In December, the Florida Unit held two wonderful events —our Volunteer Appreciation Party, hosted by Baptist Health South, and the Fourth Annual Miccosukee Golf Classic to benefit RFB&D.

The emcee for the volunteer appreciation event was Michael Baiamonte, the "Voice of Miami HEAT" basketball games. Michael is not only the emcee of our event, but he lends his voice as a volunteer since 2002. Michael (pictured with Executive Director Christine McCarthy) received an award for his continued dedication as a volunteer since 2002. You can read more about Michael at his website, www.voiceofmiami.com. You can watch and listen to Michael's player introductions during the NBA Finals on ABC, Tuesday, June 13, Thursday, June 15 and Sunday June 18. All Games start at 9:00 p.m. ET. Go HEAT!

Miami Heat mascot "Burnie" with Phillis Oeters from Baptist Health South Florida, the generous sponsors who made this event possible

Recognition of volunteer hours, Pictured left to right: George Grim, David Burger, Jim Wiggins, Joel Kolker, and Michael Baiamonte

Pictured longtime volunteer Rose Dequine (who scuba dives) accepts the George Grim 2005 Award from 27-year volunteer and donor George Grim. George Grim has logged over 10,000 volunteer hours. Executive Director Chris McCarthy looks on.

At the Miccosukee Golf Classic, pictured left to right are Michael Baiamonte and Golf Chairman and Volunteer Allan Marks, holding a donated basketball signed by members of the Miami HEAT for a lucky prize winner

Dave Barry Event

Peter and the Shadow Thieves authors Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry began their whirlwind book tour at Books & Books in Coral Gables, to benefit the Florida Unit. Over 400 kids, and kids at heart, came in costume to purchase autographed copies and join in the revelry. The authors' first book of this series Peter and the Starcatchers (the first prequel to the 1904 classic Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie) is available in our RFB&D library to our members. The book was 47 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

Peter and the Shadow Thieves is currently on the New York Times bestseller list, and has been since this past July. Dave stopped by the Miami Studio to record the last two chapters. The book should be available to our members by late fall.

We are grateful to Dave Barry for his support over the past eight years, including taking the time from his busy schedule to narrate a new video telling our story. We appreciate the support of Books & Books for making this event possible.

Visit Dave Barry's website at www.davebarry.com.