Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava declared Dec. 14 as Giving Gators Day. Manny Cid, Asst. Director for Small and Local Business Development for the county and a former mayor of Miami Lakes, delivered Levine Cava’s proclamation to members of the non-profit that is run by Miami Lakers. Among the group’s qualities, Cid read, are “unwavering dedication, compassion and commitment to serving Miami-Dade County and its residents” … with “countless initiatives that uplift, empower and support individuals and families in times of need” with food drives, toy drives and toiletry drives; a program to deliver groceries for seniors; providing hurricane relief in other south Florida counties and opening food pantries in schools. Levine Cava also credited their “remarkable responsiveness and courage” after storms, “offering comfort and resources when they were needed most.” The group’s leaders thanked Levine Cava, Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez and Commissioner Sen. Rene Garcia in a social media post.
“We don’t do this for the recognition, but it’s amazing to be recognized,” President Denis Brenes said. Co-Founder Daylin Garcia said, “This is really, truly an honor.”
From left: Giving Gators Board Members Mario Piñera and Tony Fernández; President Denis Brenes; Manny Cid, Asst. Director of Small and Local Business Development for Miami-Dade County; Giving Gators Co-Founder Daylin García; Board Member Hector Abad; Officer Emily Garcia; and Member Megan García.