‘Dream big, soar high’: Little Lighthouse Foundation creates ‘magical’ event for kids
With the words “Dream Big Soar High” painted in happy yellow letters on a bright turquoise wall behind them, the children of Excel Kids Academy were treated to holiday gifts at the Little Lighthouse Foundation’s 12th Annual Toy & Meal Distribution presented by Beyond Protocol.
The cheer-filled event held Dec. 17 was just one of many organized by the nonprofit.
Volunteers distributed toys and food to more than 2,000 underserved children, teens, and their families from Breakthrough Miami, Overtown Youth Center, Excel Kids Academy, Carrfour, Miami Children’s Initiative, Easter Seals, Touching Miami With Love, The Motivational Edge, and B. Wright Leadership Academy.
Feeding South Florida provided the grocery boxes, and Hasbro donated thousands of toys and games for this year’s distribution.
“For the past 12 years, the Little Lighthouse Foundation has been creating a magical holiday experience for the children we serve,” said Jonathan Babicka, Little Lighthouse Foundation Executive Director.
“The toys and meals that we give to the children and their families will make a significant impact over the holidays. In the process, we are making meaningful connections between the kids and our volunteers that will last a lifetime.”
Founded in 2010, the Little Lighthouse Foundation assists children and families throughout South Florida. In 2019, the group’s many volunteers impacted the lives of 8,600 children.
Last year, LLF received the Jan Pfeiffer Distinguished Service Award at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 97th Annual Gala as well as the Key to the City from the City of Miami Beach for its volunteer efforts.
The nonprofit is accepting donations at give.classy.org/LLFHolidays2021. The group encourages the public to sponsor a child for $50 to help cover costs of grocery boxes and distribution.
Supporters can also create their own teams and fundraising pages. To learn how you can #DoGoodFeelGood, visit www.TheLittleLighthouse.org or follow LLF on Instagram @LLFoundation.
Holiday lights raise funds, and spirits
For 30 years, volunteers have invited neighbors and friends to one of the most beautiful streets in Miami Shores decked out for the “Light Up Your Holidays” event on Northeast 92nd Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues.
Visitors walk, bike or drive through to enjoy family holiday fun, caroling, cookies, and Santa visits. Although some activities were limited this year due to the pandemic, the event still took place Dec. 11-19.
Hosted by the Heidi Hewes Chapter of the Woman’s Cancer Association, funds raised at the holiday happening go toward cancer research at the UM Miller School of Medicine/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“This year, COVID-19 has changed our plans, but our spirits are strong, and we are committed to providing our community with an event that will bring the joys of the holiday season in a safe manner,” said Cristina Butler, event co-chair.
“The Cushman School High School Band was one of our entertainers, the guitarist was Gardner Thomas, and their teacher is Vincent Hamilton.”
The Heidi Hewes Chapter of the WCA is a 100 percent volunteer organization with a mission to “fight and overcome cancer by providing funds for cancer research, cancer education and patient welfare.”
The lights will be up until Jan. 2. If you can’t visit in person, you can still help with a donation at VENMO: @HeidiHewesWCA and ZELLE: HeidiHewesWCA@gmail.com. Learn more at www.wcaofum.org/heidi-hewes-chapter-wca/
Writers’ group hosts JFK talk
The first meeting of the South Florida Writers Association will be held virtually through Zoom at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 8.
The speaker is David Pearson, who was in Washington, D.C., when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Pearson will describe his recollections of that day and answer questions about his observations.
“Due to the surge in the Omicron virus, the meeting of South Florida Writers Association will not take place live, as we had planned. Instead, it will be another virtual event (Zoom) and we hope that many of you will attend to hear our interesting speaker, David Pearson,” said Ricki Dorn, president.
“I heard David speak about this briefly and was fascinated,” said Jonathan Rose, program director.
You can join the Zoom talk at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83899718493 with the meeting ID: 838 9971 8493
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Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.