Preservation Foundation Hosts 42nd Annual Dinner Dance

The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach hosted its 42nd Annual Dinner Dance at Bradley Park in support of the Foundation’s mission to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage  of the Town of Palm Beach. Co-chaired by Betsy Shiverick – who serves as board chairman, and Electra Toub, the event brought together a range of committed Palm Beachers to raise a record-breaking $3.5 million. One hundred percent of the event’s proceeds were to  benefit the Foundation’s education programs and advocacy efforts.

Renowned landscape architect Raymond Jungles – who has played a pivotal role in the transformation of Phipps Ocean Park, was named Honorary Chairman and helped transform the event space into a simulation of what the completed park will look like. Guests entered the party via a  monumental glass tent that was enveloped in lush greenery, a canopy of twenty-foot trees, and flowing water, showcasing a preview of the Preservation Foundation’s vision for a revitalized park. Inside, floral and event designer Lewis Miller, known for his viral and captivating Flower Flash installations in New York City, executed  flower arrangements that truly brought the space to life.

“We came together in celebration of our mission to preserve the architectural heritage and unique scenic quality of our beautiful island.  We carry out this mission through advocacy work that protects our town’s distinctive character and educational programming that engages residents and empowers them as stewards.  In many ways, our impact is best reflected in the town-serving projects we have carried out throughout the island over the past 44 years, including right here where we have gathered tonight in Bradley Park,” said Amanda Skier, President of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach. “We are about to break ground on our largest and most ambitious project yet: the 20-acre, $30 million Phipps Ocean Park project. In less than two years, we will transform a long underutilized space into an extraordinary oceanfront park where people can play, learn, and celebrate the unique scenic quality of Palm Beach.”

The Phipps Ocean Park revitalization project is progressing steadily, with planning approaching 90% completion. The project is on track for a targeted start date of June 2024. Using funds raised from the Preservation Foundation, this long-underutilized space will be restored into an extraordinary public landscape that fully realizes the Phipps family’s vision for their 1948 gift: a beautiful public beach and oceanfront park that celebrates the unique scenic quality of Palm Beach.

Betsy Shiverick said, “Palm Beach is at an inflection point and everything we know and love about our town seems to be at risk. These challenges, one could argue, are of unprecedented strength in our town’s history. The preservation foundation has responded to these changing times, just as we did when we were founded in 1980. Then too, the character of the town was threatened, and the founders stepped in with their strong advocacy to protect this town.  We at Preservation have always played this role, and today we are the only organization in town that has staff members consistently attending and participating in all town council and commission meetings. Through this effort, we continue to strengthen our alliance with town leaders and to educate our members with the most up-to-date and accurate information. We have been able to influence the outcomes of many projects, saving time and money for all involved, and ensuring a more suitable and appropriate result for the community. “

Electra Toub added,  “Phipps Ocean Park is the biggest project Preservation has undertaken in its 45 years. In 1948 the Phipps family generously donated 20 acres of coastal land to the Town of Palm Beach and set out a vision for what it could become: a unique waterfront jewel, a treasure for our community and generations to come. An idea that began 75 years ago is almost realized. A coastal park filled with trees and native landscapes, family recreational areas, walking trails, and not one but 2 educational centers. We are now only a few short steps from completion. We have raised $28 million dollars towards our construction cost of $30 million. And, we‘re confident full funding will be in place before breaking ground in early June.”

 

Lead photo: Electra Toub, Raymond Jungles, Betsy Shiverick, and Amanda Skier