whoopi-goldberg_web.pngMore than a dozen young girls in a kids’ mentoring program in Miami got a rare treat Saturday when they had a private meeting with Whoopi Goldberg.

The Academy Award-winning actress, comedian and author, in South Florida for performances in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, visited girls in The Embrace Girls Foundation's Embrace Girl Power! After School Programs & Camps.
The meeting was arranged courtesy of Disney Publishing which also provided the children with copies of Goldberg's latest book, Sugar Plum Ballerinas – Terrible Terrel, and stickers.

Goldberg signed copies of her book for the girls, aged 7 to 13, in advance of a book signing at Books and Books in Coral Gables.

"She's one of my favorite actresses, not just for the acting but because she can do so many things," said Dahlia Miles, 11.

"It was really cool that we were allowed to go in first and take pictures and talk to her," added Tiyra Boone. “My mom really, really loves her and made me promise to take lots of pictures.”

Goldberg was equally impressed with her young fans.

"My, what a beautiful, beautiful group of girls, so well spoken and poised," Goldberg said as she knelt to autograph each of their books.

Velma R. Lawrence, executive director of Embrace, said her group had been trying to get Goldberg for some time but scheduling made it difficult.

For more information on Embrace, call 305- 270-4099  or visit www.embracegirlpower.org.

MARK CODY/EMBRACE GIRLS FOUNDATION. FAMOUS ADMIRER: Whoopi Goldberg admires the sash worn by  Embrace Girl Power! Little Miss Princess Pageant winner, Dahlia Miles, during a private book signing on Saturday at Books and Books in Coral Gables for girls in the mentoring program.