Lunch was served and I sat at one of the long tables with Julie and Francois, Virginia's daughter and son-in-law, as well as the Miami Fire Chief, a really friendly gentleman, and Jorge Munilla, the head of MCM Construction, the incredible builders of the structure that is scheduled to be completed in a record 11 months, in time for the opening of the fall school semester on August 16th.. The Miami Lighthouse Band played and a raffle, with fabulous gifts donated by various businesses, went to multiple tables of the building's construction workers who were also invited to the event and were having a great time.
The Lighthouse's innovative Pre-K program that brings together in the school room both sighted and visually impaired youngsters, is slated to occupy the new building's 4th floor. The first three floors are for much needed parking space. The program is the first of its kind in the nation and has just been awarded a grant by The Children's Trust to conduct a longitudinal research study of these early learners in order to determine the outcome of the inclusive Lighthouse program.
My volunteering at the Miami Lighthouse includes writing a monthly blog that goes to several thousand e-mail addresses. It helps to raise money for the facility and its one of the most satisfying things I get to do, and as most of you know, I do a lot of volunteering these days. This morning made me really proud to be associated with this remarkable place.
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| Miami Lighthouse Band serenades guests |
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| Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami Dade Public Schools |
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| Virginia with Julie & Francois and Eva (the delicious dog) |
