Several local women’s clubs recently traveled to Orlando to attend the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Florida Spring Convention at the Rosen Plaza. Representing GFWC Florida District 11 — spanning from El Portal and Doral to Kendall and as far south as Key West — members showed up in full force for this important annual gathering.
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One of the highlights for District 11 was the leadership transition as Dr. Ruth Martinez, past president of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club and outgoing District 11 director (2024-26), officially passed the gavel to newly installed director Shirley Pardon of The Miami Woman’s Club.
Among the clubs represented and participating in awards and leadership transitions were the Doral West Dade Woman’s Club, Coconut Grove Woman’s Club, Cocoplum Woman’s Club, Miami Woman’s Club, and Miami Springs Woman’s Club.
Spotted among the many attendees were Metris Batts, president of The Miami Woman’s Club, along with members Rose Martin, Noreen Timeny, Brenda Merrill and Flora Atkins; Stacy Alonso, treasurer of the Doral West Dade Woman’s Club, along with its president; Arely Ruiz, president of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, with Linda Hartwell, treasurer and past president, and Rita Tennyson, whose new Roatán, Honduras Woman’s Club was formally introduced as a newly federated club.
Prior to the convention, the newly formed Doral West Dade Woman’s Club hosted its first major fundraiser — a fun-filled trip to experience South Florida PBS’s Titanic Immersive Voyage in Boynton Beach. Guests boarded a party bus at International Mall and were treated to charcuterie boxes (courtesy of Birdie Bistro) and refreshments on the way north.
Upon arrival, guests enjoyed a private VIP experience, as the exhibit was closed to the public for the group. A bonus came when attendees were invited to preview the Pharaoh immersive experience as well. Once “boarding” Titanic, guests enjoyed interactive exhibits, an AI show, historic relics, and those iconic photo opportunities from a show that continues to sell out daily. It is open through July.
The return trip was just as lively, featuring dinner, more refreshments, and a spirited round of Titanic trivia hosted by this writer, with prizes generously provided by Steven Bradley and Vivo Sports & Social at Dolphin Mall. Among those enjoying the day were Steven and Isabel Mussolino, Christine Constantini, Lorraine Sheldon, Christina Roche, Lydia Sanchez-Garrett, Bruce Bounds, Rey Redlich, Dr. Christina Burns, Jeneissy Azcuy, Jeff Solomon, Iris Segui, Jerry Kavulich, Carmen Siman, and Denise Valluerca.
Special thanks to South Florida PBS for hosting this memorable event, which benefited several charities, including the Coral Gables Woman’s Club Children’s Dental Clinic. That clinic provides more than $225,000 annually in free dental services to approximately 500 children who might otherwise fall through the cracks of our healthcare system.
In other community happenings, the Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre hosted its annual Auction Gala, delighting guests with outstanding cuisine from Coral Gables’ top restaurants, a premium Bacardi bar, and exciting silent and live auctions led by Theatre for Young Audiences director Earl Maulding. Barbara Stein was thrilled to see such a strong turnout, especially as guests stayed on for the live auction portion of the evening.
Among those attending were former Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, Fernando Orms of Seasons 52, Channel 10 reporters Gabrielle Arzola and Samiar Nefzi, Jeneissy Azcuy, and Dr. Jeff Solomon, among others.
Meanwhile, Fogo de Chão once again hosted the Greater Kendall Business Association’s monthly luncheon, featuring Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez as guest speaker. GKBA president Carlos Ribero continues to bring in top-tier speakers, while also hosting a Miami’s Community Newspapers’ show spotlighting business members and his long-standing networking group, Profit Inc.
Speaking of Profit Inc., members and guests recently gathered for a lovely after-hours event at the home of Stacy Alonso of JS Alonso Accountant Inc. Her beautiful waterfront home, complete with lush landscaping and a poolside setting, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of networking and camaraderie.
Among those attending were Felipe Isaza, Mike and Susan Sutta, Javier Fernandez, Robert Beans, Daneza Socarras, Donald and Marie Van Orsdel, and Angie Ribero.
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Finally, congratulations to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Miami Chapter, which was honored recently with the IDEA Champion Designation for its commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. The chapter also received the prestigious Ten Star Gold Award, recognizing its success in achieving key goals aligned with AFP Global’s strategic vision.
As always, it’s inspiring to see so many individuals and organizations coming together to support meaningful causes, build connections, and strengthen our community.
Dates to mark on your calendars:
Now through July – The Titanic Immersive Voyage presented by South Floria PBS, Boynton Beach, www.southfloridapbs.org
May 15 – Junior Orange Bowl Happy Hour at Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen, 65 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables, 4-7 p.m., www.juniororangebowl.org
May 15 – Opening night Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theater, Dial M for Murder
May 17 – Beeliver Health Event at Tropical Park (Dog Park) – 12:30-4:30 p.m. Free event focused on dog and human liver health. UM representatives will be available for testing. Dog shelter will be there with goodies for dog health; to RSVP go to Eventbrite.
June 6 – Miami International Mall Alzheimer’s Walk in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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