An Evening by the Sea

An Evening by the Sea a Success!
January, 22, 3016

 On Friday, January 22, 2016, the Friends of Birch State Park hosted almost 200 guests—despite the torrential rain that blew through off and on all day – and raised more than $60,000 for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. All funds raised by theFriends of Birch go to the Park. Friends is a 501c3 non-profit the mission of which is to raise funds for special projects needed to revitalize the Park after almost 30 years of neglect.

The event was held outside on the lawn of Terramar, Hugh Taylor Birch’s home built in 1940, and honored three prominent community leaders:Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, Marti Huizenga and Jim Ellis.

Chip was recognized with The Sandman Award, for his role in obtaining beach re-nourishment for Fort Lauderdale beach. Marti Huizenga was given The Believer’s Award for her many years of believing in supporting the community and for her early-on belief in the value of bringing Birch back for future generations. Finally, Jim Ellis was honored with the Hugh Taylor Birch Visionary Award for his long-time commitment to revitalizing the park through an ongoing donation of his time, talent and treasure –which was more than $1 million.

The Live and Silent Auctions included many items such as a South African Safari, a trip for two to the Galapagos, diamond, ruby and emerald earrings from Daoud’s Jewelry and 2 tickets to the Tortuga Festival. Auctioneer, Gordon Latz, led the auction and raised over $20,000 alone. Main sponsors were: AutoNation, FastBoats, Hudson Family Foundation, andJM Family.

Mark Corbett & Clifton Steele

Mark Corbett & Clifton Steele

Allen & Andrea Zeman

Marti Huizenga w/Family & Friends

Stacy Ostreau & Lisa Kitei

Ken Evans & Marti Huizenga

Marti Huizenga & Ginny Fujino

Henry Obst & Dianna Chibas

Stacy Ostreau, Steve Hudson, Gale Butler, Kim Bently & Guests

Chip & Eileen LaMarca

Honoree – Marti Huizenga & Gale Butler