(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- The Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop on Lincoln Road was dishing out more than ice cream on Tuesday, April 28. The Miami Beach ice cream shop was the place to be during the kick-off for Commissioner Sally A. Heyman’s “Spring into Reading” Book Drive.

In exchange for a book donation and the purchase of an adult sundae, the store gave another free child’s sundae to all participants, ultimately collecting a total of 1,500 books. Guests were also treated to a wonderful performance by the Miami Beach Senior High Jazz Band under the direction of Joshua Figueroa.
 
The drive’s success was the joint effort of Commissioner Heyman, Ghirardelli, the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), City National Bank, the Miami Beach Police Athletic League, and Miami Beach Commissioner Deede Weithorn.
 
“This was a fantastic start to our annual book drive, which benefits children’s agencies and organizations all over Miami-Dade County,” said Commissioner Heyman.  “However, we’re still asking residents to donate their new and gently used children’s and young adult books until the end of May. Get your spring cleaning done and donate any books you may find for a good cause!” 

The collection of books continues through May 28, 2009. Book donations can be dropped off at various locations including:

• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Stations
• Miami-Dade Police Departments
• Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Drive
• Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW First Street, Downtown Miami
• Any City National Bank location (visit www.citynationalcm.com for locations)
• Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, 801 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

Visit Miami-Dade County’s website at www.miamidade.gov for Fire Rescue and Police Department locations. For more information, please call Commissioner Heyman’s office at 305-787-5999.

(L – R)  Scott Salzberg, Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop; Miami Beach Commissioner Deede Weithorn; Judge Lisa Walsh; Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally A. Heyman; Joanne Morris and Evelyn Martinez, City National Bank.

Amy Huber, Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, donates some books during Commissioner Heyman’s (in back) “Spring into Reading” Kick-Off.