The Coral Gables Community Foundation today announced its honorees for their milestone  25th  Anniversary gala, “A Passage to India” to be celebrated on Friday, October 14th  at the Coral Gables Country Club.

The Foundation will recognize esteemed members of the community for their tireless efforts that directly improve the quality of life for those living in the City Beautiful. Among the recipients of the prestigious distinction include:  Armando Codina for the Legacy Award, Roberto Martinez for the Education Award, Rick and Margarita Tonkinson for the Philanthropy Award, Trish and Dan Bell for the Arts and Culture Award, Former Mayor Dorothy Thomson for the Jerry Santeiro Community Award and Nat Moore for Sports & Wellness Award presented by Doctors Hospital and the Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute.

Miami’s high society has already marked their calendars for what has become one of the city’s premier black tie affairs on the annual charity circuit. Ladies and gentlemen are making preparations to embark on an enchanting evening to Mumbai, New Delhi and Agra courtesy of the beautifully decorated ballroom at the Coral Gables Country Club, influenced by centuries-old designs…from the elaborate palaces of Mughal empresses to the stately columns and archways of British colonial architecture.

In keeping with the exotic British Colonial theme, many of those attending “A Passage to India” will be eschewing satin gowns and traditional tuxedos for saris and Nehru jackets. Traditional Indian folk musicians will trumpet the arrival of guests, while artists will apply intricate henna, or “mehndi,” designs to the hands and palms of eager attendees while they are treated to the tastes, sounds and raw beauty of India. 

All proceeds generated from “A Passage to India” will benefit the Coral Gables Community Foundation – a non-profit which fosters pivotal programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life. Established in 1991 and led by community leaders, the Foundation has long served as a philanthropic conduit within the City, connecting those individuals and corporations who are seeking to positively impact its citizens and the community’s overall growth. For 25 years, the Foundation has helped youth, elderly and disabled residents through a range of services…from providing dental care to children in-need, to sponsoring cultural activities and awarding an array of annual scholarships to deserving residents.

A Passage to India is co-chaired by Sissy DeMaria and Mary Young and presented by Platinum Sponsors, Baptist Health South Florida, Doctors Hospital and the Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, Trish and Dan Bell and Southern Audio Visual; Gold Sponsors Rick and Margarita Tonkinson and Kreps DeMaria; Valet Sponsor, Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables; Media Partner, South Florida Luxury Guide and In-Kind Sponsors, iZoom Productions and The India-U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  

“This annual gala has become a time-honored tradition for our organization, and it’s a tremendous point of pride to unveil our latest and most significant edition…one which doubles as a commemoration of our milestone anniversary,” said Mary Snow, Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. 

“Year after year, funds raised from this important event go toward the critical support of our community, and we thank all those whose outpouring of generosity and support have made our efforts all the more possible,” added John O’Rourke III, Chairman of the Coral Gables Community Foundation Board of Directors.

In addition to silent and live auctions and live entertainment, guests of “A Passage to India” will enjoy a dazzling gastronomic experience – appropriately enhanced with curries and spices -- by classically trained chef Richard Hutton of the Coral Gables Country Club (and who launched the highly-regarded Spice Root restaurant in Toronto). 

“A Passage to India”starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Coral Gables Country Club. Attire is black tie or saris and sherwanis.  For more information on how to attend or sponsor the event -- or for additional details about the Coral Gables Community Foundation -- contact Mary Snow, 305.446.9670, mary@gablesfoundation.org, or visit www.gablesfoundation.org.

About The Coral Gables Community Foundation

A nonprofit §501(c)(3) organization for almost 25 years, The Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to “The City Beautiful.” Established in September 1991 by community leaders, the Coral Gables Community Foundation, through its discretionary, donor-advised, and scholarship funds has helped youth, elderly, and disabled, and has provided dental care for needy children, sponsored cultural activities, awarded academic, dance, and music scholarships, and offered seminars to educate the public on important health, finance, and estate-planning issues, awarding nearly $5 million to worthy causes. www.gablesfoundation.org