City of Doral Welcomes the World

For the past two weeks, all Miss Universe scheduled events have been taking place in our City of Doral, which have been seen around the world, thanks to the media coverage and international news agencies present in our city.

The welcome event, with the presence of our Barbara Palacios, Miss Universe 1986, Donald Trump, Miss Universe Organization, President of the Miss Universe Organization, Paula Shugart, was a show of support and confidence. Santa Barbara Airlines and PAWA Dominicana were the presenting sponsors. Also, present at the event were Terra Group and Avicom as sponsors, honorable consuls, mayors and representatives from other cities of Miami Dade County, and different personalities that make life in the City of Doral.

Moreover, I feel proud as a member of the council and Mayor of the City, for the great acceptance the parade had with all eighty-eight contestants accompanied by Miss Universe Gabriela Isler. We feel very well represented by Dr. Alberto Pierini who as president of the Doral Pro-Health Foundation took the "Celebration of Nations" in their hands and with his team took on the production of the parade and cultural festival. The Doralinos’ response was immediate, attending to this beautiful event and enjoining everything that was offered to all our residents.

The contestants have had different activities as well, especially those organized meetings/visits with sponsor companies like Badia Spices, Baptist Health care, Dominican PAWA, Shoma Group, Codina Partners, Lennar, and MidTown Doral. Also, have been visiting and sharing in different restaurants in town with representatives of the media and distinguished personalities who have supported this pageant.

An event that should be distinguished is the "National Gift", a spectacular auction organized by the Miss Universe Organization and charity organizations. The contestants donated own items from their countries, books, paintings, costumes, jewelry, sculptures, among other gifts, in order to raise funds to benefit Best Buddies International, an organization founded by Anthony Shriver, whose mission is to promote friendship from person to person between people with and without intellectual disabilities. It is appropriate to say that the City is a supporter and participant of the I AM IN TO HIRE initiative. One hire has already begun work with the Parks & Recreation Department and a few others are currently undergoing the hiring process.

There is no doubt that so far has been a team effort. The City made a commitment which have honored, as the entrepreneurs who supported us to achieve our goal which is to Exhibit at Doral, worldwide, thanks to this great event of global significance. We have to thank the Miss Universe Organization moving forward, together with us, various activities related to the Contest.

To Mr. Donald Trump, we recognize his work, drive and involvement with the development and projection of Doral. I am proud of what have happened so far ... The Doral remain making headlines around the world not only because the Miss Universe but by reference as visitors leave town. A place to invest and live.