Showing posts with label charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charity. Show all posts

Friday, August 10, 2012

Box springs do battle at tongue-in-cheek Coconut Grove PJ-party tradition dating back 30 years


Vanilla Ice, Miami native and Grand Marshall of the 2011 Bed Race

In the mood for some mattress mayhem? Perhaps even a little bed-on collision? Then set your alarm for Labor Day Weekend and don’t hit snooze—you’ll lose.

There’s no bedside manner required for this pajama party that’ll shake you out of your slumber and have you shedding your slippers and rippin’ your one-sies. This, Sleeping Cutie, is your wake-up call for the 2012 Great Grove Bed Race.

A tongue-in-cheek competition of racing homemade beds down the streets of Coconut Grove, the origins of the Great Grove Bed Race date back three decades. Tireless teams consist of five members—call it a “five-way”—with four ready-to-romp racers and one rider hitched to the headboard. Speed wins the ultimate exhale at the checkered flag, but awards also will be given for theme, creativity and décor (this being a consummate competition). Celebrity judges will be on hand to grade those looking to score away from home, and proceeds from this roll in the hay of hilarity benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Said Daisy Lewis-Salazar, Coconut Grove Merchant Group Event Director: “Racers, sponsors and fans all raising money to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade; who wouldn’t get in bed with that?”

Miami residents, Coconut Grove merchants, and local clubs, businesses and organizations all are invited to pull back the sheets on this year's affair, with festivities kicking off Saturday night, Sept. 1, of Labor Day Weekend with the Pajama Pub Crawl through participating Coconut Grove bars and restaurants.

Sunday, Sept. 2 is race day, with highlights to include Kids Storytelling Time; the Waiters/Waitresses Obstacle Course; a Pit Row Parade of decorated beds on display; and of course the 1/8th-mile trundle through the heart of the Grove Village. And to eliminate any awkwardness or hard feelings after the on-track tryst, Grove merchants will host a post-race celebration complete with live music, interactive exhibits and perhaps even a little pillow talk—just no sleeping with the enemy... maybe....

This Labor Day Weekend, Coconut Grove is the place to be for some laborious laughter. For event info—and to register to create your own bedlam—visit www.TheGreatGroveBedRace.com. Don’t sleep on it!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Give $3, Save 30% at Miami Seaquarium, All Proceeds from Offer Benefit South Florida Animals




In a continuing effort to help local animal charities, Miami Seaquarium introduces the Give $3, Save 30% offer, which gives guests the opportunity to donate to one of their favorite charities and receive a 30 percent savings on admission to Miami Seaquarium. Following the success of the last two years’ similar promotions which raised more than $46,000 in donations for wildlife related charities, this year’s promotion will benefit south Florida-based charities including Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-a-Pet, Humane Society of Broward County and South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue.


The offer starts on July 30 and runs until September 30. To participate visit www.miamiseaquarium.com for a donation form.



“Miami Seaquarium has a long history of reaching out to and assisting charities of all types,” said Andrew Hertz, General Manager. “We are happy this year to focus the fruits of these promotions on three very worthy charities that help dogs, cats and horses.”

Guests may choose from one of the following charities:


Humane Society of Greater Miami
The Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet is a limited admit, adoption guarantee facility dedicated to placing every dog and cat in our care into a loving home, and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs. Adoption guarantee simply means that every animal under our care is safe from the threat of euthanasia for as long as it takes to find them a forever family.

Humane Society of Broward County
The Humane Society of Broward County provides shelter, aid and responsible adoptions to animals entrusted to our care, and educates the community about respect and kindness to all animals.


South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue
The South Florida SPCA, founded in 1992, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of abused, neglected and abandoned horses and other large animals. We also educate the community about responsible animal care, animal ownership and promote the welfare of animals through local and national advocacy.


Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com; also "Like" Miami Seaquarium on Facebook.


Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Celebrate The Holidays With Exciting Events At Zoo Miami



This holiday season Zoo Miami is hosting a myriad of exciting and fun activities for everyone. Enjoy a Holiday Hoedown, eight nights of Zoo Lights, Dinner with Santa, and watch the animals open their special holiday gifts!


Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami. General zoo admission is $15.95/adult and $11.95/child (3 -12) plus tax. Children under 3, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s regular hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m.


The Holiday Hoedown, Zoo Lights, Dinner with Santa are special events with separate admission prices. To save time, buy tickets online at www.zoomiami.org.  

Holiday Hoedown

Alligator Ron's Holiday Hoedown is a fundraiser for Zoo Miami’s up-coming exhibit, Florida: Mission Everglades, set to open in 2014. It will take place on Dec. 3 at Green Glades Ranch (21111 SW 16 St., Weston) from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.


There will be live music from the country band Shadow Creek, an open bar, and great BBQ all to benefit the Florida: Mission Everglades. Since it is a hoedown in December, the attire requested is Holiday Western Wear. Light up cowboy boot mugs will be sold for a $20 donation.


Main event tickets are $150 each and VIP tickets are $250 each. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.holidayhoedown.com


The lighted giraffes at Zoo Lights
Zoo Lights

At Zoo Miami, guests can enjoy beautiful animal-shaped lights as they stroll zoo walkways during the 8 nights of Zoo Lights, have Dinner with Santa, and watch the animals open their specially-prepared gifts during Holiday Gifts for the Animals.


The zoo’s glorious grounds come to light for eight brilliant nights during Zoo Lights, Dec. 16-23 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. (ticket booths close at 9:30 p.m.). Guests can enjoy dozens of bright animal-shaped lights along our walkways, listen to wonderful holiday music, sip hot chocolate, munch on delicious cookies, and take a ride on a camel, the wildlife carrousel or the hippo slide (the world’s largest inflatable slide). Included with admission is a pair of 3-D glasses, which will make the Zoo Lights experience even more engaging and amusing. 


General admission is only $5 per person plus tax. Food, beverages, camel rides, carrousel and hippo slide are all available at additional costs.

Dinner With Santa

Dinner with Santa will take place on Dec. 17, from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Bring the kids to meet him before he has to rush back to the North Pole!  Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner with the family, photos with Santa, a holiday plush gift and holiday craft-making for the little ones! 

Dinner with Santa admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. and a classic holiday menu of fresh roasted turkey with homemade gravy, baked ham, candied sweet potatoes with melting marshmallows, herbed buttery carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls with butter, homemade seasonal pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing, strawberry-infused lemonade, and cranberry mint-infused water.


General admission is $39.95 per adult and $33.95 per child ages 3-12. Zoo members are $36.95 per adult and $30.95 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are free. To make a reservation, please call 305-251-0400, Ext. 84941.

Gifts for the Animals

Another fun family activity is Holiday Gifts for the Animals!  Every weekend in December, including Christmas Day, watch the animals joyfully open holiday gifts prepared by zookeepers and volunteers. The animals enjoy opening up their enriching gifts and visitors will be entertained watching them! See schedule below for details.


Saturday December 3
10:30 a.m.: Great Indian hornbills at Wings of Asia will receive papier maché ornaments filled with meaty treats.
1:30 p.m.: Pygmy hippo will eat giant red and green popsicles.

Sunday December 4
10 a.m.: Jaguars will get their own holiday tree – an Australian pine tree with all of the trimmings including catnip!
2 p.m.: Asian bear will receive a gift box filled with treats.

Saturday December 10
10:30 a.m.
Great Indian hornbills at Wings of Asia will receive papier maché ornaments filled with meaty treats.
11:30 a.m.: Lions will get red and green ice treats.
3 p.m.: African elephants will get giant candy canes.

Sunday December 11
10:30 a.m.: Tigers will cool off with their holiday ice treats.
2 p.m.: Gorilla will receive their own holiday popsicles.

Saturday December 17
11:30 a.m.: Santa will deliver sacks filled with treats for the Orangutans.
1 p.m.: Asian elephants will get a giant holiday ribbon.

Sunday December 18
12:30 p.m.: Meerkats will receive a gift box filled with bugs!
2:30 p.m.: Great Indian hornbills at Wings of Asia will receive papier maché ornaments filled with meaty treats.

