OUR MISSION
The Delray Beach Preservation Trust aims to be an effective advocate for the historic and architectural heritage of the city of Delray Beach. This includes, but is not limited to, the designated historic districts of Del Ida Park, Marina District, Nassau Street, West Settlers, and Old School Square Historic Arts District.

October "Delray Then and Now" Event Raises $10,000 for Preservation Trust

By Paula Detwiller

More than 250 Delray Beach history lovers packed into Gol! the Taste of Brazil restaurant (formerly the Arcade Tap Room) on the evening of October 11, 2010 to sip champagne, sample culinary treats, and witness the retelling of Delray's past.

The sold-out "Delray Then and Now" event - sponsored and produced by the Delray Business Executives - raised $10,000 for the Delray Beach Preservation Trust and drew a crowd that included Mayor Woodie McDuffie, four former Delray mayors, dozens of local luminaries, and CBS-TV Channel 12 news personality Suzanne Boyd, who served as emcee.

The highlight of the evening was the public premiere of a documentary created by the Delray Business Executives that chronicles Delray's history through the words of those who were influential in the city's development. Afterward, officials revealed the historical contents of a 1949 time capsule discovered inside Delray's old Seacrest High School.

Preservation Trust board member Donna Sloan conceived of the documentary, titled "Delray Then and Now - the Movie," and also served as Creative Director and Executive Producer. President JoAnn Peart, Trust member Claudia Willis, and Delray Beach Historical Society Archivist Dottie Patterson pitched in with hours of historical research toward production of the movie.

In appreciation for the Historical Society's help, the Trust has contributed 20 hours of raw interview footage to the Archives, as well as a computer hard drive to assist in viewing the footage.

"It was a wonderful evening, and we want to say thank you once again to all of our sponsors, especially Jestena Boughton at the Colony Hotel and Craig Robelen of Robelen & Associates," said Sloan.

If you'd like your own copy of the documentary, DVD versions of "Delray Then and Now - the Movie" can be purchased through the Chamber of Commerce for $25. The order form can be downloaded from the Delray Business Executives website: http:// delraybusinessexecutives.com. Complete the order form and submit with payment or credit card information to the Delray Chamber.

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