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by Mayi de la Vega

ONE on ONE

by Mayi de la Vega

Here Comes CasaCuba

By Culture, Education

An inside look at Florida International University’s new Cuban cultural center and think tank.

I recently sent out an announcement about my joining the board of advisors at CasaCuba, a Cuban cultural institution, community center and think tank at my alma mater Florida International University. There’s so much more to its story that I thought I’d share all the good news.

The concept and space are the first of its kind in the U.S., and I’m so proud that our city is going forward to make this dream happen. When CasaCuba’s new home is completed in 2024, it will be a global destination for Cuban heritage through multiple galleries for exhibitions and a state-of-the-art venue for diverse programming from performances to dances. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in interactive, digital experiences with the latest technology like listening to Cubans’ oral histories. Scholars, business leaders and policymakers will have access to its Cuban Research Institute, a think tank that promotes valuable discussions on where we’ve been and where we’re going, how do we preserve our heritage while addressing our current status and needs. But you don’t have to be Cuban or Cuban-American to benefit from this incredible resource for the whole community. Everyone is invited to learn about Cuban culture and to join in the fun like sipping a cafecito on the front porch.

The dream started five years ago. If you haven’t already participated in one of its interesting programs, I urge you to check out the calendar listing in the link below. Previous happenings include the Orígenes dinner series partnership with FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and the Contemporary Cuban Literature Circle collaboration with Books & Books, for which Richard Blanco inaugurated by reading an excerpt from his book “The Prince of Los Cocuyos.”

Upcoming virtual events are conversations with Bacardi USA former president and ceo Eduardo Sardiña for the Chaplin lecture series on November 12; and with Juana Valdes for the Contemporary Cuban art series on November 17. Dr. Rafael Rojas, a professor at the College of Mexico who has written extensively about the intellectual and political history of Latin America, speaks for the Briefings on Cuba lecture series on November 19. Tune in for pianist Enrique Chía’s “An Hour Remembering Our Music from My Living Room,” a virtual concert of classic Cuban dance habaneras, criollas and guajiras, on December 6.

I’d also like to congratulate local architect René González whose firm was awarded the commission to design CasaCuba’s brand-new, multimillion-dollar, 57,000-square-foot building. Having taught architecture at FIU decades ago, he called the honor “the most meaningful commission of my architectural career.” The commission is even more impressive considering the level of talent from his competition including the late Zaha Hadid’s London firm and Arquitectonica International based here. González’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest and The New York Times. Among many attributes, he was selected for previous projects that address cultural and environmental factors.

CasaCuba is fortunate to benefit from the involvement of many local organizations and businesses. It received major grants from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. A portion of Bacardi USA’s recent gift of $5 million to FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management expands CasaCuba’s programming. I’m doing my part, too, in offering a $5,000 challenge grant in honor of Give Miami Day on November 19. Please consider lending your support as well to create a home away from home for all Cubans and the community at large.

https://casacuba.fiu.edu/

 

Safe Sanctuary

By Interior Design

Designing your dream home setting to fit the times.

Even before the pandemic forced most of us to WFH and think twice about leaving the house, I have enjoyed the simple art of nesting. Don’t get me wrong—I love to be out and about meeting clients and colleagues, supporting charities, dining at incredible restaurants and catching an art exhibit or performance—you name it. But I can also be quite the homebody and have always viewed my home as a sanctuary to unwind and spend quality time with loved ones. Our personal spaces have become more important than ever during these challenging circumstances. I’d like to share some design ideas to turn your home into a true oasis too.

Hammock Chair

Perfect for the balcony or backyard, the statement-making Hammock chair is a new collaboration by Miami architect Rene Gonzalez and Italian furniture line Paola Lenti. Its exclusive rope corda comes in several color options and is woven onto a contemporary tubular frame of lacquered stainless steel. Find it at Luminaire’s showrooms in Coral Gables and the Miami Design District.

https://www.luminaire.com/

 

Dale Chihuly for The Rug Company

American artist Dale Chihuly is reimagining his iconic glass sculptures for The Rug Company. The partnership marks the latter’s first time working with a glass artist. The limited-edition, handmade collection features several of his key motifs such as the Rosette (pictured here), Pheasant and Poplar, among others. A large selection of sizes is available, too, a bonus for his many fans and collectors.

https://www.therugcompany.com/us/designers/chihuly/?utm_source=Surface+Magazine&utm_campaign=60fd8bfcf3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_22_09_49&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_21320f497d-60fd8bfcf3-395803985

