For families struggling to cover basic living costs, dental care for children is often out of reach. In Coral Gables, a long-running community effort is helping close that gap.
For more than 80 years, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club has supported a free dental clinic serving school-aged children from working-poor families across Miami-Dade County. The program, which began with the Coral Gables Junior Woman’s Club and continued after the two clubs merged, now provides about $225,000 in dental care each year at no cost to families.
The clinic is the primary beneficiary of the club’s ballroom rentals and fundraising activities. For decades, it has also received major support from the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation. However, funding needs have grown following an expensive 40-year building inspection and the loss of rental income during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help sustain the clinic, the club is directing proceeds from upcoming events toward dental services. Monthly Gringo Bingo and karaoke nights at Birdie Bistro continue to raise funds, with the next Gringo Bingo scheduled for Feb. 10. The Jan. 13 event raised approximately $1,600, supported by sponsors Lynn Bauer, Dr. Hal Wanless, Jerome Kavulich, Tom and Kim Davison, EZ Title Service, and 1st Premier Elite Financial Services, represented by Liz and Frank Gamez.
The club’s signature spring fundraiser, a Mother’s Day Tea, is planned for May 7, with details to be announced.
Community outreach continues beyond fundraising. Families are invited to attend the Coral Gables Children’s Festival on Feb. 7, a free event featuring interactive activities, demonstrations, yoga, food, and children’s programming. Education chair Debbie Courtney is coordinating the event.
Separately, South Florida PBS recently hosted a VIP preview of its new Titanic Immersive Experience on Jan. 14. President and CEO Dolores Fernandez Alonso joined board members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests sampled themed food, enjoyed live music reminiscent of the Titanic era, and explored parts of the exhibit.
The Titanic Immersive Experience officially opened to the public on Jan. 30 in Boynton Beach, alongside the popular Pharaoh Immersive Experience.