December 24, Saturday
10:30 a.m.: Great Indian hornbills at Wings of Asia will receive papier maché ornaments filled with meaty treats.
1 p.m.: Asian elephants will get edible holiday ornaments.
2 p.m.: A holiday tree with all of the trimmings will be delivered to Amazon & Beyond for the agouti, chestnut-mandibled toucan, great curassows and black-throated magpie jays.

Sunday December 25
1:45 p.m.: Chimpanzees will receive a holiday surprise!
3 p.m.: African elephants will receive their own giant holiday tree!

Saturday December 31
11:30 a.m.: New Guinea singing dogs will receive New Year’s ball treat dispensers.
1:30 p.m.: Warthogs will get New Year’s decorated treat boxes.

Sunday January 1
2 p.m.: Sun bear will receive treat boxes for the New Year.
3 p.m.: African elephants will get papier maché animals.


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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

New Thanksgiving Black Friday Hours at all South Florida Macy's & 25% Off Savings Pass (Good Nov. 30-Dec. 5)

New this year! All Macy’s stores will be open at midnight for Black Friday shoppers!


Print this coupon out to shop Macy's Friends & Family on Nov. 30-Dec. 5 for 25% off on almost everything in the store! This includes Polo, Lacoste, Coach and many of our designer brands that are usually excluded!

Here is A Preview of Macy's Black Friday Specials:

  • 50% Off Sharper Image iPhone/iPod Docking Stations
  • $19.99 Rampage Boots
  • $99.99 Kenneth Cole NY & Nautica Overcoats
  • With Any $65 Fragrance Purchase, Receive A Digital Video Camera Free (One Per Customer, While Supplies Last)
  • Buy One American Rag Sweater ($34-$49), Get One American Rag Pair Of Jeans Free
  • Extra 20% Off Dresses
  • $199 ½ Ct Diamond Studs In 14K White Gold
  • $79.99 Designer Down Coats From DNKY, Laundry, Calvin Klein and More
  • $99.99 Young Contemporary Wool Coat From Esprit, Steve Madden and More
  • $16.99 Puffer Jacket (Boys 2-20, Girls 2-16, Infants)
  • 40% Off Select Regular Price Coffee Makers, Tea Kettles And Espresso Makers
  • $68.99 Cuisinart 7-Cup Food Processor
  • $179.99 Kitchenaid Classic Stand Mixer (After $20 Mail-In-Rebate)
  • $49.99 Tag Fairfield 5-Piece Luggage Set
  • $65 Justin Bieber Limited-Edition Holiday Fragrance Gift Set (Includes 3.4 oz. Eau De Parfum spray and Justin Bieber’s new holiday CD with an exclusive downloadable bonus track. Also, receive a free scented poster, while supplies last.)

Macy’s will donate $2 from every purchase to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, up to $100,000!


Black Friday deals available at all South Florida Macy's stores. Don’t miss the opportunity to shop early for the holidays at your favorite Macy’s locations:

  • Macy’s Dadeland Mall
  • Macy’s Aventura Mall
  • Macy’s Downtown Miami
  • Macy’s South Beach
  • Macy’s The Falls
  • Macy’s International Mall
  • Macy’s Galleria (Fort Lauderdale)
  • Macy’s Boca Raton
  • Macy’s The Gardens (Palm Beach)
  • Macy’s City Place West Palm Beach
  • Macy’s Broward Mall
  • Visit the Macy's website for a complete list of locations

...And Don't Forget:


To shop Friends & Family November 30-December 5 for 25% off on almost everything in the store! This includes Polo, Lacoste, Coach and many of our designer brands that are usually excluded! (Please print out the above coupon).


To watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24 LIVE on NBC from New York City in Herald Square. Celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to be the official kick-off of the holiday season.


For more information visit macys.com.


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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Third Annual Ability Explosion Set To Blast Off On South Beach, Oct. 19-23



This weeklong showcase of the abilities of people with disabilities, Ability Explosion, will take place on sunny South Beach, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 19, with events running through the 23rd. 

"The purpose of the Ability Explosion is to gather all of us, and to share and enjoy our experience together," said R. David New, the event's organizer and chairman of the Miami Beach Disability Access Committee. "We also want to exhibit the vast and varied abilities of people with disabilities, while providing viable solutions for challenges, whether physical, visual, hearing or intellectual." 