B&B Italia

For its Florida foray, a stunning, 10,000-square-foot flagship in the Miami Design District, B&B Italia decided to do something different. It’s the company’s first showroom that combines shopping in person with digital enhancements. It dubbed this “physical meets digital experience” as “phygital.” Customers are greeted by a massive videowall that displays collections before customizing pieces through smaller screens and swatch books.

https://www.bebitalia.com/en

Design Dose

You just never know what you’re going to find on Design Dose, Surface magazine’s new e-commerce platform for one-off pieces and other limited-edition items from fashion to home décor to artworks. One day it might be Peg Woodworking’s Satet Bench in ash wood and woven cotton cord by a woman-founded firm in Brooklyn or Issey Miyake’s origami-inspired Bao Bao Prism Frost tote.

https://www.surfacemag.com/design-dose/

 

Frette

I’m obsessed with Frette linens. Understanding that we could all use some extra tranquility this year, its fall collection favors calming colors like celadon green and powder pink. New items also include Luxury Lozenge throw pillows with a tone-on-tone argyle pattern in a cotton silk blend and Lotus Flower embroidered sheet sets in cotton sateen. Build your dream bed via the web site’s new virtual styling studio and sleep well.

https://www.frette.com/en_US/homepage

Latin Love

By Culture

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates a growing part of America.

With everything going on this year, I’d like to take a moment to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. As a Cuban immigrant who’s spent most of my life in a city full of other Latin-American immigrants, this relatively new celebration of my people means a lot to me. I say relatively new because despite Hispanics having lived in America for centuries, it wasn’t until 1968 that Hispanic Heritage Week was initiated, and another 20 years until its current, month-long iteration was signed into law. The celebration’s unusual mid-month dates of September 15 to October 15 were chosen to honor the time frame when many Latin American countries earned their independence in the 1800s.

As of last year, more than 60 million Hispanics live in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s nearly 20 percent of the total population, and we’re the fastest-growing demographic too. Like many of them, my family came here with nothing. One of my most vivid memories is accompanying my mother as she cleaned offices when we started out fresh. I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to work hard and achieve the American dream. I think of all the Hispanics who paved the way, incredible people like the civil rights activist Cesar Chavez who fought for Latino farmworkers’ rights, so we’d one day have Sonia Sotomayor, a daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants, serve as the first Hispanic and Latina on the Supreme Court. The Mexican writer, advocate and former Goldman Sachs vp Julissa Arce really captures this journey in her bestselling autobiography, “My (Underground) American Dream: My True Story as an Undocumented Immigrant Who Became a Wall Street Executive.” I’m also proud of my hometown’s Hispanics done good from husband-and-wife music makers Gloria and Emilio Estefan to Danielle Corona, who just made fashion bible Women’s Wear Daily’s “7 Latinx designers to watch this season” for her Hunting Season designer accessories collection. This month is about celebrating their achievements along with the history of everyone before them.

To hear about more fascinating figures, the National Park Service created a portal (link below) for “Telling All Americans’ Stories,” including those of Hispanics and Latinos. As part of the celebration, Smithsonian American Art Museum premieres “¡Printing the Revolution! The Rise and Impact of Chicano Graphics, 1965 to Now.” Comprised of 120 works, it’s the first exhibit that pairs contemporary printmakers and historic civil rights-era prints. Another key event is the 2020 Américas Award Ceremony for Hispanic and Latinx creators of children’s and YA literature on October 12. I just couldn’t be more pleased with all these positive happenings.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/index.htm

Emilio and Gloria Estefan
Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court of the United States
Cesar Chavez 

 

Golden Door Resort & Spa

By Wellness

California’s Golden Door Resort & Spa is a wellness wonderland.

Sometimes we all need to reboot and tune out the world, and Golden Door has become my go-to wellness resort. Though it’s located on the opposite side of the country—in Southern California between San Diego and Laguna Beach—I don’t mind the travel time. One visit and you’ll see why it’s enchanted not only me but famous faces from Liz Taylor to Oprah since opening in 1958. They, too, entered through its iconic copper and brass doors etched with a Tree of Life symbol. What lies beyond is much different from decades past, however.

A longtime patron bought the 600-acre property in 2012 and commissioned New York interior designer Victoria Hagan and a touted ecological designer to refurbish and enhance its signature Zen look with mature Japanese gardens. They transplanted an olive grove and installed an heirloom produce-filled greenhouse for executive chef Greg Frey’s health-conscious cuisine that also satisfies. (I’ve included links to recipes for his eggplant meatballs and fig jam dot cookies below.)

