{"id":66145,"date":"2025-12-01T06:35:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T06:35:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/66145\/"},"modified":"2025-12-01T06:35:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T06:35:09","slug":"community-leadership-shines-at-local-fall-fundraisers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/66145\/","title":{"rendered":"Community leadership shines at local fall fundraisers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Elio\u2019s Kitchen hosted a meaningful fundraiser on Nov. 13 at the Coral Gables Woman\u2019s Club.<\/p>\n

Elio\u2019s Kitchen founder, Cristina Lama Evensky, recently joined Gloria\u2019s Gab LIVE Show to share the organization\u2019s mission of providing emergency supplies and financial aid to families of critically ill children \u2014 and supporting frontline workers \u201cone meal at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n

That same week, 13 clubs from the General Federation of Women\u2019s Clubs (GFWC) District 11 gathered for their Annual District Meeting at the Miami Springs Woman\u2019s Club. District director Dr. Ruth Martinez introduced guest speakers Sara Dessureau, GFWC Florida state president, and Rachel Sturgis, GFWC FL\u2019s director of Junior Clubs.<\/p>\n

Highlights included the election of Shirley Pardon, past president of The Miami Woman\u2019s Club, as District 11 director for 2025\u201327, and recognition of Iline Davila, president of the Coconut Grove Woman\u2019s Club, who accepted a trophy for recruiting the most new members this year.<\/p>\n

During the meeting, Sara Dessureau announced that the goal of raising $150,000 for the Flight of Honor for women veterans was exceeded. Thanks to the generosity of members, GFWC will provide an all-inclusive trip beginning with dinner in Lakeland before a chartered flight to Washington, DC. Veterans and their escorts \u2014 all women \u2014 will visit historic landmarks, including Arlington Cemetery, before returning home to a warm welcome from club members. She also noted that plans are underway to establish a national monument in DC honoring important women.<\/p>\n

Speaking of women\u2019s clubs, the Coral Gables Woman\u2019s Club presented a Veterans Month program featuring retired Air Force Lt. Col. Duilia Turner on Nov. 12. Turner shared her experiences as a foreign affairs advisor and scientist, supporting shuttle missions at Cape Canaveral \u2014 including NASA\u2019s STS-95 with Sen. John Glenn \u2014 serving as chief meteorologist for President Barack Obama aboard Air Force One, and leading the Women, Peace, and Security Program at U.S. Southern Command. Kudos to Civic Engagement chair Ann Ryan for coordinating this inspiring program.<\/p>\n

In other club news, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman\u2019s Club, which operates a free children\u2019s dental clinic, welcomed representatives from the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation on Oct. 22. Past president Barbara Lapsley, who has written the club\u2019s grants for years, greeted Aldo Busot, John Edward Smith, Peter MeKras, Laura Russo, and Dr. Dean Rolle, expressing gratitude for their continued support.<\/p>\n

The club\u2019s next Gringo Bingo is set for Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Birdie Bistro. The lively Steven Bradley, from Vivo at Dolphin Mall, will emcee, with music by the multitalented Alex Guillen. A $30 donation includes a drink and 13 bingo cards, with proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation\u2019s Jingle Bells Run on Dec. 6, at Tropical Park \u2014 where Santa will be onsite.<\/p>\n

From Dec. 3 to 9, the public is invited to a week of free choral concerts at 550 Biltmore Way for the annual Merrick Festival Choir Competition. Enjoy the voices of school choirs from all over the county. This event promises to get you in the spirit of the season. Kudos to fellow Coral Gables Rotarian Sally Baumgartner who produces this event year after year.<\/p>\n

Also on Dec. 6, The Villagers Holiday Home Tour, \u201cA Stroll in the Grove,\u201d offers a festive way to kick off the season with boutique shopping and treats from Rita\u2019s pop-up caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Events to put on your calendar:
Currently running \u2013 South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org<\/a> pharaohs<\/p>\n

Dec. 2 \u2013 CGWC Gringo Bingo, Birdie Bistro 6:30 p.m. RSVP to gloria@cnews.net<\/a>; $30 per person includes 13 bingo games and one drink<\/p>\n

Dec. 3-7 \u2013 Merrick Festival Caroling Competition and Dec. 9 \u2013 Award Show 550 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, admission is free to the public<\/p>\n

Dec. 4 \u2013 Marine\u2019s Toys for Tots Reception at Intercontinetal Doral- 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free with donation of an unwrapped gift.<\/p>\n

Dec. 6 \u2013 Arthritis Foundation\u2019s Jingle Bells Run at Tropical Park, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. Run\/Walk<\/p>\n

Dec. 6 \u2013 The Villagers Holiday House Tour \u201cStroll in the Grove\u201d<\/p>\n

Dec. 12 \u2013 Celebration of 10th anniversary of the dedication of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doral<\/p>\n

Dec. 9-17 \u2013 Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Tournament<\/p>\n

Dec. 14 \u2013 Junior Orange Bowl Parade; visit juniororangebowl.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Dec. 27-30 \u2013 Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament<\/p>\n

Jan. 3-6, 2026 \u2013 Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament at Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily<\/p>\n

Jan. 4 \u2013 King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove<\/p>\n

In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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