Councilman Larry Roth joined fellow Rock’n Ribfest organizer Susan Newman at the December 20th City Council Meeting, recognizing recipients of the 2017 Homestead Rock ‘N Rib Fest, which gave away more than $20,000 for local children’s charities in Homestead.
Newman explained, “We’re here tonight to recognize and give the proceeds of the Rock’n Ribfest to all the organizations that help us help others. Our event is designed to raise money and awareness for local organizations that help us enhance the lives of children in our area. We work hard for others in our community. This is our 5th year and sixth event.”
This Is For The Kids, Inc., which organizes the event, is made up of six individuals, including Newman, who came together in 2012 an effort to spotlight Homestead and some of its hard-working children’s charities. She introduced other board members, including Larry Roth, Sherry Seriveld, Tony Garcia, Alisa McPheron, William Thibault and Kim Frickey.
Councilman Roth emphasized event sponsors’ role in making the Rock’n Ribfest a success, saying, “We count on these sponsors. Without them, we couldn’t give away as much as we’re going to give away tonight. They truly show that they care about this community by providing sponsorships for this event. We’re blessed to live in a community that’s abundant with people that care about organizations, and, especially, the children.”
Highlighting their significant contributions to the Rock’n Ribfest, many that have contributed dating back to the very first event, Councilman Roth announced the major sponsors: Homestead Trading Post, Senator Anitere Flores, The Keyes Company Real Estate, Homestead Hospital, Keith Pierson Chevrolet (a new sponsor), County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough, Jim Pierce, John Maas, All Air and Appliances, Alton Madison Property Management, Center State Bank and Kiwanis of South Dade.
Newman and Councilman Roth then invited the four recipient organizations and their representatives to the front of the Council Chambers to be recognized, and announced the amount of the checks they would be receiving:
PATCHES PPEC, $4,155.50
Gladiator Wrestling, $4,500.50
The Mexican American Council, $4,775.50
Panther Xtreme Cheerleading (a new recipient this year), $4,580.50
Newman said, “To date, we have been able to give away just over $100,000. It’s truly an honor to serve others and to raise money and awareness for these organizations.”
Others receiving money from the event are: Miami Youth Symphony ($50.00), YMCA ($90.00), Homestead Police Explorers ($130.00), Noricia Talabert Dream Foundation ($200.00), Kiwanis Club of Homestead ($917.80), and Start off Smart ($585.00).
More about the 2017 Rock’n Ribfest Charities:
Gladiator Wrestling, founded in 2006, is a youth wrestling club that focuses on “building character, self-determination, discipline, desire, honesty and sportsmanship.” The club is known for producing many state and national champions.
The Mexican American Council, founded in 1984, is a cultural and educational organization composed of former farm workers and community leaders from all backgrounds. Over the past three decades, MAC has dedicated its efforts to better the life of farm worker children through education, scholarship awards, leadership development, cultural awareness events, civic engagement and community involvement.
PATCHES PPEC (Pediatric Alternative Treatment, Care, Housing & Evaluation Services, Inc.; Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care) makes a difference every day in the lives of children living with medically complex conditions and their families. PATCHES PPEC believes that every child deserves to live free of pain and be as healthy as they can be to grow and play. Because of PATCHES, many babies and children are able to get out of the hospital sooner or leave the isolation of home care and spend the day in a safe, enriching environment where they can thrive physically, developmentally and socially.
Panther Xtreme Cheerleading brings competitive cheerleading to Homestead and surrounding areas.