It's the extraordinary series of educational, informative and entertaining seminars and events from the world of arts, sports and entertainment focusing solely on the abilities of people living with disabilities! Many of the people featured in the events have physical, visual, hearing or intellectual disabilities. 


Ability Explosion has become the largest celebratory event of its kind in the U.S. and will be informing, creating and involving communities with a wonderful series of events that are open to everyone. The organization's events are supported by various local government organizations, as well as local community businesses and sponsors.


Additional information can be found on FacebookTwitter and www.abilityexplosion.org


Ability Explosion Schedule of Events:


Oct. 19
"Blast-Off Celebration, Resource & Technology Expo. & Children's Ability Workshops" - The governor and city commissioners honor Ability Explosion at Blast-Off. At the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach, 9am-5pm.

"Sexy-Ability, Modern Relationships: A Social Evening at the Shore Club" - Raw Beauty Photography presentation by TED relationship council member. At the The Red Room, Shore Club Hotel, 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 6pm-8pm.

Oct. 20
"Takin' it to the Streets" - Live entertainers featuring music, live and art at various locations of Miami Beach, 8pm.





"Lights Out Miami Beach" (A Dining in the Dark Experience) - A sensory dining experience complete with blindfolds and trained staff for the evening. Many of Miami's finest restaurants are [articiopating, including Hakkasan, Indomania, Escopazzo, and more. Check the website for full event information.

"Biz-Ability Luncheon" - Awarding businesses and individuals supporting special ability persons in the community and at the workplace. Three dynamic speakers with amazing life stories to share. At Morton's Steakhouse, 4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 11:30am.

Oct. 21
"Comedy Explosion" (Featuring Kyle Grooms, Lonni Brun and headliner Suzanne Westenhoeffer) - A lighthearted way to see the world through the lens of the disabled. At The Colony Theater, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 8pm.  



Oct. 22
"Ability Explosion 5k Run" - Enjoy sponsor samplings and goodies all morning. At the Art Deco Welcome Center, 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 7:30am.


"Wheelchair Basketball Event" by Colusana - Come see the two most important teams in the South Florida: Miami Heat Wheels & Sunrise Suns "move and roll their world." At the Scott Rakow Center, 2700 Sheridan Avenue, Miami Beach, noon.

"Benefit Cocktail Party and Accessible Fashion Extravaganza" - Beauty Pop-Ups, Live & Silent Auction, live entertainment, Under the Stars Fashion Show and more. At the Miami Beach Golf & Country Club, 2301 Alton Road, Miami Beach, 8pm. 

Oct. 23 
"Aquabilities Explosion - A Watersports Extravaganza!" - Food & drink, samplings, sailing, kid's art and painting, kayaking, live taping of "Cooking Without Looking" TV Show on Water Island, live entertainment and more. At Shake-A-Leg Miami, 2620 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, noon-5pm.


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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Strut Your Stuff for Cancer: Local Ladies Strap On Stilettos For A Sole-Inspired Dash Around The Falls

The Pink Heels will be at the event!

The Falls, one of the largest open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complexes in the United States, is excited to welcome the “Strut Your Stuff For Cancer” fundraising event, presented by Baptist Health Breast Center, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event takes place on Thursday, Oct. 6, 6pm-9pm, at the Center Court in The Falls, 8888 SW 136 Street, Miami. The evening kicks off with a sassy "strut" around The Falls leading to a style trend show featuring "well-heeled" cancer survivors and the "angels" who helped them recover.


The Pink Heals Tour will be stopping at the event as part of their national tour. The Pink Heals Tour, a movement celebrating women by raising money and awareness for the fight against Breast Cancer, will be steering their two signature pink fire trucks towards The Falls in honor of the charitable event.

