The Event Raised Over $175,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Youth Development Programs
Miami, Fla. — May 13, 2022 — More than 300 supportersenjoyed lunch atJoe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beachfor Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s 11th Annual “Claws for Kids” in memory of Judy Kramer on May 3. Guests enjoyed delicious stone crabs and other signature menu items without the wait while listening to the sounds of well-known Frank Sinatra impersonator Jeff Grainger. Supporters had the opportunity to win raffle prizes such as fine wines and liquors, restaurant and hotel gift cards and more.
The event raised over $175,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s many programs including its after school programs, homework assistance, computer training, social skills, dance, arts & crafts, professional mentoring, and summer and athletic programs.
Olga Guilarte and Lisa Mendelson graciously co-chaired this year’s event. “Claws for Kids” is held in memory of Judy Kramer, a longtime Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board member, who helped create the event and chaired it since its inception until her passing in February 2021.
This year’s event honored James Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust, with the 2022 “From the Heart” award. Through his unwavering dedication and caring stewardship to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, Haj has made a positive impact on the lives of the Clubs’ youth members. Haj has 25 years of experience in teaching and administration at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and “Claws for Kids” coincided with National Teacher’s Appreciation Day on May 3.
“We are incredibly humbled by the overwhelming support from all those who joined us for the 11th Annual ‘Claws for Kids’ lunch and awards ceremony to commemorate the life of Judy Kramer and honor Jim Haj with our 2022 ‘From the Heart’ award,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade President, Alex Rodriguez-Roig. “We are grateful to see many of our supporters back in person while enjoying Joe’s famous stone crabs.”
The Presenting Sponsor was the Carmen Rebozo Foundation, and the Jumbo Sponsor was Ocean Bank. Large Claw sponsors included Anthony Abraham Foundation, Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Performance Team Sports, Publix Charities, Rae and Barry Stein, and Allison and Andy Stuart.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to five Clubs serving thousands of boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please visit www.bgcmia.org, www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubsMiamiDade, www.instagram.com/bgcmiamidade, www.twitter.com/BGCMia, www.youtube.com/user/BGCMiamiDade, or call 305.446.9910.
About Joe’s Stone Crab
Joe’s Stone Crab, which celebrated its 107th anniversary in 2020, was established when Joseph Weiss came to Miami for a change of climate to help his asthma. Weiss opened a lunch stand, originally offering fish and fries, on Miami Beach, which eventually evolved into today’s establishment. It is located at 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit www.joesstonecrab.com.