The importance of hard work and getting an education were the topics for encouragement when attorneys from the international law firm Greenberg Traurig visited students at the Downtown Miami Charter School. They also distributed supplies at the school, in which 91 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

DMCS relies on support from the community to help the students overcome challenges they face outside of school that inhibit their learning. For the first time in its history, the elementary school received a “B” grade on the 2010 FCAT, up from a “D” the previous year.

Greenberg Traurig Executive Chairman Cesar L. Alvarez, President Matthew B. Gorson, and Miami Co-Managing Shareholder Jaret L. Davis visited the school with the much-needed supplies purchased through a fundraising drive held at the firm’s Miami office. The attorneys and business staff raised over $22,000 in cash donations to benefit DMCS.

“We are very thankful to Greenberg Traurig for their generosity,” said Rebecca Dinda, DMCS principal. “So many of our students face obstacles that threaten to impede their pursuit of education. Having Cesar, Matt and Jaret take time out of their busy schedules to talk to our students about the importance of hard work and the tools needed for success really meant a lot to us.”

Some of the proceeds from the drive were used to purchase 1,300 composition books — two for each student — and fulfill the complete list of supply requests from 18 students who have struggled academically or behaviorally.  The remainder will be donated to DMCS whose board of directors will allocate funds to programs with the highest priority.

“I am so proud of the school’s achievements thus far and the dedication of the Downtown Miami Charter School teachers, administrators, staff, students, families and board members,“ said Gorson. “I am particularly moved by the exceptional generosity of the Greenberg Traurig Miami office attorneys and business staff, who have rallied together on behalf of such a worthwhile organization. It is my hope that the firm’s support and contribution, along with backing from our community, will be the impetus the Downtown Miami Charter School needs to receive an ‘A’ grade this year on the FCAT.”

DODGE CITY CARNIVAL

Bring the family for a day of fun, rides and music from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Dodge City Picnic Grounds, 16330 SW 147th Ave. in South Miami-Dade. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training. For $10 ride and play all day.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. And buy raffle tickets for gift cards, a helicopter tour, an airplane ride and more.

For information call 786-351-4521.

GARDEN TOUR

Enjoy a guided morning tour of The Kampong in Coconut Grove on Wednesday or Oct. 29. The waterfront garden is now showing off its Calabash tree with green fruits growing directly from nodes on the trunk and branches.

The Kampong at 4013 S. Douglas Rd. is a tropical oasis nestled on 11 acres. It was once the private home and garden of famed plant explorer David Fairchild, and later, philanthropist and preservationist Catherine Sweeney. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the two-hour tour begins at 10:30 a.m. Tour fee is $20 for adults, $15 for ages 62 and over and students with ID, $10 for children four-12 years, and free for children three and under. Reservations are required.