The Pink Heals Tour is led by the self-proclaimed “Guardians of the Ribbon,” a group of firefighters, police men and community leaders that travel the country to spread the “Cares Enough to Wear Pink” campaign, the fastest growing movement in the country.  The campaign’s non-profit mission is to provide a national movement for the support of women across the country by wearing the color pink. The tour will be selling their commemorative Pink Heals T-shirts at the event in hopes of generating proceeds for those affected by the disease in the community. For more information please see the official Pink Heals website.
The Falls

Proceeds will directly benefit Cancer Support Community Greater Miami, Sandy B. Muller Breast Cancer Foundation and La Liga Contra El Cancer.  The event will feature wellness presentations, live entertainment and a chic cocktail hour with decadent treats.  Guests will also receive a gift bag with The Falls October Savings Book and other exclusive goodies.  Attendees will have the opportunity to register to win fabulous prizes.  The Falls will "GO Pink" throughout the month of October in recognition of this noteworthy evening.

The $25 Strut Your Stuff registration fee includes walk registration, event gift bag, and VIP entrance and benefits the above mentioned local charities. To support your charity of choice, please log on to their website through www.cancersupportcommunitymiami.org, www.laligacontraelcancer.org, www.sandybmullerbreastcancerfoundation.org.

Contact The Falls at (305) 255-4571, visit www.simon.com or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShopTheFalls.

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

South Beach Wine & Food Festival Unveils New Schedule of Events for its 11th Year!

Chef Bobby Flay at the 2011 Festival's "Burger Bash"

Festival Founder and Director Lee Brian Schrager is pleased to unveil the program for the 2012 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE magazine. Taking place February 23-26, 2012 the 11th annual edition of America’s favorite wine and culinary extravaganza will feature new events and programming guaranteed to please. All proceeds from the Festival benefit the Florida International University (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center; monies raised to date total approximately $14 million.

"Celebrating the milestone of our 10th year at the 2011 Festival was truly extraordinary,” says Schrager, who also serves as Vice President of Corporate Communications & National Events at Southern Wine & Spirits of America, which hosts the Festival. “I believe the 2012 program features a number of fresh and exciting changes as well as those events that have become fan-favorites over the years."

Tickets for the 2012 Festival go on sale at midnight on Monday, October 24, 2011 at www.sobefest.com and via phone at 9 a.m. the same day at 1-877-762-3933. American Express cardholders can access an exclusive pre-sale starting at 9 a.m. on October 10, 2011. Fans can follow Festival Founder and Director Lee Brian Schrager on Twitter, or at the Festival’s official Facebook page.  
Don't miss The Q

Transformations to the Festival program are most evident on Thursday, February 23 with a new event that takes the place of the beloved BubbleQ. Promising even more fun, the Festival will kick-off with Moët Hennessy's The Q, hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri.  For those who wish to partake in a late-night experience, the best part of this change is that The Q will also feature its own after-party, The Q After Dark!

The Amstel Light Burger Bash, hosted by Rachael Ray moves to Friday, February 24; a night which is also home to the eighth annual Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator's Best of the Best.

The 2012 Tribute Dinner keeps its long-standing tradition of honoring the world’s greatest wine and culinary talent by paying tribute to esteemed chef Charlie Trotter and celebrated winemaker Piero Antinori. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Trotter's namesake restaurant in Chicago is regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the world. The Antinori reputation as innovators has grown throughout the centuries, woven through 625 years and 26 generations of winemaking, making it one of the leading Italian producers of fine wines. Author and host of the popular Travel Channel series No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

Capitalizing on the excitement surrounding last year’s 10th anniversary party, the Festival will again take over the stunning 1111 Lincoln Road space for Party: Impossible featuring Epicure Gourmet Market hosted by Robert Irvine. Also reinventing itself for 2012 is Food Network presents The Best Thing I Ever Ate: Late Night Bites, an event based of the hit primetime series.

Miami's own Michael Schwartz
of Michael's Genuine
Dedicated foodies will get an opportunity to savor all of famed chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Bobby Flay’s restaurant concepts in one evening at the casual dinner The Flavors of Flay. The program is rounded out by highlighting the hottest trend in food at Trucks on the Beach hosted by Andrew Zimmern, which doubles as the official Festival closing party.

