As summer approaches, many South Floridians are planning vacations, but those remaining in town will still have countless opportunities to party and stay involved. April brought us some amazing events.
The Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre hosted its annual Auction Gala on Apr. 18, delighting guests with exceptional cuisine from some of 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 with the incredible turnout, especially as many guests remained for the lively live auction portion of the evening.
Among those attending were former Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, Marta Perez, Fernando Orms of Seasons 52, Channel 10 reporters Gabrielle Arzola and Samiar Nefzi, Jeneissy Azcuy, and Dr. Jeff Solomon.
Next up for Actors' Playhouse is its beloved Young Talent Big Dreams competition, held earlier this month and showcasing the remarkable talents of local youth performers. Currently on stage is Dial M for Murder, with its VIP Opening Night on May 15.
In club news, several local women's clubs recently traveled to Orlando for the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) Florida Spring Convention, held at the Rosen Plaza. Representing District 11 – spanning from El Portal and Doral west to Kendall and south to Key West – members showed up in full force for the annual gathering. During the convention, numerous awards were presented, including a prestigious Membership Award earned by District 11.
One of the convention's highlights 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 baton to newly installed District 11 director Shirley Pardon of The Miami Woman's Club. Clubs represented at the convention included the Doral West Dade Woman's Club, Coconut Grove Woman's Club, Coral Gables Woman's Club, Cocoplum Woman's Club, Hialeah Woman's Club, and The Miami Woman's Club.
Among those attending were Arely Ruiz, president of the Coral Gables Woman's Club, along with Linda Hartwell, treasurer and past president; Metris Batts, president of The Miami Woman's Club, accompanied by members Rose Martin, Noreen Timeny, Brenda Merrill, and Flora Atkins, and Stacy Alonso, treasurer of the Doral West Dade Woman's Club, along with this writer serving as DWDWC president.
In especially exciting news, outgoing district director Dr. Ruth Martinez and Rita Tennyson, founder of a new women's club in Roatán, Honduras, will soon travel to Texas where the Roatán club will be welcomed officially into the General Federation of Women's Clubs at the upcoming International Convention. More on that exciting development in a future issue.
Late last month, the newly formed Doral West Dade Woman's Club hosted its first major solo fundraiser – a lively trip to experience South Florida PBS's Titanic Immersive Voyage in Boynton Beach. Guests boarded a party bus at International Mall and enjoyed charcuterie boxes courtesy of Birdie Bistro, along with refreshments for the ride north.
Upon arrival, guests were treated to a private VIP experience, as the exhibit was closed exclusively for the group. As a bonus, attendees also previewed the Pharaoh Immersive Experience. Once “aboard†Titanic, guests explored interactive exhibits, a virtual reality experience, historic relics, and countless iconic photo opportunities from a show that continues to sell out daily through July.
The ride home proved just as entertaining, 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, to mention a few.
Special thanks to South Florida PBS for offering a reduced group rate for the exhibit, allowing the club to share proceeds with several charitable causes, including the Coral Gables Woman's Club Children's Dental Clinic. The 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.
Finally, congratulations to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Miami Chapter, recently honored with the IDEA Champion Designation for its commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. The chapter also earned the prestigious Ten Star Gold Award, recognizing its success in achieving key goals aligned with AFP Global's strategic vision.
As always, it is inspiring to see so many individuals and organizations coming together to support meaningful causes, build connections, and strengthen our South Florida community.
Dates to mark on your calendars:
Now through July – The Titanic Immersive Experience opens presented by South Florida PBS
May 22 – South Florida PBS a launches two new immersive VR experiences — “Colosseum: The Legendary Arenaâ€, where the glory and drama of ancient Rome roars to life, and “Napoleon: The Immersive Saga,†a stunning journey through the ambition, passion, and power of one of history's most iconic figures. Experience both, now in the South Florida PBS studios. More information at southfloridapbs.org/immersive.
June 6 – Miami International Mall Walk for the Alzheimer's Association
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
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