{"id":93400,"date":"2025-12-23T05:41:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T05:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/93400\/"},"modified":"2025-12-23T05:41:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T05:41:10","slug":"holiday-traditions-shine-as-community-supports-local-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/93400\/","title":{"rendered":"Holiday traditions shine as community supports local causes"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Arthritis Foundation\u2019s Jingle Bells Run was a smashing \u2014 and hilarious \u2014 success on Dec. 6 at Tropical Park where costumed holiday characters turned the fundraiser into pure festive fun.<\/p>\n

A large crowd attended, including a strong team from HCA Mercy Hospital, whose orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas was the event honoree. Also, on hand to cheer on participants were Mercy CEO Allyssa Tobitt, Mercy COO Jessica Miller (in a standout costume), Mercy director of communications Annabel Beyra, and Arely Ruiz, president of the Coral Gables Woman\u2019s Club. They were just a few among the hundreds who took part in the lively morning run.<\/p>\n

In the days leading up to the race, the Coral Gables Woman\u2019s Club hosted its December Gringo Bingo, with proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation and delivered on race day.<\/p>\n

Special kudos go to the club\u2019s longtime volunteers, Steven Bradley, the much-loved \u201cGringo,\u201d who calls the numbers each month, and Corey Tennyson, who provided deejay services.<\/p>\n

What began in 2019 as a one-time bingo fundraiser for veterans \u2014 created by Steven and this writer \u2014 quickly grew into a monthly tradition that has since raised well over $100,000 for dozens of nonprofits. The club continues this success thanks in large part to Steven, who donates his time despite a demanding schedule as managing partner of Vivo Sports and Social at Dolphin Mall, and the support of Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers to promote the events.<\/p>\n

Dec. 6 also brought the annual Villagers Holiday House Tour, presented this year as a festive \u201cStroll in the Grove.\u201d On Nov. 25, Villagers president Gina Guilford and past president Kelly Schild (Gina\u2019s sister) joined Gloria\u2019s Gab LIVE to highlight the event and the extraordinary impact The Villagers have made in historic preservation.<\/p>\n

Kelly, who co-chaired this year\u2019s tour with Merlin Ebbert, shared that the group has awarded $2 million in grants to 200 organizations, an astonishing achievement for an all-volunteer nonprofit. With record attendance this year, 2026 promises to be even more impactful for preservation projects.<\/p>\n

The historic Coral Gables Woman\u2019s Club, itself a past Villagers grantee, recently showcased both history and artistry by hosting Her Art Basel on Dec. 3. Curated by Arts and Culture chair Alex Guillen, the exhibition featured works by women artists, including her mother, Celia Guillen. While one ballroom became an elegant gallery, the other hosted the club\u2019s annual Holiday Dinner Party catered by celebrity chef Chris Valdes. Guests enjoyed cocktails, admired the art, then returned for dinner and beautiful performances by Margarita Parsamyan, an operatic soprano and the founder of MP Miami Music School, with one of her students, Elizabeth Rojas.<\/p>\n

Holiday performances continued with the Merrick Festival Caroling Competition, which brought 30 choirs from across Miami-Dade to compete for cash prizes. Directed each year by Sally Baumgartner Goodman, the beloved event is made possible by sponsors including Miami-Dade County, City of Coral Gables, Holtz Children\u2019s Hospital, and Coral Gables Community Foundation. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables, one of the award sponsors, invited the winning choir to perform at the club\u2019s holiday luncheon \u2013 always a seasonal highlight.<\/p>\n

For those seeking holiday inspiration while shopping, the Festival of Trees Showcase at Miami International Mall (NW 87th Avenue and 25th Street) is a must-see experience. Mall general manager Maria Prado shares that the display features beautifully themed holiday trees created by St. Thomas University\u2019s fashion and visual merchandising students, each inspired by an iconic brand such as Swarovski, Crocs, Aliss, Pandora, and Sephora.<\/p>\n

Admission is free, and the installation offers a festive backdrop for photos, shopping, and seasonal cheer.<\/p>\n

Upcoming events for your calendar:
Now through March 2026 \u2013 South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org<\/a> pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January 2026)
Now thru Dec. 31 \u2013 Festival of Trees at Miami International Mall, Doral, free admission
Dec. 27-30 \u2013 Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament
Jan. 1, 2026 \u2013 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl, noon, Hard Rock Stadium
Jan. 3-6 \u2013 Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament, Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily
Jan. 4 \u2013 Annual King Mango Strut Parade, Coconut Grove
Jan. 10 \u2013 Voices for Children Annual Gala, Ritz Carlton
January 2026 \u2013 The Titanic Immersive Experience opens presented by South Florida PBS, for info visit www.southfloridapbs.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

ABOUT US:<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami\u2019s culture. Whether you\u2019re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https:\/\/communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com<\/a> or Grant@communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n


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