The tradition of packing light also continues. Whereas guests used to receive pink sweatsuits, affectionately referred to as “pinkies,” upon arrival, they’re now given a full set of workout attire, plus tees, terry-cloth robes and cotton kimonos that are laundered daily.You truly just have to show up, since the package extends to Golden Door skin-care products, a water bottle, journal, tote and yoga mat. Not having to stress about what to pack is my idea of heaven.

These perks along with impeccable service are designed so guests have more time to work on themselves, whether that means digital detoxing or hiking the substantial trail system. I also take Pilates and spin classes; fencing and archery are available for the more adventurous. The fitness menu is a far cry from the days when guests would hula hoop and subject themselves to vibrating weight-loss belts—a vision that reminds me of the exercise class scenes in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Men shouldn’t let the notion of “pink ladies” deter them from enjoying this serene retreat and its abundant activities either. In fact, the annual men’s week has been taking place since 1960.

In addition to the popular, week-long Classic package, they introduced two new programs this fall. For those who overindulged during the shutdown, the Trainer package is the way to go. Guests are paired with their own personal trainers who customize workouts including private boot camp. Because people are connected with nature and mindfulness more now too, the Land and Water package was developed to hike, swim and picnic.

Another really cool thing about this place is that they donate 100% of net profits to charity. Some of the charities that have been benefited are The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Palomar Health Foundation, Safe & Sound, Rady Children’s Hospital and others to help stop child abuse and bring awareness to the cause. What’s not to love?

 

https://goldendoor.com/eggplant-meatball-recipe/

https://goldendoor.com/fig-jam-dot-cookies/

Luxe Loungewear

By Fashion

Revamp your WFH wardrobe with these Florida-based designer brands.

With our beach-chic lifestyle, Floridians perfected the WFH wardrobe long before it became a thing. Flowing caftans and other elegant loungewear fill our closets, ready on a moment’s notice for boating and poolside soirées.

It’s no wonder that the niche’s designers flock here to establish their collections. Some even manufacture locally, a wonderful advantage for our growing fashion community. It’s easy to see why, too. How could they resist the Sunshine State’s endless summer as inspiration?

I’d like to share some of my favorite brands to refresh your WFH looks. Happy shopping.

Krelwear

Born in Paris, Miami-based fashion designer and textile artist Karelle Levy grew up on the ocean in Golden Beach. She attended Rhode Island School of Design before founding her upscale knitwear label Krelwear in 2002. Her wonderland of a knitting studio and boutique are located in Miami Ironside. Women, men and children love her Florida-friendly, lightweight knits in natural yarns. In addition to signature styles such as kaftans, dresses, tops, rompers and harem pants, the collection includes hand-loomed, bespoke pieces and accessories like hooded scarves and bottle bags for water and wine. (They make terrific hostess gifts.)

https://krelwear.com/

Tighemi

Tighemi raises the bar for its absolutely gorgeous fashion and home items hand-crafted in Morocco. It’s the kind of shop you want to buy everything, and we’re grateful that its mother daughter owners Lisa and Lauren Walsh relocated to Florida from New York and London to open their first boutique in the Miami Design District. They have an incredible eye for exclusive collaborations with talented artisans discovered during their frequent travels to Morocco. Luxury fabrics range from Moroccan cashmere (soft-brushed cotton) to Italian silks for styles like capes, tunics and kaftans. A men’s velvet smoking jacket is another fall must-have.

https://tighemi.com/

Lanhtropy

Uruguayan Ani Ponce de Leon runs her four-year-old linen empire from the barrier island of Key Biscayne. Made from pure, sustainable linen, her Lanhtropy collection literally translates to “linen universe” in Vietnamese, a nod to the country where her small factory is based. She focuses on women’s minimalist pieces with a twist that lend a touch of romance to everyday wear. I’m especially fond of her adorable jumpsuits with tie belts (the Oma) or front button panels (the Mia) in subdued hues like terracotta. In addition to her online store, you can find pieces at Florida boutiques like Roses and Dreams.

https://lanhtropy.com/

The Onikas

The Onikas has a cute backstory. Designers Veronica Pesantes and Jonnyka Bormann are childhood best friends from Dallas who now reside in Miami Beach and Austin, respectively. They launched their fair-trade line five years ago to celebrate their friendship and love of art and travel as well as to support Indian and Ecuadorian craftsmen (Veronica was born in Quito.) Tapping into their artistic backgrounds, they create exclusive, hand-blocked prints for cotton voile caftans, robes, dresses, tunics and bottoms made in India. They also collaborate with multi-generational families of Andean weavers for ponchos and wraps in naturally dyed, organic cotton.

