For this Miami philanthropic couple, it’s all about making children smile

Children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami celebrated a day of fun as part of the “All in for Smiles” campaign by David and Leila Centner Family Foundation. The organization seeks to bring joy to kids who need it the most.

Founded by entrepreneurs and philanthropists David and Leila Centner, the foundation is sponsoring a series of free, fun-filled days of activities at FunDimension for more than 2,500 underprivileged children from South Florida charities, schools and organizations by the end of the year.

They include The SEED School of Miami, Chapman Partnership, Amigos For Kids, Overtown Youth Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and Lotus House Shelter.

“The most beautiful thing in the world is to see a child smile,” Leila Centner said.

“We have always been passionate about education and helping women and children which is why we founded the Centner Academy, Miami’s first school dedicated to happiness and emotional intelligence, and why our foundation is focused on improving the lives of local underprivileged children by giving them the opportunity to smile, be happy and flourish cognitively, emotionally and interpersonally.”

Junior Orange Bowl writing contest focuses on vaping

For the 32nd year, the Junior Orange Bowl will hold its Creative Writing Contest. The event is co-sponsored by the South Florida Writers Association.

This year’s theme: “Vaping is found to be harmful. How can I help a friend who is addicted to vaping?”

The contest is open to eighth-grade students in Miami-Dade County and begins Dec. 9. Submissions must be received online or postmarked by Jan. 15, 2020.

Winning students will receive $750 for First Place, $500 for Second Place, $250 for Third Place. Winning teachers will receive $350 for First Place, $250 for Second Place and $150, for Third Place. The awards ceremony will be at Books & Books in Coral Gables on Feb. 9, 2020.

The Junior Orange Bowl Creative Writing Contest is led by Chair Anthony Broad and Vice Chair Connie Goodman-Milone.

“This contest theme will inspire middle school students to really think about the hazards of vaping,” Goodman-Milone said.

“We welcome entries of up to 500 words. Essays will be judged on criteria that include attention to theme, originality and depth of meaning.”

Essays can be submitted on the Creative Writing page under Our Events at www.juniororangebowl.org. For more, write to creativewriting@jrorangebowl.org or call 305-662-1210.

Music Institute’s free voice recital

The Performer’s Music Institute will present students of voice performing selections from opera, musical theater, art songs, popular music and scenes from Bellini’s magnificent “Norma” and Mozart’s magical “Die Zauberflöte” (The Magic Flute).

Support the performers at this free event 7 p.m., Dec. 14, at 9823 NE Fourth Ave., Miami Shores Community Church/United Church of Christ.

The performers will be Rosie Herrera, lyric coloratura soprano; Maryuris Maldonado, soprano; Jennifer Maer, mezzo-soprano; Sasha Portocarrero, soprano; Melissa Ruiz, soprano; and Jose Vazquez, baritone.

Pianists Gregory Szeto and Jared Peroune will accompany the singers. Oscar Diaz Jr. is the artistic director of Performer’s Music Institute.

“All our recitals are free and open to anyone interested in ‘acoustic’ music. We don’t use any amplification and feature students singing at all levels and all styles of music,” Diaz said. “Many of my longtime students sing professionally with the Florida Grand Opera and the Palm Beach Opera and will be featured at this particular recital in a scene we are doing from Bellini’s Norma.”

Learn more about this group and the performance at www.performersmusic.com.

Free holiday concert at Kendall Methodist

The volunteer musicians in the Kendall Orchestra will present their third annual “Holiday Celebration Concert” at 6 p.m Dec. 15 at Kendall United Methodist Church, 7600 SW 104th St., Pinecrest.

More than 50 musicians play in the orchestra.

“Our volunteer players rehearse every week from September through June on Wednesday nights and perform monthly. Even more unique is the orchestra includes a full sax section, unusual in this type of musical group,” director Thom Proctor said.

“This year’s concert will include two selections by the Kendall Choir, as well as their leading a singalong of Christmas music, Leroy Anderson’s ‘A Christmas Festival.’ Soprano Daisy Su will sing ‘Mary Did You Know’ and ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ with the orchestra.”

Other selections include the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “A Mad Russian’s Christmas,” “Festive Sounds of Hanukkah,” an arrangement of “Amazing Grace,” and a narration of the poem “A Night Before Christmas” with orchestra accompaniment.

“I can’t believe it’s the third year already,” Proctor said. “This is always a fun, joyous concert and gets everybody in the holiday spirit.”

Toy Drive, Free Concert

Talented musicians will share precious holiday time with the community in a holiday concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, Kendall Presbyterian Church, 8485 SW 112 St.

Audience members are asked to bring unwrapped new toys that will be given to needy children.

The Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations is hosting the event.

Performers include the children of Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School, Devon Aire K-8 Center Orchestra, Winston Park K-8 Center, Arvida Middle School Orchestra, Robert Morgan Educational Center Soloist, Felix Varela Senior High School Chorus and Band, the Two Cantors and Michael Rosenberg.

For more information, call 305-439-3571, write KfhaNews@gmail.com, or visit www.kfha.org.

Celebrate at the Hanukkah Factory

South Florida might not have snow, but we do have glittering holiday light displays throughout our communities. One of the most sparkling ways to celebrate is at The Hanukkah Factory, an immersive pop-up experience that will help the “festival of lights” shine.

This is the first year of this “first-of-its-kind” multi-sensory event. It opens Dec. 18 and runs through Jan. 5 at 8770 SW 131 St.

“With eight dedicated theme spaces including a life-size game room, this self-guided tour celebrates the miracle of Hanukkah, its traditions, foods and symbols,’’ said Janice Lusky Greenspan. “Guests will experience The Hanukkah Factory’s unforgettable take on the holiday through interactive spaces inspired by traditional holiday symbols such as menorahs and dreidels, Hanukkah foods such as donuts and latkes (potato pancakes), and the history of the holiday and its hero, Judah the Maccabee.”

The Hanukkah Factory is the brainchild of Miami Rabbi Jonathan Tabachnikoff in association with the 305 Club events venue. Tickets are $18-25. For more, visit www.hanukkahfactory.com or call 800-988-1565.

Tell us about your holiday lights

Sweet holiday memories can be made with a family field trip to see some of the spectacular holiday light displays on houses throughout our neighborhoods.

We’d like to share a list of some of the most beautiful with everyone. If you have a holiday display you would like to tell us about, or have seen one you want to nominate, send the address to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com by Dec. 13. Please include a daytime phone number for you.

If you have news for this column, write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com.

This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 7:00 AM.