Gloria Martinez, a human trafficking victim, knows firsthand how important this issue is and is doing something about it. This amazing woman is working on her PhD that involves a documentary including an awareness campaign involving the Mar. 18 installation of 1,626 bears representing the number of individuals the DCF shows as victims of human trafficking.
A week before that “Too Much to Bear” installation at St. Thomas University, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Civic Engagement chair Kristina Jackson learned about the call out for bears and rallied club collecting 95 bears that were delivered to Taking Back the Girls, one of Gloria’s nonprofits. Ultimately, the bears will be given to victims.
To learn more about Gloria Martinez’ campaign, look for her interview with me on Miami’s Community Newspapers’ website (cnews.net).
Aside from collecting bears, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club recently held two events of note. Before preparing for a fun night on Mar. 16, members gathered for the club’s monthly neighborhood cleanup organized by Frances Yec. That evening a disco-themed party was held in honor of Ruth Martinez at the club’s President’s Reception/Dinner coordinated by CGWC’s first vice president Carmen Suarez. With food by R Catering and music by DJ Johnny, members ate, drank and danced the night away.
The following Monday, the club’s monthly Gringo (Dingo) Bingo at Bay 13 Brewery raised more than $1,000 for the club’s charities followed just two days later, on Mar. 20, by a Bunco fundraiser for Camp Boggy Creek coordinated by Meredeth McKissick.
While there are still many events before May, please save the date of Saturday, May 11, for Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s fifth annual Mother’s Day Tea party fundraiser. Guests can join the fun wearing their maddest hat or costume. Event chair Rita Tennyson promises some fun “Drink Me” beverages and “Eat Me” delicacies to add to this Alice in Wonderland adventure. Don’t be late for this very important date! Early bird tickets are $100 and $85 for kids. To reserve, visit this Eventbrite link at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/859482544427?aff=oddtdtcreator.
In other news, look for two big events coming up on May 8. During the day, the Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association will hold its annual conference at Jungle Island attracting festival organizers, planners, vendors and more to enjoy and day of networking, great programs and a luncheon with top entertainment, all part of the registration fee for the event. For more info on registration, visit festivalsmiami.org.
That same May 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., mark your calendars for Music Under the Stars: Bon Appétit Miami at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. This is a fundraiser for its Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program celebrating 32 years of providing free comprehensive eye examinations and eyeglasses to more than 205,000 financially disadvantaged schoolchildren who had no other source for vision care.
Finally, kudos to June and Allen Morris who recently opened their beautiful home for a Friends of Gables High fundraiser. On Mar. 14, more than 100 alumni and friends gathered to support the many programs this non-profit, founded by June Morris, supports throughout the year from scholarships to classroom items teachers need. To find out how you can learn more about this organization, go to https://www.friendsofgableshigh.org/.
Until next time, share your time and talents, count your blessings, and make a difference.
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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.
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Gloria Burns
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