Wardrobe donations help Cavaliers players dress like pros
The last practice before the season opener for the Coral Gables Senior High School football team ended Thursday, Aug. 30, with presents and pizza for the players.
The Coral Gables Community Foundation’s young professionals group, the Ponce Society of Young Professionals, presented more than 200 shirts, countless ties, 18 pizzas and gallons of drinks to the team.
To help players continue the tradition of wearing professional attire to school on game days, the Ponce Society collected the apparel at an Aug. 16 reception at Cibo Wine Bar.
An especially meaningful donation was made by Cathy Zuckerman Dee, whose late husband Paul served in a number of key positions for over 30 years at the University of Miami, including athletic director and general counsel. Mr. Dee, 65, passed away on May 12, and Mrs. Dee gave a number of his wardrobe items and ties to the team.
At the request of Cavaliers football coach Roger Pollard, the shirt and tie drive morphed into a generous community event Aug. 30, which included the presentation of an $850 check to Cavalier Football Booster Club President Freddie Nolton.
Andria Hanley, executive director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, told the 63 players in attendance how proud she was of the young professionals and how much the team meant to the community.
Dade Medical College made a donation, as well as Vice Mayor Bill Kerdyk Jr., a former Cavalier football player. Ponce Society members in attendance included Chair Amanda Bonifay, Alex Santeiro, Miriann Meyeringh, Patty Vila Wright, April Dojnia and Mary Snow.
Game day, however, ended in disappointment, as Southridge defeated Gables High 42-6.
For more information call 305-446-9670 or email [email protected]. Follow the group on twitter @PonceSociety and on Facebook.
