Youth Champion
Originally from Nicaragua, Ana Somarriba of Great Properties International arrived in Miami at the age of 10 due to political unrest in her country. When it comes to giving back, the philanthropic gene runs in her family — her maternal grandmother volunteered with adolescent mothers and their newborns in a very poor town, securing vitamins, baby formula, medical care and education. From 2000-22, her family ran a foundation that supported a school for underprivileged children in Managua. “These kids were getting a wonderful education, life skills, hearty meals and were even learning to speak English pretty well,” she says. When the school was forced to shutter for reasons beyond their control, she wanted to continue making a difference for the next generation — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami was the perfect fit. “I had been a ‘Big’ for the organization in my early 20’s and had enjoyed that experience until my ‘Little’ moved away,” she says. Recently matched with an 8-year-old girl, they enjoy every moment they spend together. “My advice to anyone looking to serve their community is to think of something you enjoy doing and use it to actively change lives,” she says. “If you are great at fundraising, then volunteer for that! If you are bilingual, offer your time to foundations that may need translators. If you love animals, foster shelter pets or advocate for them.”; BBBSMiami.org.
Energized Giving
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Key Biscayne has been the second home of Tom Bercu since birth — his family has had a winter home on the island for as long as he can remember. Through his wildly successful event production company, Tom Bercu Presents, he creates environments where people can have fun, build brands, network and give back. One of his signature events is the “Fancy Pants” fundraiser and clothing drive; a concept he launched in Los Angeles and recently brought to Miami to benefit Camillus House. “Guests are encouraged to wear their fancy pants and bring a pair of pants someone less fortunate would fancy,” he says. He is also involved in raising money for Key Biscayne Presbyterian School, where his daughter attends, through key fundraising events include Work of Heart and an exciting new initiative called “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?” — featuring multiple dinner parties happening simultaneously across Key Biscayne, where the hosts do not necessarily know their guests and vice versa. “The evening culminates with a dessert reception at our home, bringing all participants together in support of the school,” he says. When it comes to philanthropic endeavors, he believes there is no excuse not to get involved. “Given the state of the world today, it is so important to give back,” he says. “The best part? There is always a way to contribute that aligns with your passion, schedule and personal capacity.”; TomBercuPresents.com.
Pure Inspiration
A musician and former Montessori teacher, Debbie Wanninkhof dedicates most of her time these days to authoring children’s books and volunteering at the helm of the Key Biscayne Poetry Share. “I see poetry as a way to open minds and touch searching hearts, offering inspiration, hope and joy,” she says. “Sometimes, it opens our eyes to the harsh realities that wake us up to the truths of others.” An avid road safety advocate who lost her son, Patrick, at the hands of a cell phone distracted driver, she was part of a group who helped to make texting while driving a primary offense in Florida. “I don’t know that I have ever changed anyone’s life — but I do know that I have offered empathy, compassion, a smile, a kind word, an understanding glance, and a helping hand to many,” she says. “I truly feel that a life worth living is a life of caring and generosity.”; @KB.Poetry.Share
