A Tribute to Addison Mizner’s Architectural Legacy Under the Stars, by Matthew kennedy of resident magazine
Palm Beach has always been synonymous with elegance, but on February 28, 2025, the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach transported guests even deeper into its storied past with the 43rd Annual Dinner Dance. Set beneath a stunning glass tent in Bradley Park, the evening unfolded like a scene from a gilded age estate, complete with grand Mediterranean Revival architecture, lush gardens, and a nod to Addison Mizner’s beloved pet monkey, Johnny Brown.
This year’s event, chaired by Betsy Shiverick and Electra Toub, shattered records, raising an impressive $3.6 million, solidifying it as the Foundation’s most successful fundraising event to date.
An Architectural Love Letter to Palm Beach
More than 400 distinguished guests stepped into a vision of Palm Beach’s past, where the charm of Mizner’s designs—columned archways, terracotta pathways, and grand stucco fountains—came to life. The evening’s setting paid homage to the Mediterranean Revival estates that continue to define the island’s landscape, celebrating not just the beauty of historic preservation, but its cultural significance.
Among the notable attendees were Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer, John Paulson, Senator Rick Scott, Wilbur and Hilary Geary Ross, George Hamilton, Alessandra Branca, and Peter and Stephanie Seymour Brant—all gathered in support of Palm Beach’s enduring architectural legacy.
A Cause Rooted in Legacy and Luxury
Dinner Dance co-chair and Preservation Foundation Board Chairman, Betsy Shiverick, set the tone for the evening, delivering a poignant speech on the significance of architectural preservation in Palm Beach.
“For 45 years, the Preservation Foundation has worked diligently to safeguard the architectural, botanical, and cultural heritage of Palm Beach. While many communities share similar elements—buildings, roads, and parks—it’s the way these are designed and preserved that give Palm Beach its distinct character, its sense of place.”
– Betsy ShiverickShiverick emphasized that the Mediterranean Revival style, pioneered by legendary architects such as Addison Mizner, John Volk, Marion Sims Wyeth, and Maurice Fatio, isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about upholding a tradition of excellence and gracious living that has long defined Palm Beach.
A Night of Glamour and Philanthropy
Under oversized lantern chandeliers and an open-air dance floor, guests enjoyed a decadent multi-course dinner, fine wines, and an ambiance that could have been plucked straight from the golden age of Palm Beach’s most lavish gatherings.
Beyond the revelry, the event served as a reminder of the importance of preservation—ensuring that Palm Beach’s iconic estates and lush landscapes remain untouched by time, protected for future generations to admire and enjoy.