A fresh set of Wine Spectator Wine Seminars and Bank of America Lifestyle Seminars will delight everyone from the novice to the aficionado throughout the weekend. Additionally, in line with previous years, the 2012 Festival will also host an array of unique brunches and dinners to appease even the most discerning of taste buds. They include:

· Dining in the Dark hosted by David Burke with Market 17
· Conscious Bite Out with Geoffrey Zakarian
· Dolce Lunch hosted by Charles Phan at The Setai
· Farm to Table Brunch hosted by Michael Schwartz & Friends
· Interactive Lunch hosted by Anne Burrell
· Napa Style at the Mandarin hosted by Michael Chiarello and Joel Huff at Azul
· Interactive Dinner hosted by The Neelys
· Salsa @ Sea hosted by Douglas Rodriguez & Aarón Sanchez
· Sunday Supper by Meatball Shop

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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Get Your Sheet Together Because it’s Going to Be Bed-Lam! The Great Grove Bed Race is Set for Sept. 4

In the mood for some mattress mayhem? Perhaps even a little bed-on collision? Then set your alarm for Labor Day Weekend and don’t hit snooze—because you’ll lose.

There’s no bedside manner required for this pajama party that’ll shake you out of your slumber and have you shedding your slippers and rippin’ your one-sies. This, Sleeping Cutie, is your wake-up call for the 2011 Great Grove Bed Race, where box springs will do battle. A tongue-in-cheek competition of racing homemade beds down the streets of Coconut Grove, the origins of the Great Grove Bed Race date back three decades.

Tireless teams consist of five members, with four ready-to-romp racers and one rider hitched to the headboard. Speed wins the ultimate exhale at the checkered flag, but awards also will be given for theme, creativity and décor (this being a consummate competition). Celebrity judges will be on hand to grade those looking to score away from home, and proceeds from this roll in the hay of hilarity benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Said Daisy Lewis-Salazar, Coconut Grove Merchant Group Event Director: “Racers, sponsors and fans all raising money to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade—who wouldn’t get in bed with that?”

Miami residents, Coconut Grove merchants, and local clubs, businesses and organizations all are invited to pull back the sheets on this year’s affair, with festivities kicking off Saturday night (Sept. 3) of Labor Day Weekend with the Pajama Pub Crawl through participating Coconut Grove bars and restaurants.

Sunday (Sept. 4) is race day, with highlights to include Kids Storytelling Time; the Waiters/Waitresses Obstacle Course; a Pit Row Parade of decorated beds on display; and of course the 1/8th-mile trundle through the heart of the Grove Village. And to eliminate any awkwardness or hard feelings after the ontrack tryst, Grove merchants will host a post-race celebration complete with live music, interactive exhibits and perhaps even a little pillow talk—just no sleeping with the enemy...maybe....

This Labor Day weekend, Coconut Grove is the place to be for some laborious laughter! For event info please visit www.TheGreatGroveBedRace.com. Don’t sleep on it!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1940. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to five Clubs serving 10,000 boys and girls year round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, health and life skills, career preparation, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable young people and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call 305-213-9760 or visit www.bgcmia.org.

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Macy’s Be Book Smart Campaign Raises $4.9 Million for Reading Is Fundamental, The Nation’s Largest Children’s Literacy Nonprofit

The Be Book Smart smart car outside of Macy's in Manhattan,
which is promoting Reding Is Fundamental campaign


A child shows of her Macy's gift card in front of the
Be Book Smart smart car at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
For the third year in a row, more than one million Macy’s customers sprung into action to support Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest children’s literacy nonprofit. From June 24–July 31, Macy’s customers donated $3 through the Be Book Smart campaign to provide a book for a child, and Macy’s donated 100 percent of every $3 to RIF, for a total donation of $4.9 million. The organizations partnered with the goal of giving one million books to children.

Author Laura Numeroff with the
Be Book Smart smart car at the
Every Picture Tells a Story
book store in Santa Monica, Ca.
“RIF is overwhelmed by the generous support of Macy’s and the millions of customers who shopped during the Be Book Smart campaign,” said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. “As we look to our future, we are pleased to call Macy’s our partner and appreciate their ongoing commitment to RIF and our efforts to improve children’s literacy in the United States.”

