It was an incredible evening celebrating 257 high school students who received over $3 million in college scholarships from the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Thanks to the hard work of the Foundation and the extraordinary generosity of our community, new doors will open for these young men and women, and I could not be prouder.
I was especially honored to present the Vince Lago Family Scholar Award to a bright young woman from Coral Gables High School, who will go on to study engineering at Bowdoin College.
Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish.
An inspiring moment at our first Development & Community Engagement Committee meeting from Natasha Lowell, longtime foundation friend, and supporter.
Natasha shared an update on Casa Familia and reflected on how the Coral Gables Community Foundation was among the first to support this organization with a grant and paving the way for future growth and support.
It was a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact philanthropy can have on addressing important local needs and creating opportunities for impact.
AROUND TOWN ✨ KITCHENS & TROPICAL LIVING RAISES FUNDS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND COMMUNITY GRANTS
The Coral Gables Community Foundation hosted its 17th Annual Tour of Kitchens & Tropical Living, welcoming residents, sponsors, designers, and culinary partners for one of the community’s most anticipated charitable events.
Proceeds from the Tour support scholarship programs and community grants, benefiting Coral Gables and its nonprofit partners—highlighting the power of coming together to make a meaningful impact.
🌐
🌐
📲 @gablesfoundation
#StrollCocoplum #AroundTown #CoralGablesLiving #TourOfKitchens #CommunityImpact #Philanthropy #MiamiEvents #GiveBack #LuxuryLifestyle #CocoplumLiving #SouthFloridaEvents #CommunityFoundation
Staff and board members were delighted to attend CARE Community Council & Leadership Breakfast and present @careelementary with a $5,000 grant in support of their impactful work.
Thank you to all of our Merrick Society donors for your continued generosity and for helping create lasting impact in Coral Gables and beyond.
We were honored to recognize our 2026 Rocks of the Community at our Merrick Society Reception this week.
Congratulations to Dale Chapman Webb, Chris Erickson & Joe Zoellers, Daniel Leon, and Jon & Judy Zeder.
A special thank you to our hosts Justin Joy & Drew Kovacs for helping make the evening possible. #cgcfmerricksociety
I had the pleasure of attending the Merrick Society Reception, a special evening dedicated to recognizing the remarkable generosity of the Community Foundation’s leading supporters.
Our city is truly blessed to have residents who lead with generosity and are deeply committed to giving back and creating opportunities for students through scholarships and grants.
Thank you to the Foundation for bringing people together in support of such meaningful work and for continuing to strengthen our community.
We’re launching a new monthly series to share more about the people behind our work. Our first feature is Board Member Sadia Raja-Alfonso.
▪️What inspired you to get involved with the Coral Gables Community Foundation?
I was raised in a home where giving back was simply part of who we were. My father, as a physician, dedicated his life to helping others, and that example shaped my sense of responsibility to community. As an immigrant, I have deeply valued the opportunities I’ve been afforded and feel a strong commitment to paying that forward.
I joined during COVID, when so much of life had come to a standstill, yet in the emergency room we were witnessing profound loss and grief every day. When I was approached to get involved with the foundation, it felt like a meaningful way to extend my work beyond the walls of the hospital and give back to my broader community.
▪️What issues are you most passionate about?
What initially drew me to the foundation was its scholarship and grantmaking work. I have the privilege of serving on the scholarship committee, where I’ve deeply valued reading applications and participating in the selection process. It is incredibly meaningful to help graduating seniors take the next step toward college and turn their aspirations into reality—particularly for those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
▪️What impact do you hope to make or have made through your involvement with the foundation?
I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact by supporting students as they pursue their educational goals and by strengthening the broader community we all share. Education, to me, is transformative, and being part of an organization that helps open doors for young people—especially those forging new paths for their families—is deeply important.
I also hope my involvement sets an example for my own children. Through the foundation, I hope to continue contributing to a community that has given my family so much—supporting its students, uplifting its residents, and fostering a culture of generosity that carries forward to the next generation.
We’re excited to share that Brian Goldmeier and Cozy Salazar will serve as co-chairs of our 35th Anniversary Gala, alongside their spouses Nicole and Jorge. Join us on Friday, October 16th at the Loews Coral Gables as we celebrate this milestone.
Last year we awarded over $7 million in grants and scholarships and look forward to building on that impact in 2026!
Board members, friends, and staff attended the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, gathering inspiration as we look ahead to the 2027 Tour of Kitchens. #tok2027 @kbshowhouse
Discover the power of a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at the Coral Gables Community Foundation—a personal charitable account designed for effective giving. #donoradvisedfunds
Learn more: gablesfoundation.org/daf
As a proud sponsor of the 17th Annual Tour of Kitchens & Tropical Living in Coral Gables, I’m excited to share the final part of this special series highlighting one of our community’s most anticipated events.
For our final stops, we toured:
📍 1225 El Rado St — featuring a stunning kitchen designed by @calimiahome , a Coral Gables based interior design studio known for their refined, warm modern aesthetic, organic materials & thoughtfully curated spaces. Their ability to blend functionality with elevated, timeless design was beautifully showcased in this kitchen.
Then we headed to:
📍 1010 Hardee Rd — an absolutely breathtaking historic French Village residence owned & designed by the incredibly talented Cozy Salazar of @cozysalazarinteriors . The charm, architectural detailing & layered elegance throughout this home made it a true standout on the tour.
We wrapped up the day at the after party hosted at @mymaisonco , celebrating an unforgettable event with designers, friends & members of our amazing community.
If you couldn’t make it this year, we truly hope to see you next year at what is without question one of the best events in Coral Gables!
#TOK2026 #CoralGablesFoundation #CoralGables #ProudSponsor #OscarArellanoTeam
