Black Friday 2011

As mentioned in the Thanksgiving Day post, John and Jay requested that their brunch guests bring nonperishable food items as a donation to the Poverello Center in Wilton Manors rather than a host gift of wine or liquor. Everyone was very generous with their donations. When we consolidated all the food items into full bags, we had about 20 paper grocery bags full of food. We were very excited to drop off the donations at the center.

The center's director was quite surprised by the size of our delivery and very grateful. He offered to give us a tour of the food bank. This facility provides for the nutritional needs of approximately 2500 HIV+ people who live below the poverty line in Broward County, Florida. The center receives grant money from the Ryan White foundation, but the foundation dictates the items that can be purchased using the grant money.  Recipients then can choose from a set menu of items (7 fresh fruits, 7 fresh veggies, 7 canned goods, 7 meat servings, and various baked goods) once per month.  Since most recipients had already picked up their Thanksgiving boxes, the items we delivered were to be divided into bonus bags to be distributed in December. Besides grant money donations, several area grocery stores (Publix and Costco) also donate meats and baked goods. The food bank appeared very clean and organized with several walk-in coolers containing a variety of fresh goods.

There was also a large room off the main area that appeared to be a conference room with book shelves surrounding the table in the center of the room.  The shelves were stacked high with what looked like blankets. This is actually an area in which panels for the AIDS quilt are repaired by volunteers. The quote that choked us all up was "this room holds so many souls."

At the end of the tour we thanked our guide and rushed out into the parking lot - each of us staking out a different corner of the car - crying our eyes out. It was a very moving and rewarding experience. These folks are dedicated and are doing God's work with grace and integrity.

After a quick lunch, John and I decided to head to the beach for a little relaxation time in the sun. Once we arrived at the beach, it was a bit cloudy and windy, so we detoured to the Royal Palms Resort.

The Resort

Picture it, two pools, full service bar, food, two DJ's, and a spa. After chasing the sun around the resort and a light lunch where we shared an excellent Cuban sandwich, we headed to the spa for our 3:00 deep tissue massages.

The pool by the bar

The massages were a delightful way to spend the afternoon - instead of braving the mall and the hoards of zombie shoppers. Rubbed, pulled, relaxed, and well oiled, we returned home for a quick nap before the evening's planned festivities.

Jay had tickets to the White Party.

White Party at the Miami Seaquarium - Jay is in there somewhere....

John and I had tickets for the Leather Masked Ball. It was Black Friday after all...

Sorry, no pics of this event  - but you can Google it if you are curious.

It was a late night for us all. I ended it chowing down on an open-faced turkey sandwich with dressing, gravy, and homemade cranberry sauce. Delish! I slept like a baby for the rest of the night.