Dreaming to make a difference is what Liliam M. Lopez has always tried to do.

Now the president and CEO of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been honored for her efforts with Comcast's Dream Big Award in the leadership category.

The Dream Big Award is presented to a community leader during Hispanic Heritage Month. Lopez was given the award during the eighth annual SFLHCC's weekend chamber cruise event. More than 160 members traveled to meet, network and attend the award's presentation.

Lopez is also the cofounder of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit that was created in 1994.

For more on this group and its mission, visit www.sflhcc.com.

BACK TO BLACK

Baptist Hospital will hold its 31st annual Ball and go green with the ``Back to Black'' theme 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21, at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa. This year's green movement of ``casual black, shop your closet'' marks the second informal gala for Baptist Hospital.

The evening will feature celebrity entertainer Michael Cerbelli as well as the physician-led band, Ziffer 6.

Chairing the fundraiser are nurse Pamela Garrison; Dr. Jack Ziffer and Kirk Landon.

Ibrahim Al-Rashid is serving as honorary chairman.

Proceeds benefit Baptist Hospital's Center for Excellence in Nursing, providing support for nursing education and professional development, nurse retention and quality improvement projects related to patient care.

Last year's sold-out event raised more than $300,000.

For available tables and individual tickets call Lori Elsbree at the Baptist Hospital Foundation at 786-596-8954 or e-mail Lorie@baptisthealth.net.

LIMO TO LUNCH

Thanks to the huge success of Driven to Dine, an evening dining adventure that benefits the Florida Heart Research Institute, the organization debuted last year a daytime event called Limo to Lunch. It was so popular that it is happening again this year on Nov. 6.

The event will combine food, mystery, limo rides, and a reception in Neiman Marcus in The Village of Merrick Park. The day starts at 10:30 a.m. Guests select a number that tells them which limo waiting outside will take them to a restaurant for an unforgettable meal. Guests will be greeted by the chef and staff and treated to a specially prepared meal, along with accompanying wines.

Cost is $150 per person or $1,500 for a limo of 10.

You can attend even if you are not part of a group and meet new persons in your assigned limo. Co-chairs are Marilyn Cale, Kelly Craig, Jennifer Boin Getz, Mary Young and Michele Sadkin.

For reservations and to learn more about the participating restaurants, call 305-674-3020 or visit www.floridaheart.org.

GOLF FUNDRAISER

The Junior League of Miami took to the course for its sixth annual tournament fundraiser held at The Blue Monster Golf Course at Doral Golf Resort & Spa. The event raised about $35,000 for the group's community projects on homelessness, family violence, early childhood education, children's and women's health and foster care.

``This signature event at the acclaimed Blue Monster was a huge success for JLM,'' said Golf Tournament Co-Chair Lauren Hunt. ``The tournament featured 128 golfers and through their generous donations, along with charitable sponsor contributions, we were able to surpass our fundraising expectations.''

Following the tournament, players and guests celebrated at an awards ceremony, silent auction and cocktail reception. The first place foursome of Bill Starks, Gene Extjedt, Mark McComiskey and David Lamn were awarded a round of golf on the Blue Monster and merchandise from the famed course pro shop.

``We had an overwhelming response from both players and sponsors and I want to thank everyone for their continued support of JLM,'' Junior League of Miami President Erin Knight said. ``With their help, we were able to enjoy a day on the course while raising a significant amount of funds for our community projects.''

For more information on the Junior League of Miami, visit www.jlmiami.org.

NEW NEIGHBORS CLUB

The largest fundraiser of the year for New Neighbors will start at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Signature Gardens, 12725 SW 122 Ave. On display for the Indulge Yourself Silent Auction will be baskets of goodies, gift certificates, orchids and jewelry donated by members.

Club president Thelma Tucker is coordinating the event. Other committee members involved are Sharon Abramson, Anita Klimet and Phyllis Webber.

Lunch will be roast turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie for dessert.

Members and guests are $24 each. Call Barbara Richards at 305-595-8631. Reservations required.

MAYA STUDIES

Rick Slazyk will discuss Architecture of the Rio Bec on Nov. 11 and Marta Barber will present ``Calakmul: The Power of the Serpent Head'' on Nov. 18 for the Institute of Maya Studies.

The group has members and interested visitors in Miami-Dade and Broward.

All presentations are 8 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Miami Science Museum, 3280 S. Miami Ave.

Meetings are open to the public. A donation of $6 is asked of nonmembers. Learn more at www.instituteofmayastudies.org.

Note: There will be no meetings in December.

GOSPEL AND FOLK MUSIC

Seraphic Fire's annual concert, ``I'll Fly Away,'' will be presented at various locations Thursday through Nov. 8.

From the Appalachian spirituals of the Great Awakening to the folk music of the American frontier, the all-star ensemble explores the fervor, joy and hopefulness of a people rejoicing.

The First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables at 536 Coral Way will host Friday's concert starting at 7:30 p.m.

For other venues visit www.seraphicfire.org, or call 888- 544-FIRE. Tickets are now available for $35.

If you have news for this column, please send it to Chris Mayo, Friends and Neighbors, Neighbors, 4302 SW 73rd Ave., Miami, FL 33155, or fax to 305-269-7901. Pictures cannot be returned. Her e-mail address is ChristinaMayo05@aol.com.