Recently, $25 million in federal funding for RIF was eliminated. The amount is about 80 percent of RIF’s total operating budget and the Be Book Smart campaign offered a timely opportunity to help RIF increase private funding while giving back to local communities. Since 2004, RIF’s partnership with Macy’s has raised nearly $21 million to support children’s literacy through customer-supported fundraising campaigns, in-store events, and volunteer activities. Last year, Macy’s supported RIF programs that provided 3.6 million free books to more than 1.2 million children and donated 350 multicultural book collections to RIF programs throughout the country.

“Giving back to local communities is a cornerstone of our business,” said Martine Reardon, executive vice president of marketing for Macy’s. “Reading Is Fundamental has a long history of inspiring children to read and achieve by providing books to own at home. Macy’s passionately supports children’s literacy, and we thank our customers for adding their generous contribution to the RIF organization.”

Reading Is Fundamental, founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching under-served children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided four million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year.

For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF’s website at www.rif.org.

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Darth Vader with the Be Book Smart smart car in Los Angeles

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Miami Seaquarium's "Give $4, Save 40%" Offer Allows Guests to Save While Benefiting Florida Wildlife


Miami Seaquarium announces the return of the Give $4, Save 40% offer, which gives guests the opportunity to donate to their favorite charities and receive a 40% savings on admission to Miami Seaquarium. Following the success of last year’s promotion, which raised more than $34,000 in donations for wildlife related charities affected by the BP Oil Spill, this year’s promotion will benefit Florida Wildlife charities.

The offer starts on August 15 and runs until September 30. To participate visit www.miamiseaquarium.com.com for a donation form.

“Community involvement is one of the building blocks on which Miami Seaquarium was founded,” commented Andrew Hertz, general manager. “We are happy this year to be joining our guests in giving by continuing this hugely successful program that will raise much needed funds for these worthy non-profits.”

Guests may choose from one of the following charities: Sea to Shore Alliance (manatees), Sea Turtle ConservancyR.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program (Shark Research and Conservation) and Pelican Harbor Seabird Station (Seabird Rescue & Rehabilitation).


Sea to Shore Alliance (Sea2Shore) is a Florida-based nonprofit founded by world-renowned manatee expert Dr. James “Buddy” Powell. Through research, education, and conservation, Sea2Shore works to improve the health and productivity of coastal environments for the endangered species and human livelihoods that depend on them. Their project areas are broad but they all focus on one of three key species: manatees, sea turtles, and right whales. Their research specialties range from satellite tagging and tracking of rehabilitated manatees to teaching coastal residents simple activities that protect nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings to broad scale assessment of critical marine habitats. Sea2Shore combines the technical expertise of trained ecologists and biologists with the passion and enthusiasm of citizen volunteers to educate the public, protect endangered species and conserve our coastal environments.

Founded in Florida in 1959 by renowned ecologist and sea turtle expert Dr. Archie Carr, the Sea Turtle Conservancy (formerly Caribbean Conservation Corporation) was the first organization in the world formed specifically to study and protect sea turtles and their nesting habitats. STC has over 50 years experience in national and international sea turtle research, education and conservation endeavors. The group's mission is to protect sea turtles and associated marine wildlife worldwide, with an emphasis on Florida and Caribbean. To achieve its mission, STC uses research, habitat protection, public education, community outreach, networking and advocacy as its basic tools. The group is world renowned for its successful, long-term sea turtle protection programs in Florida, Costa Rica, Panama and Bermuda. In Florida, STC is the leading sea turtle and coastal conservation group and has spearheaded efforts to establish and protect the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (the most important sea turtle nesting beach in the United States) and other critical sea turtle nesting sites in South Florida.

The mission of R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program (RJD) is to foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) literacy and advance marine conservation by conducting cutting edge scientific research and involving graduate, undergraduate and high school students through hands-on field and virtual learning experiences.

RJD research and STEM activities will expose students and teachers from across the globe to the importance of the ocean and terrestrial environments in their daily lives. They will be made aware of the threats facing our oceans and coasts and to the solutions for conservation. Education opportunities will be made especially for those in land-locked communities as well as those from under-served populations.

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center serving the greater Miami area. The Seabird Station has been rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured and orphaned wildlife for 31 years. While the Seabird Station accepts all native wildlife, it is most famous for its work with brown pelicans.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year.  The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $38.95 and $28.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.

