In this issue . . .   
RECENT EVENTS Golden Gables Fund launches with big donations
FOCUS ON FUNDS Former grant recipients perform at Carnegie Hall
UPCOMING EVENTS Save the date for our Annual Gala!
MERRICK SOCIETY  Become a member, make a difference in your community    
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RECENT EVENTS

Golden Gables Fund launches with kickoff reception

On Wednesday, April 8th, the Coral Gables Community Foundation held a kickoff reception for the launch of its newest fund, the Golden Gables Fund, at the offices of Evensky & Katz/Foldes Financial Wealth Management. Representatives from the various organizations that benefit from the Golden Gables Fund were in attendance and guests celebrated the wonderful citizens and projects of Coral Gables' historic MacFarlane Homestead and Golden Gates neighborhoods. 

 

Established in January 2015 by the Coral Gables Community Foundation's Board of Directors, the Golden Gables Fund benefits the residents and non-profit organizations of Coral Gables' historic MacFarlane Homestead and Golden Gates neighborhoods. This historic part of Coral Gables is home to many organizations doing great work for the benefit of our children, our seniors and our community. Some of the organizations that will benefit from the Golden Gables Fund are the Thelma Gibson Health InitiativeSt. Albans Child Enrichment CenterThe BarnyardLola B. Walker Homeowners AssociationThomas Armour Youth Ballet SchoolYoung Tigers FoundationCoconut Grove OutreachG.W. Carver Elementary School and G.W. Carver Middle School.

 

During the event, donations were collected from attendees for a variety of causes associated with the Golden Gables Fund. In total, more than $10,000 was raised at the reception, thanks in part to Evensky & Katz/Foldes' generous matching pledge. The Coral Gables Community Foundation also recently donated $10,000 to the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative's Canteen Cuisine through the Fund. 

To learn more and to contribute to the Golden Gables Fund, visit our  websiteTo view more photos from the event, please visit our  Facebook  page.

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FOCUS ON FUNDS

Coral Gables Senior High Cavalier Chorus sings at Carnegie Hall

 

Coral Gables Senior High chorus students performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The Coral Gables Senior High School Cavalier Chorus received a grant last year from the Coral Gables Community Foundation to fund a trip to New York City and perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, upon invitation by WorldStrides Heritage Performance programs.  

 

One year later and students from three different chorus classes joined together during their recent Spring Break to perform with 350 other high school students from around the country who were hand selected to participate in the 2015 National Youth Honor Choir, conducted by Dr. Anton Armstrong.


Former Kerdyk Family Music Scholarship recipient continues to shine

Last year's Kerdyk Family Music Scholarship recipient Bryan Medina has had quite a year!

 

"The Kerdyk family gave me a great opportunity a year ago, and within a year I am returning the favor. With their scholarship, I was able to compose a concept album with my band

Tracy Kerdyk and Bryan Medina at work in the Kerdyk Real Estate offices.

Quantum Waves...it follows an incredibly complex theme and riveting story line about a person struggling to find themselves within the rift of a malevolent civilization," said Bryan.

 

Bryan has also been making waves outside of music. "About nine months ago I began studying real estate because my parents strongly inspired me to do so," said Bryan. "Luckily my dad told me about a firm that I would love to have the opportunity to work for, Kerdyk Real Estate. It was such a great coincidence." Soon after, Bryan met with Tracy Kerdyk and William H. Kerdyk, Jr. and immediately knew that the firm was the perfect place for him start his real estate career. 

 

"Bill Kerdyk is an incredible leader who strives to make his work and his company as top quality as possible, and Tracy Kerdyk, who is a great mentor and athlete, is equally as dedicated in her duty to her clients and her sport. The incredible inspiration which these two mentors have given me has been relayed not only into real estate, but has taught me the way to become a stronger leader," said Bryan.

 

As Bryan continues to work on his music and pursue his real estate career goals, he is grateful for the opportunities and the mentors he has found along the way. "The best feeling in the world is being successful at what you do, and even though the road ahead of me is a long one, the Kerdyk family has given me the greatest honor I could ask for."

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Remembering R. Kirk Landon

The Foundation fondly remembers Mr. R. Kirk Landon, who passed away on March 24, 2015. Mr. Landon was a special friend and supporter of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity and a strong sense of community. He will be dearly remembered.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the date for our 2015 Gala: A Night in Old Shanghai

2015 Gala Chairs: Sissy DeMaria and Mary Young

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MERRICK SOCIETY

Create your legacy today! 

Coral Way is a major thoroughfare in the City of Coral Gables and also the site of George Merrick's historic home.
  

ABOUT THE MERRICK SOCIETY 

Merrick's vision for better living continues today as involved Coral Gables stakeholders strive to maintain the look and feel of the City Beautiful. Do you have a vision for Coral Gables? The Coral Gables Community Foundation established the Merrick Society so that visionary people like you could continue George Merrick's dream. The Merrick Society preserves key philanthropic activities in the Gables and raises unrestricted funds for the Foundation. Merrick Society donors commit to a three-year annual contribution of  $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or more. Merrick Society donors are invited to the annual benefactor reception and other special functions, and receive a lapel pin in recognition of their participation. To find out more, please contact our Executive Director, Mary Snow, at 305.446.9670, or via email at [email protected].

 

Mary Snow, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

305.446.9670 | [email protected] 

305.446.9670

ABOUT THE CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Led by community leaders, the Coral Gables Community Foundation provides the philanthropic conduit to connect individuals and corporations looking to positively impact the success of the community. For almost 25 years, The Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables, while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to "The City Beautiful."