July 2020 Community Foundation Newsletter
The Foundation is pleased to welcome Alberto Jose Pérez to the 2020 Board of Directors
The Coral Gables Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Alberto José Pérez as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Alberto is the Founder and President of AJP Ventures Corporation , a full-service commercial real estate firm based in Coral Gables.
 
Alberto is active in various civic organizations in South Florida and presently serves on the board of directors of the ALS Recovery Fund and the Business Improvement District (BID) of Coral Gables. In 2007, Mr. Pérez was inducted into the George E. Merrick Society at the University of Miami, which recognizes individuals and families that have contributed gifts in excess of $1 Million Dollars to the University. Additionally, Alberto is a member of the Latin Builders Association, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, and sits on the President’s Cabinet of the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation, the City of Coral Gables Planning and Zoning Board, and The Real Estate Council at The Tibor and Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate at Florida International University.  
 
Alberto and his wife, Kristi, live in Coral Gables with their young children, Lucas, Noah and Nina.
Focus on Funds: 305 Feeds is making an impact!
This month, the 305 Feeds Fund is sponsoring meals to homeless individuals served by the Chapman Partnership . With continued support, 305 Feeds has been able to provide meals to Miami's most vulnerable during the pandemic while supporting local restaurants.

The Foundation is the proud Fiscal Sponsor of the 305 Feeds Fund.
Merrick Society Member Moment: Shannon and Al Perez
The Coral Gables Community Foundation is proud to spotlight Shannon and Alfonso Perez in this month's Merrick Society Member Moment for their generous support of our organization.
 
Shannon and Al have been Merrick Society members since 2012 and continue to support the Community Foundation in every way. Al married his Southern Belle and they have lived in Coral Gables ever since. Al is a Partner at the Rasco Klock Perez & Nieto law firm in Coral Gables specializing in complex civil litigation, international real estate, construction contract and general business disputes; and Shannon retired after a successful career as a local and traveling Registered Nurse. In addition to their professional accomplishments, Shannon is an active supporter of Nico’s Promise, a Journey of Hope and Healing, the bereavement program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital providing support and bereavement counseling to grieving families that have lost a child. Al is a member of the Dade County Bar Association, a past member of the Board of Directors and past Vice President of the Cuban American Bar Association and past member of both the City of Coral Gables Code Enforcement Board and the City’s Cultural Affairs Board.

Al and Shannon enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren and fishing in the Florida Keys. We thank Shannon and Al for their friendship and look forward to seeing them on the dance floor again at a future Foundation event!
Grantee Spotlight: St. Alban's Child Enrichment Center
"Thank you for assisting with Summer learning activities"
Dr. Chemika Burkhalter, LCSW, Executive Director

The Foundation was pleased to recently award St. Alban’s preschool with a grant in the amount of $5,000 to support their summer camp programs. St. Alban’s is a Head Start preschool with a rich history serving families from the West Grove and East Coral Gables neighborhoods for the past 70 years. 
Foundation Partner Spotlight: The Biltmore offers Special Rate to Healthcare Workers and First Responders
Nominate a frontline hero you know for the Biltmore's First Responder Giveaway. The winner and a guest will enjoy a two-night stay, breakfast at the 19 th Hole and a 50-minute Swedish massage. N o mination submissions are being accepted through July 31 st and the winner will be announced on August 3 rd . Click here to nominate a frontline worker. The hotel is also offering a "Hope" rate to healthcare workers and first responders. Through July 31 st , they can book a room for $139/night for any time in 2020 and receive 20 percent off any aroma Swedish massage at the Biltmore Spa.
In partnership with the City of Coral Gables, the Coral Gables Community Foundation launched the Commemorative Bench Program in 2016. Families and friends from around the community have placed benches in Coral Gables' beautiful parks to honor memories, milestones and loved ones. This is a collection of the stories behind the benches, Benchstories.


Create your Legacy Today with the Merrick Society
George Merrick's vision for better living continues today as involved Coral Gables stakeholders strive to maintain the look and feel of the City Beautiful.

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.
 
This exclusive group commits to a three-year annual contribution of $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000. To find out more, please contact our Executive Director, Mary Snow, at 305.446.9670, or via email at mary@gablesfoundation.org . More information may also be found on our website here .

Support the Coral Gables Community Foundation when you shop on Amazon
Support your Community Foundation by shopping on Amazon Smile! When you shop on Amazon Smile, Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Support us every time you shop!