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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Village of Merrick Park Celebrates Man’s Best Friend at the 3rd Annual Doggy Days of Summer Event on July 31


Village of Merrick Park knows it’s a dog’s world out there, and what better way to enjoy summer, than with the 3rd Annual Doggy Days of Summer event!! The festivities take place on Sunday July 31 from 2pm-6pm at Village of Merrick Park’s “The Garden,” located at 358 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables. For more information please call 305-529-0200.

The event will take place on Sunday, July 31 with a “Pooch-A-Palooza” of doggy-centric action including a dog parade in The Garden at 3pm. Proud dog owners will be able to show off their beloved furry friends and three winners will be selected to receive various prizes based on the categories of Best Attire, Best Personality and Most Appropriate Name.


Dog owners will be able to participate in the parade with a $5 donation to the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Every dog signed up to participate in the parade will also receive a doggy bandana to wear. The event will also feature an Adopt-a-Thon, where guests will be able to meet, greet and adopt dogs brought in by the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Representatives from the Humane Society will be on hand to help facilitate adoptions. Guests who donate new items from the Humane Society of Greater Miami’s Wish List will receive a complimentary Village of Merrick Park parking voucher. Items from the wish list include doggy bowls, beds, leashes, durable toys, grooming supplies and more.

Additionally, dog owners are invited to have their pooches strike a pose for a take-home framed photo with any purchase of $25 or more within the center. Guests will enjoy special treats and in-store promotions from participating restaurants and shops. Patrons are encouraged to bring along their dogs and dine al fresco at one of Village of Merrick Park’s many dog-friendly restaurants.

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Monday, July 25, 2011

Purchase a “Viva La Vera” Gift Card at The Falls to Help Support the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer


The Falls, one of the largest open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complexes in the U.S., is making it easier for shoppers to give gifts and support causes they believe in with the launch of two whimsical versions of the Vera Bradley Simon Giftcard: The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Giftcard and the “Viva La Vera” Vera Bradley/Simon Giftcard.  For every Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Giftcard purchased, Simon will donate $1 to the Vera Bradley Foundation.

The Falls is one of the largest open-air shopping,
dining and entertainment complexes in the country!
For a limited time throughout the summer, shoppers will receive a Vera Bradley small cosmetic bag ($20 value), with the purchase of either of the two fanciful Vera Bradley Simon Giftcard designs.  Shoppers must spend a minimum of $100 to collect the free gift, and have the option to combine giftcards in varying amounts or purchase their single favorite design for the total amount. Vera Bradley fans also will be offered a selection from among varied cosmetic bag prints, all carrying the signature Vera Bradley playful and eclectic feel that devoted followers have come to  know and love.

“We are excited to offer our shoppers the breast cancer American Express/Simon Giftcard that supports the Vera Bradley Foundation,” said Julie Goldman, mall manager at The Falls. “This giftcard is the perfect gift for friends and loved ones and encourages shoppers to support causes they believe in.”

The Simon Giftcards, which are available in many additional designs, can be purchased in any denomination between $20 and $500 and can be used wherever American Express is accepted in the U.S. only. With no monthly fees* or an expiration date on the funds, the Simon Giftcard is a gift that everyone can enjoy. (*Please note that there is a $3.95 handling fee at the time of purchase. For more information, please call 1-800-331-5479 or visit www.simon.com).

The Falls is located at 8888 SW 136 St., Miami, and features Bloomingdale's, Macy's, more than 95 stores, restaurants, cafés and Regal Cinemas.  In addition to the anchor tenants, The Falls features recognized retailers including Crate & Barrel, LOFT, Brooks Brothers, bebe, Coach, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Talbots, Banana Republic, Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine, Cache, Brookstone, Lucky Brand Jeans, Vera Bradley, Origins, Mayor’s Jewelers, White House/Black Market and many other fine specialty retailers. Dining selections include Los Ranchos Restaurant, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Bargello Bistro, Macy's Taste Bar, TGIFriday’s and Johnny Rockets.  For more information about The Falls, located at U.S. 1 and S.W. 136th Street in Miami, call 305-255-4570 or visit us online at www.simon.com or www.facebook.com/ShopTheFalls.

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