Keeping up with what's happening in our community is quite a challenge and I am sure there are many worthy activities and events I miss. If you would like to submit information for this column, please fax your news to my attention at 303-661-0954.

Former University of Florida president Dr. John Lombardi was the keynote speaker for the Rotary Club of Coral Gables' second Annual Valedictorian Luncheon on Thursday, May 25, at the Country Club of Coral Gables.

Gulliver Schools' Hank Langston arranged for the visit and enlisted the aid of fellow Rotarians to underwrite the cost of lunches for almost 75 guests including 21 area valedictorians.

Following a motivational and very entertaining speech by Dr. Lombardi, Chris Pardo, son of Gables Rotarian Felix Pardo, called on the valedictorians to come up to meet Dr. Lombardi and receive a certificate.

Among those honored were Kystal Mikkelson, from the Academy for Community Education; Adrian De Los Reyes, Belen Jesuit Prep School; Catherine Milne, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart; Juan Carlos Baez, Christopher Columbus High School; Kelly Kaltenbacher, Coral Gables High School; Kristen Master, Dade Christian School; Fidelma Cobas, G. Holmes Braddock Senior High, and Camilo Mejia, Gulliver Prep.

Also honored were Natalie Jordi, MAST Academy; Regina Bermadin, Miami Christian School; Alina Machado, Miami Coral Park Senior High; Dian Oved, Miami Country Day; Samuel Christopher Roddenberry, Miami Palmetto Senior High; Geraldine Sobile, Miami Senior High; Shahla Khhalilahmadi, Miami Sunset High; Reid Bolton, Ransom Everglades; Ashley Zohn, Ransom Everglades; Barbara Juncosa, St. Brendan's High; Carmen Gloria Marimon, South Miami Senior High; Blake Boulerice, Southwest Miami Senior High, and Michelle Klepp, Westminster Christian.

Another honoree that same day at the Rotary Luncheon was John Rocha, who received the Teacher of the Month Award sponsored by Jose Calvo of Angel Buick Oldsmobile. Rocha, a math teacher whose dedication has earn him the respect of all his students over the years, was surrounded by several former students during the luncheon. Among those paying their respects was Gables Commissioner Chip Withers who credits Rocha with helping him make it through calculus by staying late every day to help tutor him after football practice.

In order to organize this wonderful celebration, Langston also enlisted the help of Corbett, who transformed the ballroom into a splash off blue and gold flowers, and Janelle Smith, who tracked and collected money for all the guests.

Langston needed help as he was one of many representatives from non- profits attending the annual conference of the Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations Annual Conference held in Tampa May 22 and 23. Local attorney Jim Casey, a FANO board member, also was at the conference to hold an ethics workshop.

Kendall resident Michele Collier took over as president of Coral Gables Juniors during an Installation Dinner on Tuesday, May 24, at the Chart House. The affair, planned by former Juniors' president Angie Yanda, came on the heels of the club's Cabaret show, May 19-21.

Among the officers and board being installed with Collier were first vice president, Patty Brewer, of South Dade; second vice president, Susan Tilson, of Pinecrest; corresponding secretary, Sandy Allen, of Kendall; recording secretary, Marisol Tamarazzo, of Coral Gables; general and welfare treasurer, Barbara Lapsley; Dental Clinic directors, Dr. Iris Torres and Marli Lutz; Cabaret show chairman Barbara Lapsley, and Cabaret general chairman, Carmen Suarez, of the Gables.

Coral Gables Chamber's Baptist Health Systems "Tour of the Gables" 5K Run/ Walk drew participants from as far away as Iceland. This annual Memorial Day weekend race continues to grow every year as racers discover the beautiful course beginning at The Biltmore Hotel and skirting around the tree lined streets of the Gables.

Event Chair, Bob Shafer, reports that the race drew record participation estimated at more than 1,200 runners and walkers. This chamber event, organized by the chamber's special events director Bruce Wiggins, benefits scholarships, the Coral Gables High PTSA and community programs through Coral Gables Community Foundation.

As a fitting tribute to those who served our country on that Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the event included a team of runners from SouthCom running in formation.

Thanks to the staff of the chamber and the many committee members and volunteers who help with the event, the race is able to give much back to the community.

Among those who received funds from last year's event through the Coral Gables Community Foundation were Fellowship House, May Van Sickle Children Dental Clinic, Junior Orange Bowl, Project Hope, The Journey Institute, and many more.

The Junior Orange Bowl Committee held another great fundraiser, their annual " Wyatt At The Hyatt" Casino night and auction, spearheaded by Barbara Waters, of Kendall. The Junior Orange Bowl is the world's largest youth festival and has a countywide membership base. With more than 19 events, president Linda Andrew advises that the committee always is looking for new volunteers. For information, call 305-662-1210.

Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is executive director of Coral Gables Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission of promoting projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for people living and working in Coral Gables. For more information on the foundation, call 305-446-9670.