Entries for youth photo contest accepted

Shake-A-Leg Miami and Dalmatian Rescue are the winners of the amateur float contest for the 2008 Junior Orange Bowl Parade. Representatives from both groups received their awards from Terry Best, president and chief executive officer of contest sponsor the Bank of Coral Gables.

Shake-A-

Leg Miami received a $500 check for the Best Community Float Grand Prize. Dalmatian Rescue received a $250 check for the President's Choice Award.

Entries are now being accepted to the Junior Orange Bowl Festival's annual youth photography competition. Photography chairman Dr. Randy Groh said the competition offers young photographers a tremendous creative opportunity.

Themes include ''Amaze Me With Light,'' regardless of the subject, the light makes this image; ''Amuse Me With Life,'' edgy documentation of situations, events, streets; ''Attract Me to This Person,'' portraits of people who tell a story or ask a question; and ''Awe Me With Nature,'' capturing the beauty and power of the natural world.

Deadline for entry is March 11. Winners will be announced at a reception at the end of March. Metrozoo's Ron Magill is one of the judges. For rules and application forms, go to jrorangebowl.com and click on Photography Contest.

CASINO NIGHT

South Dade's Little Angels Foundation will host the sixth annual Casino Night at 7 Saturday at the Keys Gate Golf and Country Club, 2300 E. Palm Dr. in Homestead. Tickets are $45 per person and include a buffet dinner and $10 match/chip play. Sponsorships start at $250.

Funds raised go to help mentally and physically challenged children in South Dade. Playing tables include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and Caribbean Stud Poker. A separate Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament with a grand prize of $1,500 has a limited number of tickets available at $150.

The Little Angels was founded by Merv and Judy Waldman eight years ago. The foundation has raised more than $600,000, and in-kind services, to help children and their families. Past donations include a car to transport a child to the doctor, wheelchairs, a swimming pool for therapy, and a room designed to provide visual and auditory stimulation for developmentally challenged children.

To purchase tickets or sponsorships, call Michelle Torbert at 305-245-6484.

GARDEN TOUR ADDED

Due to overwhelming demand, The Kampong in Coconut Grove has added a mid-week tropical garden tour on March 11. David Jones, curator of Living Collections, will lead a walking exploration starting at 10 a.m. The gate will open at 9:30 a.m. Reservations are a must. There is a requested donation of $10 for adults; $5 for students and children over 7. Children under 7 and Kampong members are free. Tour size is limited. Call 305-442-7169.

MIRACLES IN BLOOM

The Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options (JAFCO) will present the 11th annual Luncheon and Fashion Show Miracles Bloom at JAFCO at 10 a.m., March 19 at the Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom. More than 600 women are expected to attend from the tri-county area.

Proceeds will benefit abused and neglected children at the Marsh Children's Center, the Emergency Shelter at the JAFCO Children's Village, a safe haven for children from Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Donation levels start at $100.

Renowned Coral Gables fashion designer Mayda Cisneros is producing the fashion show. She will present her 2009 Spring collection.

''I am so proud to be part of JAFCO's fashion show this year,'' Cisneros said. ''When I visited the JAFCO Village, I was really impressed by the warmth of the atmosphere and the caring staff. The organization is amazing and I am excited to show my collection to all the wonderful people who support its cause.''

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