Miami Lakes committee sets Dec. 13 date, outlines sponsors, catering and volunteer plans for Hall of Fame ceremony

The Miami Lakes Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee met July 8 and moved forward with planning for the annual induction ceremony, tentatively set for Dec. 13, with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. and a 6:30 p.m. start. The committee approved last meeting minutes and re-elected the current officers for the 2025–26 term.

Why it matters: The committee’s choices on date, sponsors, catering and volunteer staffing shape how honorees and their guests experience the ceremony and affect funding and logistics for the town-supported event.

At the start of the meeting the chair opened public comment, saying the committee would “open up to public comments. I don't think anybody's here, but we'll give it just 2 minutes.” With no public speakers present the committee moved into old business and approved minutes from the Nov. 20 meeting on a motion by Miriam (mover) and second by Dave Oliver; the vote was recorded as unanimous.

The committee discussed operational details for the ceremony. Andres, a staff member handling communications and sponsorship outreach, told the committee: “Tomorrow, I'm sending out the package already. I'm gonna also send the email to you guys with that package so that if you guys see anybody, know anybody, give it to them.” Committee members agreed sponsors and sponsor materials should be solicited earlier in the year to secure higher contributions and allow time for logos and recognition in program materials.

On funding, members reviewed last year’s sponsor list and amounts. From committee records cited at the meeting, confirmed support for the previous ceremony included $2,500 from Ocean Bank, $1,000 from the Grama Company, $250 from Payway, $250 from Miami Lakes Auto Mall and roughly $500 in in-kind donations (Baker 186 and others). The committee said about $259.69 remained in the event account from last year. Committee members discussed whether town funds could cover a proposed reorganization of the sponsor display wall to avoid drawing down sponsorship dollars.

Catering and format were debated as part of the event’s image and cost. Committee members compared options including paella (the recurring option used in past years), a lower-cost caterer used this year (about $600), and an Italian catering package quoted at about $16–$17 per person from a vendor the committee discussed (menu items included pasta, meatballs and salad). Members asked Andres to obtain formal quotes and confirm availability for the Dec. 13 date so the committee could compare costs and make a decision at a future meeting.

Volunteers and event staffing were another focus. Members proposed using junior volunteer groups for check-in, drink service (water and soda for minors), seating assistance and cleanup. The committee emphasized clear assignments for any youth volunteers and discussed offering volunteer service hours. Members also discussed recruiting local youth organizations and the town’s task-force volunteers if needed.

Nominations and schedule: The committee confirmed that nominations are accepted via the town website and noted an Aug. 1 cutoff for nominations. To keep the timeline tight, the committee agreed to meet later in July (tentatively July 29 at 6:30 p.m.) to review any in-house nominations and to aim to present a finalized slate to the Town Council at its Aug. 19 meeting so letters of recognition could be signed quickly. As of the meeting staff reported that communication outreach would include a newsletter and social media posts to increase public nominations.

Formal actions and governance: The committee recorded three formal votes at the meeting. It approved the minutes from the previous meeting (motion by Miriam; second by Dave Oliver; outcome: approved). The committee voted to move elections to later in the agenda (motion by Marcos; outcome: passed). Finally, the committee re-elected the same slate of officers for 2025–26 (chair — incumbent; vice chair Miriam; secretary Jim), with the motion called and the ayes recorded; that motion passed.

Logistics and next steps: Staff was directed to (1) distribute the updated sponsor packet and last year’s sponsor spreadsheet; (2) solicit firm catering quotes and a quote to reconfigure the sponsor display; (3) reach out to prior honorees (Alex Hernandez, Mike Cabone, Ron Perry) to confirm acceptance; (4) coordinate volunteer assignments; and (5) publicize the nomination deadline and link on the town website. The committee set a tentative follow-up meeting for July 29 at 6:30 p.m. to review quotes and any nominations.

The meeting adjourned after the committee elected officers and confirmed the next meeting date.