Members of the Sweetwater community were invited to attend a Thanksgiving Bash hosted by the Li’l Abner Foundation in Miami’s Sweetwater. The annual event was filled with activities designed to create unforgettable memories for Sweetwater residents. Adults and children participated in complementary family activities, games for the little ones, shows and entertainment, and lunch for everyone.
The event benefited some of the lowest-household-income zip codes in Miami-Dade County. The 14th Annual Thanksgiving Bash was the brainchild of Sweetwater resident, entrepreneur, and affordable housing developer Raul Rodriguez. Born and raised in Sweetwater, Raul uses this opportunity to invest in the community and give back.
The Thanksgiving Bash took place in Ronselli Park, 250 SW 114th Ave. in Sweetwater. Their fun-filled schedule was as follows:
7:00 am Finish loading the last truck of giveaways at Center
7:30-9:30 am Finish Booth and tent set-up 9:30 am Confirm all booths are fully set-up 10:00 am Open doors
10:00-11:30 am Families enjoying the event
11:30-11:45 am Paso Fino Show
12:00-12:30 pm Public Officials addressing attendees
12:30-2:00 pm Lunch
12:45-1:45 pm Barbie’s Children Salsa Show and a comedian
1:45-2:15 pm Toy Distribution
2:15-3:00 pm Raffles
3:00 pm Bash Ends/pick up/clean-up
About the Li’l Abner Foundation:
Founded in 2009, the Li’l Abner Foundation has grown in the number of programs and participants offered, moved to a new and better location, and increased its beneficial impact on the community. The foundation, founded by Raul F. Rodriguez, offers programs such as archery, taekwondo, and dance classes to more than 20,000 residents of the City of Sweetwater. It also offers scholastic programs, including scholarships for children to attend Belen Jesuit Preparatory School from 6th to 12th grades and scholarships for adults to attend Florida International University for up to 5 years and earn a degree. From the beginning, Raul’s goals have been improving the lives of residents in the community. Raul is an avid entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is CEO of National Health Transport, a medical and non-medical transportation company; and CEO of CREI Holdings, an affordable housing development company. Under Raul’s leadership, CREI completed Li’l Abner Apartments, featuring 87 affordable apartments in Sweetwater. Li’l Abner Apartments II is currently under construction and set to be completed early next year. The low-income multifamily complex will offer 244 affordable units. CREI also manages the Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park, which spans approximately 900 units.
