Community grant recipients announced at Merrick Society Reception 

The Coral Gables Community Foundation recently awarded four grants to local organizations. The grant award recipients were announced by Carlos F. Garcia, Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors and John O'Rouke III, Chairman of the Community Giving Committee, at the second annual Merrick Society Reception on June 5, 2014, held at the Bacardi Americas Headquarters. The following organizations received grants from the Foundation due to their projects' potential to make meaningful impacts in the Coral Gables community. If you are interested in applying for a grant, please visit the Grants page of our new website. The next application deadline is September 19, 2014.

Coral Gables Art Cinema Director Robert Rosenberg with Carlos F. Garcia, Mary Snow and John O'Rourke III

The Battier Take Charge Foundation, founded by Miami Heat star and 2014 Coral Gables Community Foundation Gala honoree, Shane Battier, received a $5,000 grant, which will go towards funding one year of college studies for a new Battier Take Charge Scholar from Coral Gables Senior High School. Battier was playing in the first game of the NBA Finals and was unable to attend the event.

Coral Gables Museum Board of Directors Chairman Chip Withers with Carlos F. Garcia, Mary Snow and John O'Rourke III

The  Foundation continued its support of the Coral Gables Museum by awarding the museum a $4,800 grant to assist with the funding of Family Day, a free public program that takes place every second Saturday of the month from 2pm-4pm at the Coral Gables Museum. The program offers free admission and exhibit-inspired educational activities for children and families. Foundation funds will be used for 12 Family Day events throughout the 2014-2015 season. Chip Withers, Chair of the Coral Gables Museum Board of Directors, accepted the Museum's grant award. 

The Divaaz a cappella group from Coral Gables Senior High School

The Coral Gables Senior High Cavalier Chorus Booster Club received a $4,500 grant, which will assist in funding the Cavalier Chorus's trip to New York to perform at the legendary Carnegie Hall. The Cavalier Chorus earned this invitation after its Women's Ensemble received a Superior at the Heritage Festival Series last year. They were on hand at the Merrick Society Reception to receive their grant. The Chorus's a cappella group, Divaaz, performed the song "Killing Me Softly" for those in attendance. 

Foundation Executive Director to participate in grants panel

Bike Walk Coral Gables helps to make the City Beautiful more bike and pedestrian friendly

Cyclists take part in a Father's Day Bike Tour on June 15, 2014

the community. June 10, 2014 was a great day for bike enthusiasts in Coral Gables. The Coral Gables City Commission unanimously passed the Coral Gables Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan and committed $400,000 for bicycle improvements to the cycling infrastructure of the City Beautiful. Bike Walk Coral Gables was actively involved in the development of the plan and worked with City staff, Street Plans Collaborative and Stantec in the development of the plan.

On the third Sunday of every month, bike tours depart from the Coral Gables Museum in Downtown Coral Gables at 11 am. Each escorted tour explores a different theme and route and is suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.