legal requirements while expanding their visibility.

    At the heart of it all, our mission is simple: Bringing People Together. Whether you’re launching a new business, promoting an event, or seeking greater community engagement, our PR services offer an unmatched hyperlocal advantage.

    Ready to get started? Email karina@ccnews.net or call 305-662-6863.

    Spotlight TV with Emily Zubi welcomes Jacqueline Ceballos, CEO/Floral Designer at Petal Castel

    ________________________________________________________________________

    Spotlight TV with Emily Zubi, CEO & Founder of Miami Women Who Rock, welcomes Jacqueline Ceballos, CEO/Floral Designer at Petal Castel.

    For more info, go to: www.instagram.com/petalcartelbyjc

    For more shows, visit: www.communitynewspapers.com/cnewstv

    ABOUT US:

    Miami Community Newspapers is your go-to source for Miami community news, offering daily updates, podcasts, and multimedia content. Covering local events, business updates, and lifestyle features across Miami-Dade County, our family-owned media company publishes a variety of neighborhood publications both online and in print. Explore Miami’s culture through our exclusive community podcastsmagazines, and newsletters.

    #thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade  #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay

     

    How Miami’s Community News Helps Local Businesses Grow and Thrive

    Miami’s Community News isn’t just a news outlet—it’s a powerful marketing partner for local businesses looking to increase visibility, build trust, and reach new customers. With deep roots in the community and decades of experience, Community News offers a unique combination of print, digital, video, and in-person opportunities to help businesses of all sizes succeed.

    For over 60 years, Community News has served as South Florida’s leading hyperlocal media group, publishing neighborhood-specific newspapers that cover areas from Homestead to Aventura and into South Broward County. Each week, the company reaches thousands of homes and businesses through its print editions and online platforms, including www.CommunityNewspapers.com and www.CNEWS.tv.

    Local businesses can promote themselves through a range of tailored services:

    • Advertising in Print and Online: With 13 print editions and a strong digital presence, Community News gives businesses multiple options to share their message with engaged local readers. Ads can be customized by neighborhood, offering targeted exposure.
    • Podcasts and Video Features: Producing over 35 original video podcasts weekly, CNEWS.tv allows business owners to tell their stories in their own words. Whether it’s an in-studio interview or an on-location shoot, these segments are shared across Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms.
    • Social Media Exposure: Every featured business gets promoted through Community News’ highly active social media pages, expanding their reach to thousands of followers and generating shareable content that helps build brand recognition.
    • Community Meet & Greets: Monthly events bring together 150+ business leaders, readers, and community influencers. Businesses that attend or sponsor these events gain valuable face-to-face exposure and the opportunity to connect with potential clients in a relaxed, community-driven setting.
    • Newsletter and Email Marketing: With multiple localized e-newsletters sent out weekly, businesses can tap into targeted email campaigns to get their promotions in front of highly interested audiences.

    In a world of impersonal, mass marketing, Miami’s Community News brings something different: real connections, community credibility, and tailored support. If you’re a business looking to get noticed and grow your presence in South Florida, Community News is here to help—one neighborhood at a time.

    To learn more or get started, visit www.CommunityNewspapers.com or contact Michael Miller at Michael@communitynewspapers.com.

    Miami’s Community News: Bringing People Together, One Story at a Time

    In a world where breaking news often overshadows the everyday, Miami’s Community News proudly champions what matters most—local people and local stories. As South Florida’s #1 hyperlocal news organization, it’s been connecting neighbors and neighborhoods for over 60 years.

    Founded by Ron Miller with one small paper and a big vision, Miami’s Community News has grown under the leadership of his sons, Michael and Grant Miller. Today, the company includes 13 print editions that reach from Aventura and Coral Gables to South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Homestead, and even into South Broward County. At the core of it all is a simple belief: news should bring people together.

    In addition to its robust print circulation, the organization has evolved into a multimedia powerhouse. Its digital home is www.CommunityNewspapers.com, where readers can access local stories, columns, and community updates. But what truly sets the brand apart in today’s media landscape is its fast-growing video and podcast platform: CNEWS TV, found at www.CNEWSTV.com.

    CNEWS TV produces more than 35 original video podcasts each week—making it one of the most active local media networks in the region. Hosted by a diverse team of passionate personalities—Michael Miller, Grant Miller, Lori Nusbaum, Fax Sax, Gloria Burns, Emily Zubi, and Sebastian Alvarez—these shows spotlight Miami’s leaders, changemakers, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and nonprofits. It’s where the voices of the community are truly seen and heard.

    But it doesn’t stop there.

    Miami’s Community News is also a trusted source for publishing legal notices in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Attorneys, municipalities, and individuals rely on its established reach, making it a preferred publication for probate notices, fictitious names, and more—both in print and online.

    To further support and strengthen the community, the team hosts monthly “Meet and Greet” events that attract 150+ people. These gatherings bring together business owners, civic leaders, and everyday residents in an atmosphere of networking, collaboration, and genuine conversation.

    Whether through news stories, podcasts, social media, networking events, or legal publications, Miami’s Community News remains committed to its mission: bringing people together. It’s not just about headlines—it’s about heartlines. And in every neighborhood they serve, they’re doing just that.

    As Miami continues to grow and evolve, Miami’s Community News will keep showing up, telling your stories, and building bridges—one neighborhood at a time.

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