https://theonikas.com/

 

Kult Jewelry

Kult Jewelry also turned five this year. Designer Jessie Bonne lived in the French Caribbean, Paris and Mexico City before settling in Miami. She continues to work with Mexican silversmiths for part of her fine jewelry collection, while the rest in produced in downtown Miami’s Seybold Building. Offering minimalist looks to bold statement pieces, she favors lapis lazuli, malachite and onyx and recently introduced more precious materials such as rubies and yellow and rose gold. Besides frequent trunk shows throughout Florida during season, you can try on her pieces at Mrs. Mandolin lifestyle store and Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club’s boutique.

https://kultjewelry.com/

 

Let There Be Light

By Art, Events

Maison&Objet, Paris’s home, design and lifestyle fair, goes virtual for its September edition.

 While Paris trips are on hold for many of us this year, we can travel to the City of Light in our minds. Its internationally renowned Maison&Objet fair for home, design and lifestyle introduced a digital edition through September 18. Normally each of its biannual events receives 80,000 visitors. This year’s attendance is expected to balloon to hundreds of thousands on its Maison&Objet and More (MOM) platform, which launched in 2016 as a way for industry insiders to stay connected.

The platform pivoted with newly added digital showrooms that enable design professionals and the general public to walk the show from their laptops and other devices. Dial your interior designer and meet online to learn about the latest trends and to shop for brilliant items. Filters make it convenient to zero in on categories from furniture to fragrances. The website’s Inspirations section also helps with browsing. Here, the fair invites design experts who own firms, showrooms and boutiques as well as home and design editors from magazines all over the world like AD France and House & Garden to share their favorite pieces. Pieces are broken down into themes, too, like eco-chic and tea time. I’ve included photos of some of my picks that work well for the Florida lifestyle.

A fun fact is that Maison&Objet staged a U.S. edition of its show in Miami Beach for two years. It’s easy to see why since South Florida is a hotbed for forward design. We are lucky to have iconic projects from a plethora of revered architects like the late Zaha Hadid who designed Miami’s One Thousand Museum Residences proudly represented by OSIR. The region offers so many luxury home showrooms as well, including B&B Italia’s first Southeast location that recently opened in the Miami Design District. I definitely recommend a visit.

Maison&Objet also hosts daily digital talks on its MOM platform. I’ve noticed that this year’s programs focus a lot on the return to nature and how to protect the environment—themes we’re all experiencing these days. A few to look out for are sustainable interiors on September 15; post-pandemic hotel design by Miami architect Chad Oppenheim (he just spoke to Forbes about the timely topic) on September 17, and a chef’s point of view on the natural world by Christophe Aribert, the alpine culinary visionary and farmer’s son behind Maison Aribert resort in France’s mountainous Uriage-Les-Bains park—I’d love to take one of his coveted cooking classes.

The fair’s Designer of the Year installation has been postponed until the next event from January 22-26, 2021. The honor goes to architect Franklin Azzi, whose Paris-based eponymous firm is known for whole landscapes that often involves urban planning—his Left Bank promenade along the Seine is similar to New York’s High Line. His impressive portfolio also features stores for French fashion houses like Isabel Marant, Lacoste and LVMH’s brands. I look forward to returning to the real deal in winter and toasting him with a glass of champagne, bien sûr.


Fearless at Fifteen

By Beauty, Wellness

The glamorous Gee Beauty spa and boutique celebrates its 15th anniversary.

I’ve always supported women-owned businesses, which is just one of the many reasons I’m a huge fan of Gee Beauty. Named after a chic Canadian family—the impossibly gorgeous, savvy and kind Miriam Gee and her equally accomplished and stunning daughters, Natalie, Celene and Stephanie—the breakthrough beauty concept was founded 15 years ago in their hometown of Toronto. Years later, they expanded to Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood.

The spa/boutique hybrid is tailored for the time-crunched modern woman (and man, since they offer a full range of men’s products and custom treatments). The basic idea is that we all love a spa day, but it’s just not practical most of the time with our hectic schedules, whether you’re a busy parent, professional or both. They saw a white space for a 21st-century urban spa, where people can pop in for quick yet effective services such as their signature Brow Shaping and Medi Multi Express anti-aging facial in the same manner that they visit their favorite coffee shop for a latte. By thinking of your spa routine in daily snippets, you can still stick to your beauty routine without spending precious hours all at once.

