On Sunday, February 15, 2026, French Heritage Society welcomed a sold-out gathering to its annual Palm Beach Gala Dinner at Club Colette. The evening blended refinement and conviviality, as guests moved from cocktails to dinner and onto a lively dance floor set to the sounds of DJ Brett. The celebration marked an energetic beginning to the organization’s year of philanthropic initiatives.
The gala was held under the leadership of Chairmen Michel Kovner and Jean Doyen de Montaillou. Dinner Chairmen Liz McDermott Barnes and Ben Barnes; CeCe and Lee Black; Nancy Place and Tom Thaler; and Jean and Martin Shafiroff helped curate an atmosphere that was both polished and warmly festive.
Opening remarks were delivered by Chairman Timothy Corrigan, Events Chair CeCe Black, and Raphaël Trapp, Consul General of France in Miami. Their reflections underscored the enduring cultural ties between France and the United States and the importance of continued stewardship. The guest list included New York Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright along with board members Elisa Fredrickson, Ken Hausman, Maureen Nash, Elizabeth Stribling, Ann Van Ness, and Charlotte Vignon, among many supporters of the organization’s mission.
A highlight of the evening came when Executive Director Jennifer Herlein spoke about the organization’s Education Program. The initiative selects and supports undergraduate and graduate students for meaningful internship placements in France and the United States, helping shape the next generation of cultural leaders. Enthusiasm filled the room during a record-setting paddle raise led by Brett Sherlock, International Consultant at Christie’s, reflecting strong commitment to the program’s continued growth.
The evening drew wide-ranging support from philanthropists and community leaders, including Robb and Sara Allan; Christine and Max Ansbacher; Elizabeth Belfer; Bettina Bennett; Friederike Biggs; Lee Black; Richard and Marian Bott; Garry and Cindy Karen Boxer; Louise Braver; Sharon Bush and Bob Murray; Guy Clark and Harrison Morgan; Laura Codman and John Terwilliger; Harry and Valerie Cooper; Francine Crocker; Suzanne Mott Dansby; Ken and Maria Fishel; Anne Fitzpatrick; Joe Fuchs and Sheila O’Malley Fuchs; John and Karra Greenwood; Maggie Hager; Charles and Kaaren Hale; Lou Hammond; Mai Hallingby Harrison; Linda Hoffman; Monica and Scott Laurans; Kamie Lightburn; Ursula and Paul Lowerre; Lynn Mackle; Alberto Mariaca; Vicky McLoughlin; Pamela Morgan; Chips and Sarah Page; Poppy Paulos and Monte Tomerlin; Natalie Pray; Guy Robinson; Nicole Salmasi; Tawny and Jerry Sanders; Susan Sarofim; Ann and David Sutherland; William Steele and Chris Drake; Sherri Stephenson; Lynn and Pascal Tone; Antony and Mary Underwood; Bill Van Ness; Pierre and Suzie Villere; and Matthew Wyatt and Ben Lyles.
The Palm Beach gala is one of several signature gatherings on the society’s calendar. Forthcoming events include the Annual Presentation in Paris on March 17, the April in Paris Luncheon in Palm Beach on April 6, the Dîner des Mécènes in Paris on May 20, and the Summer Soirée in the Hamptons on July 17.
Proceeds from the gala and related events advance French Heritage Society’s mission to safeguard French architectural and cultural treasures. Over the past 44 years, the organization has awarded more than 700 restoration and cultural grants to significant sites in France and the United States. It has also supported nearly 600 university students through cross-Atlantic internships at respected institutions. With 12 chapters, including 11 in the United States and one in Paris, French Heritage Society continues to unite a vibrant international community dedicated to preserving heritage for generations ahead.
