November and December provide unrivalled opportunities to gather with loved ones, discover the joy of giving back, and embrace our shared communities. This holiday season, University of Miami alumni across the nation are showing meaningful ways of getting involved in the community while giving back to those in need.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your community, forge new friendships, or find fulfillment through a worthy cause, alumni-based service projects provide an excellent opportunity for stress-free networking while imparting valuable goods, gifts, and aid to those in need.
As Broward ’Canes Community President Matthew N. Beekhuizen, B.B.A. '91, said, “it’s time to give back.” Matthew and his group hosted a holiday beach cleanup to “celebrate the holidays South Florida style, at the beach, while doing some good with fellow ’Canes.” At last year’s event, the group provided more than 100 toys to children in underserved areas of South Florida through the UHealth Pediatric Mobile Clinic.
Below are some highlights of ’Canes across the country making an impact in their communities, as well as offering ongoing opportunities to get involved:
📍 Washington, D.C.
Help the D.C. ’Canes Community reach its goal to raise enough funds to provide 1,000 free meals in their community by Christmas, in partnership with Capital Area Food Bank, whose mission is to provide equitable access to food and opportunity for people struggling with hunger. Financial and food donations are welcome and encouraged. For more information, or to donate, visit: https://give.capitalareafoodbank.org/team/394678
📍 Atlanta, GA
On November 11, Atlanta-based ’Canes joined forces with the Atlanta Seminole Club to celebrate Veterans Day and host a Miami vs. Florida State Rivalry Week Veterans Day Community Service Project, which collected clothing, food, water, and gift cards to benefit the Atlanta Veteran Affairs Office.
📍 Los Angeles, CA
’Canes in Los Angeles revived the same rivalry for a good cause. On November 13, former Floridians came together in West Hollywood to watch the University of Miami vs. Florida State University football game. The price of admission? Canned goods and pantry items, to be donated to the Westside Food Bank. Looking ahead to the rest of the holiday season, the Westside Food Bank welcomes donations to further its mission of ending hunger in its communities through accessible, free, and nutritious food. Organizers express a continuing need for cereal boxes, granola bars, and protein bars.
📍 Fort Lauderdale, FL
Santa came early for Broward County ’Canes this year at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. On December 5, they organized a family-friendly community beach cleanup that ended with a surprise visit from Santa, his sleigh, and carolers! Although the three wise men were unable to attend, attendees came bearing gifts instead, with new and unwrapped presents to donate to the UHealth Pediatric Mobile Clinic.
📍 Lake Worth, FL
The holiday festivities continued with the Palm Beach County ’Cane Holiday Party, held at the Irish Brigade on December 9. ’Canes were invited to connect, celebrate the holiday season, and bring new and unwrapped gifts to benefit the UHealth Pediatric Mobile Clinic.