I can attest to the quality of their services and products including their namesake cosmetics line. When I really want to treat myself, I indulge in one of their Luxury Facials whose themes are often based on their premier brands like Dr. Sebagh, Tata Harper and Dr. Barbara Sturm. Each of the four women has her sub-specialties regarding services and product niches, and they personally test every single item that comes into the store. Because the beauty market is flooded with options, it’s one less thing I have to think about—if it passes their approval, I know it’s great. When I’m in Sunset Harbour, I add it to my round of errands and treats like dinner at Naiyara and Lucali.

Since reopening in the pandemic, I’ve been impressed with how they’re handling protocol. They’re really good about spacing clients through limiting appointments and installing plexi-glass dividers. During services, the staff wears masks, face shields, gloves and gowns, among many thoughtful safety measures. You can also order online or arrange for curbside pickup to tide you over until you feel safe enough for in-person treatments and shopping.

I also like how they’ve always been ahead of the curve. Before clean beauty was trendy, they believed in a holistic approach and were among the first stores to bring in natural and organic skin-care lines. They’re constantly searching for better alternatives and address all skin types and tones. They recently introduced Epara, a luxury, skin-care brand whose ingredients from essential oils to botanicals are specifically designed for women of color.

For the 15th anniversary, they assembled the Glow Into Fall Skin Kit, a crème de la crème package with their top beauty picks in a complimentary tote commemorating the achievement. Some goodies inside are the Joanna Vargas Bright Eye Firming Mask, Mimi Luzon 24K Gold Hyaluronic Serum, Gee Beauty Soothing Lip Balm and Slip Skinnies silk hair ties. What a great gift for a friend or yourself.

Congrats ladies, and here’s to another 15 years!

 

Every Vote Counts

By Culture, Education

This month celebrates the centennial of U.S. women’s right to vote.

Seventy-two years. That’s how long it took from the first women’s rights convention held in Seneca Falls, N.Y., in 1848, until the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote, was signed into law on August 26, 1920. Throughout the month of August, we’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of the suffragist movement’s incredible achievement: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

The women’s vote centennial is being honored across the U.S. with myriad events that culminate on August 26. I’ve included a couple links below to brush up on your history to fully appreciate how far we’ve come and how much work remains. As the female founder of my real estate firm, I deeply respect these historic figures for the road they paved for me and other women to follow their dreams, first by being able to cast a ballot. In poring over the links’ comprehensive timelines and priceless photos, I discovered so many details beyond the basic lessons we learn in school about iconic suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Of all places, I never thought Wyoming, then a territory, would be the first place in the U.S. to pass a women’s suffrage measure in 1869, and that Colorado would be the first state to adopt and amendment granting women the right to vote in 1893. (Even though the movement began in New York, it wouldn’t be until 1917 that it passed there.) Other interesting details are that suffragists were the first protestors to picket at the White House; 32 men were among the signees to declare the nascent movement back then in Seneca Falls, and several notable Black suffragists including Harriet Tubman and Ida B. Wells-Barnett contributed greatly to the cause. With another election year upon us, I’m grateful for their tireless efforts.

An in-depth resource to find out more about nationwide events is the 2020 Women’s Vote Centennial Initiative (link below). This week features virtual lectures by top professors on the subject, online tours of exhibits, women-themed film screenings, a virtual Equality Weekend in Seneca Falls, livestreamed concerts from Nashville, a historic reenactment of Stanton circa 1866, and many more great activities. The website also provides educational materials on where we stand today. For example, women make up less than 20 percent of elected officials in Congress, and only one in three eligible women voted in the last presidential election. As you can see, we still have a lot of work to do!

https://www.2020centennial.org/

https://floridasuffrage100.org/

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/08/17/us/suffrage-movement-photos-history.html

The Art of the Online Art Fair

By Art, Events

Untitled launches world’s first virtual reality art fair for the times.

When people talk about going to Art Basel Miami Beach, they don’t just mean the main fair. There are approximately a dozen satellite fairs around the city that offer their own special niche during the December art week. One of the most respected of these satellite fairs is Untitled, which takes place in a glamorous white tent on the beach. It also hosts a San Francisco event. When the pandemic hit, it pivoted by premiering a virtual edition.

