Thanksgiving 2022 Newsletter

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT

Seraphic Fire Celebrates 20th Season, Delighting Holiday Audiences

Seraphic Fire Executive Director Rhett Del Campo accepted a $5,000 grant in support of the 20th Season, from the Coral Gables Community Foundation's Community Giving Program in August 2022.

The Coral Gables Community Foundation is privileged to manage Seraphic Fire's endowment fund. The endowment helps to ensure the long-term viability of the organization.

A FUN WAY TO SUPPORT THE CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY

Tour of Kitchens Set for February 11, 2023;

Benefits Culinary Program Students

The Coral Gables Community Foundation is excited to announce the 14th Annual Tour of Kitchens. Guests will be inspired as they visit Coral Gables’ most exquisite private residence kitchens, indulge in bites from the City’s top restaurants, spirits samples and shop curated home goods from local merchants.

Proceeds from the Tour of Kitchens benefit the Foundation’s pivotal outreach efforts including the Culinary Arts program and its students at Coral Gables High School.

Where does the Tour start? The Tour begins at 9 a.m. at the Opening Event in the courtyard at the Shops at Merrick Park. Here you will check in to receive your wristband – required to enter each home – and the Tour of Kitchens program booklet – which contains the map and addresses of all the Tour stops. Parking is available in the garage at Merrick Park. Metered parking is also available on the streets surrounding.

PROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY

“The Coral Gables Community Foundation

is the right vehicle to make sure

that we leave this world much better

than we found it.”

-- Willy A. Bermello,

Founding Chair, Coral Gables Community Foundation

SPECIAL ARTS AND EDUCATION EVENT

JOIN Coral Gables-based arts organizations for an inclusive, community-wide conversation and update on what’s happening in the arts in the City Beautiful and the important strategic role the creative sector plays in our community. Together, our goal is to support and expand the creative sector, leveraging the impact of cultural economics. Admission is free. Breakfast will be provided.

ANNUAL BILTMORE BALL

Brazil-themed Gala Sets Records, on a Beautiful Tropical Paradise Evening

at the Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables

Alberto Ibargüen, Shelly Berg, Joanne Schulte, Bobi & Jim Eroncig, Eddy & Katie Arriola, Nino Pernetti, Alonzo Mourning and The Plaza honored

The Coral Gables Community Foundation and eight distinguished local honorees were celebrated on a beautifully cool evening at the 2022 Biltmore Ball to benefit the Coral Gables Community Foundation. The Foundation’s community grant and scholarship programs will benefit from record attendance, sponsorships and auction sales.

In the spirit of this year’s theme, “The Road to Rio: A Gala from Ipanema,” 400 of Miami’s philanthropic, social, civic and business influencers donned headdresses and sequins in a tropical cultural fete. Gala Co-Chair Sissy DeMaria-Koehne, who has chaired the annual fundraiser for the past eight years, once again paired with Lauren Harrison Brown for the fifth year in a row to present the city’s premier must-attend, black-tie affair.

The Biltmore Hotel served as the tropical paradise backdrop to an evening of vibrant costumes and beguiling rhythm as patrons were transported to Rio de Janeiro while celebrating the Foundation’s accomplishments over 31 years.

HOLIDAY GIVING GUIDE

Donate Your Vehicle to Help Coral Gables!

Did you know that your unwanted vehicle could light up the holidays? The Coral Gables Community Foundation Vehicle Donation Program accepts cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and even boats as an alternative form of giving. We'll use the proceeds raised from your donation to support our grant and scholarship programs.

We handle all the heavy lifting so that you can focus on spending time with your loved ones this holidays season. It's easy!

You will be provided with the proper paperwork and tax receipts for your donation. Simply call or email us to get started! 305-446-9670 or email Mary@gablesfoundation.org

HOLIDAY FUN

The Merrick Festival Caroling Event is supported by the Jerry Santiero Memorial Fund at the Coral Gables Community Foundation.

MERRICK SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT

Renowned Radiologist Dr. Nilza Kallos Leads Breast Cancer Awareness Talk

Renowned Breast Cancer Radiologist Dr. Nilza Kallos urged women to get examined regularly for warning signs of the disease, the second-most deadly form of cancer in women. And if they have a family history of cancer they should have a genetic test.

The Coral Gables Community Foundation hosted "Breast Cancer: The Importance of Early Detection," a community discussion, on November 2nd at the Lola Walker Community Center.

Dr. Kallos has been a Merrick Society donor since 2019.

Carl Prime, President of LBW Homeowners Foundation; Mary Snow, President & CEO of Coral Gables Community Foundation; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Radiologist Dr. Nilza Kallos MD; Foundation Board Chair-Elect Michael Walsh, Wealth Manager & Principal, Evensky & Katz/ Foldes Wealth Management.

Special thanks to Evensky & Katz for generously hosting dinner at this event.

YOU CAN HELP CORAL GABLES HIGH STUDENTS STARTING WORK

Help Gables High Business Students

By Donating Your Gently Used Professional Clothing on Saturday, December 3rd

The City of Coral Gables has had many community recycling days. Now the City will have its first business recycling drive. They are accepting business donations of paper, electronics and clothing in the parking lot behind City Hall on Saturday, December 3rd. 

Donations of professional clothing in good condition are welcome and will be donated to students in the Academy of Finance Magnet Program/FBLA at Coral Gables High School, who need good professional clothes as they take job interviews and enter business employment. Think: A suit, dress shirt & tie.

MERRICK SOCIETY

The Coral Gables Community Foundation established the Merrick Society so that visionary people can continue George Merrick's dream. The Merrick Society preserves key philanthropic activities in the Gables and raises unrestricted funds for the Foundation.

To find out more, please contact President and CEO Mary Snow at 305.446.9670 or via email mary@gablesfoundation.org.

The Coral Gables Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

The mission of the Coral Gables Community Foundation is to inspire impactful philanthropy through charitable funds and programs using local knowledge, expertise and trusted relationships.