French Heritage Society’s Annual Palm Beach Gala At Club Colette

On Sunday, February 16, French Heritage Society hosted its annual Palm Beach Gala Dinner at Club Colette. This sold-out affair was buzzing with camaraderie as guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and dancing courtesy of DJ Brett. The warm and festive evening kicked off the organization’s fundraising activities for the year.

Gala Chairmen were Michel Kovner and Jean Doyen de Montaillou, and Dinner Chairmen included Liz McDermott Barnes and Ben Barnes, CeCe and Lee Black, Frank Morgan and Brent Feigenbaum, Jean Shafiroff, Ann and Bill Van Ness, and Kelly Williams and Andrew Forsyth.

FHS Chairman Elizabeth F. Stribling, FHS Events Chair CeCe Black, and Cultural Counselor of France to the U.S. Mohamed Bouabdallah gave welcome remarks. Bouabdallah shared that the French Heritage Society “speaks to my heart because we share common values… we believe that cultural heritage isn’t just about the past. It’s about connecting it to the future. It’s about creating bonds that cross borders and making sure the beauty of history is passed down to future generations.” Other guests included Consul General of Miami Raphaël Trapp, New York Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, and additional FHS Board Members Jennifer Farrell, Ronald Fleming, and Brenda Howard.

Later in the evening, FHS Executive Director Jennifer Herlein spoke to the impact of French Heritage Society’s Education Program, which celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2025. Hindman Executive Vice President Molly Morse Limmer led a successful paddle raise.

Additional supporters included Robb and Sara Allan, Christine and Max Ansbacher, Grace Bender, Friederike Biggs, Laurie Bodor, Sharon Bush and Bob Murray, Harry and Valerie Cooper, Francine Crocker, Tom D’Agostino and Danielle Rollins, Danielle de Benedictis, Ghislain d’Humieres, Scott Diament, Ken and Maria Fishel, Laura Drasner, Anne Fitzpatrick, Sandra Flax, Audrey and Martin Gruss, Maggie Hager, Charles and Kaaren Hale, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Linda Hickox, Linda and Peter Hoffman, Holly and Stuart Holden, Bruce Horten, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Cheri Kaufman, Patricia Kennedy and Joe Ban, Monica and Scott Laurens, Kamie and Richard Lightburn, William Ivey Long, Ursula and Paul Lowerre, Lynn and Robert Mackle, Judy McLaren, Vicky McLoughlin, Jacqui Michel, Angela and Chips Page, Poppy Paulos and Monte Tomerlin, Guy Robinson, Paola and Arnie Rosenshein, William Steele and Chris Drake, Sherri Stephenson, Suzanne Stoll, Missy VanBuren-Brown, Pierre and Suzie Villere.