Untitled Art Online, Powered by Artland was originally slated to end last weekend, but organizers extended it to Sunday, August 9, to accommodate the unexpected amount of transactions and all-around interest. Its success has rocked the art world, thus ushering in a new age of discovery for art lovers worldwide and of technology’s capabilities to deliver an interactive, immersive experience in lieu of the real thing. In attending the first-ever virtual reality art fair, visitors explore aisles and browse booths just like an in-person fair—they’ve even managed to capture the feeling of the natural light-filled tent in Miami Beach—and conduct business in real time with instant chat tools and a 24/7 “Buy Now” button. Art advisor Laura Smith Sweeney said the platform vastly differs from other online fairs’ sequential viewing of artworks.

“A virtual walk through evokes the excitement of discovering a well-curated booth at an art fair,” said Smith Sweeney, of experiencing the conversational mix of sculpture, painting, and photography to curate virtual tours for her clients. “The doll house and floor-plan views allow visitors to arrive at a gallery’s booth very efficiently, and the interactive chat function with an actual staff member makes for a personal and welcoming experience.”

Approximately 40 international exhibitors are participating in the inaugural online fair. Galleries not only have the ability to customize their booths but rearrange artworks and replenish them with new ones as others sell. When one enters the portal, they’re viewing the fair’s inventory in real time no matter the hour or time zone. A transparent fee model minimizes costs to give galleries an edge during this tough year.

Response and engagement have been so strong that they’re already planning a fall edition. Collectors are taking it seriously, too. Galeria Nara Roesler sold two large-scale works by Vik Muniz for approximately $60,000 apiece on the opening day alone according to gallery deputy director Frederik Schampers. A benefit for the New York Foundation for the Arts also sold out; Artspace & Phaidon produced the UNTITLED, ART Charitable Artist Edition of artist Genesis Tramaine’s limited-edition work on paper titled Black Woman University. All proceeds go to the charity.

Hope you enjoy gallery-hopping from your home this weekend and find some great new works to brighten your space. Good luck!

https://www.artland.com/untitled-art-online

 

 

Back to School

By Education, Philanthropy

Help our fantastic local charities gather school supplies for underserved children.

From Lotus House to YoungArts, children’s charities have always been near and dear to my heart. They need our help even more due to the pandemic, especially with how it’s affecting the school year. Many local non-profits are organizing school supply drives for struggling families. Here are ways to get involved to alleviate kids’ anxiety in these tough times. Every little bit goes a long way.

The Little Lighthouse Foundation

For its 2020 Back to School fundraiser, the Little Lighthouse Foundation hopes to have enough supplies for 1,500 underserved students. The team plans to distribute them to children at Excel Kids Academy, B. Wright Leadership Academy, Fienberg Fisher K-8, the Motivational Edge and Carrfour on August 21. Check out LLF’s web site to learn more about its profound impact on South Florida and how to volunteer in other aspects.

https://www.classy.org/campaign/llf-back-to-school-2020/c289736

The Salvation Army of Broward County

The Salvation Army of Broward County is having to adapt its programs for the coronavirus. Its inaugural “Stuff the Bus” virtual school supplies drive takes place August 3-17. Drop off items or donate through Walmart’s online registry as well as the Salvation Army’s secure portal. Supplies will be distributed in time for the start of the school year.

Salvation Army’s shipping and drop-off location:

1445 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33312

Online donations:

https://give.salvationarmyflorida.org/browardschoolsupplies

Walmart online:

https://tinyurl.com/StuffTheBus2020

Walmart drop-off locations:

4700 South Flamingo Road, Cooper City

2500 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

6001 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs

Lotus House

Focusing on homeless women, youth and children, Lotus House is invaluable to our community. It doesn’t just provide food, clothing and shelter but everything to live a well-rounded life from education to play. In addition to everyday necessities and school supplies, they’re asking people to sponsor summer activities. Whether ice skating field trips or ice cream parties, these simple pleasures bring a sense of normalcy for the kids. Sponsor summertime fun by emailing love@lotushouse.org. For general donations, click here:

https://lotushouse.kindful.com/event/support-lotus-village-?fbclid=IwAR1yNLHQMLjCvF-9GxmNa08Ro95TWVdThrV60XuZBj-5cnJtXoxQDWK-W9k&mc_cid=290608daba&mc_eid=cc461c3135

United Way of Martin County

Because of the highly difficult year, United Way is spearheading the county’s main school supply drive. Through partnerships with Publix and other individual and corporate providers, the Tools for Success program is creating basic supply kits for elementary school students. Whether in-person classes resume or virtual classes are to be, a lot of local kids will be prepared.  www.UnitedWayMartin.org/ToolsForSuccess