The "Fight for Will" Campaign hosts a Happy Hour Fundraiser at Tarpon Bend in Coral Gables

Sazoneros: Want to know a secret? When I was in high school, I always dreamed of becoming a famous singer. That obviously didn't work out BUT I definitely made great friends along the way. Will Rodriguez is one of those wonderful friends (pictured on the left) I met during my time at South Miami High's music program. Today, he faces one of the biggest challenges of his life. Will was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma and he is currently undergoing Chemo Therapy. The good news is that he has an incredible spirit and he is fighting this disease with full force. The bad news? Will doesn't have medical insurance. Therefore, I hope I can inspire my readers to come out and support the "Fight for Will" Campaign. On Thursday, January 27th, please join us for the first "Fight for Will" Happy Hour (beginning at 5:30 p.m.) at Tarpon Bend in Coral Gables (65 Miracle Mile). Spread the word and invite your friends as we gather to collect donations for this very special cause. During the event, guests can sign up for the "Fight for Will" newsletter, learn about the campaign and network with new friends. If you'd like to meet Will for yourself, check out the official "Fight for Will" website and watch his video blogs on the bottom. See you this week and let's show Will that he is not alone in this fight!

Audition to be the first ever MIAMI IDOL!!!

To my talented Sazoneros: Want to win a recording contract for a radio-ready single from Velvet Basement along with your very own music video produced by BocaRaton.com?
Live auditions will be held before a panel of local celebrity judges on Saturday, May 22nd, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tobacco Road (626 South Miami Avenue). The audition will be limited to the first 200 people who arrive on site! Contestants will not be allowed to bring any musical tracks (must sing 30 second acapella performance). To make the event extra special, CBS4's Jorge Estevez will host the first ever Miami Idol! You may purchase your audition entry online for $50 and secure your spot for Saturday OR you can create a Facebook audition and pay a $30 entry fee (find the "Miami Idol" Facebook fan page and upload your 30 second video). PLEASE READ ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO ENTER. All of the prizes and costs have been donated and all of the proceeds for this event will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Good luck to all of my talented singers out there and sing your heart out for a good cause!

Join the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run

Find a running buddy and register for one of the country's top ten largest road races: Miami's Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run. Last year, more than 22,000 individuals from over 730 South Florida companies participated in the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series. You don't have to be a gym buff to join the fun. At the end of the day, the run aims to provide camaraderie while promoting healthier lifestyles. Plus, this year's event will donate all funds to the American Red Cross, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and other local charities. Be proactive and encourage your company to participate in the run this year! Unemployed? Register as an individual. The run will start at 6:45 p.m. at Bayfront Park on Thursday, April 29th. Prepare to run for 3.1 miles and across the Port of Miami bridge. Most walkers finish in less than one hour so it's not as long as you may imagine. For more information or to request a registration packet, visit http://www.mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com/. Your commitment to this run can ensure that the American Red Cross will continue to respond to our neighbors in need.