Palm Beach, FL – April 14, 2025 — The French Heritage Society (FHS) brought a touch of Parisian elegance back to Palm Beach for the second time this year with its sold-out “April in Paris” Luncheon at the stunning Swifty’s Hanging Garden at The Colony Hotel. Held poolside on a beautiful spring afternoon, the luncheon celebrated French culture, heritage, and philanthropy in a vibrant, sophisticated setting.
Hosted by Event Chairs Liz McDermott Barnes and Jacqui Michel, the event welcomed a distinguished group of FHS supporters. Adding flair and elegance to the occasion were Luncheon Chairmen CeCe and Lee Black, Michael Kovner and Jean Doyen de Montaillou, and Jean Shafiroff.
Guests gathered under the palms, sipping champagne and enjoying a delicious French-inspired lunch in a floral-filled garden. The atmosphere was festive, warm, and purpose-driven—benefiting FHS’s mission to preserve and promote the architectural and cultural treasures of France, both in France and the United States.
Among the attendees were FHS Executive Director Jennifer Herlein and Board Member Ronald Lee Fleming, alongside a roster of prominent guests including:
Christine Ansbacher, Paola Bacchini, Alixandra Baker, Carole Beller, Erin Berthoux, Debbie Blake, Valerie Cooper, Pamela Cole, Francine Crocker, Lora Drasner, Aida Perez Flamm, Randolph Fishburn and Andrew Sands, Kelli Gibbons, Kristina Gustafon, Nicole Hirsh, Dayna Hardin, Holly Holden, Helen K. King, Laetitia Laurent, Ursula and Paul Lowerre, Lynn Mackle, Cheryl McKee, Vicky McLoughlin, Pamela Morgan, Alexandra Naranjo, Denise-Marie Nieman, Monica Oberting, Marzia Precoda, Robin Reardon, Farley Rentschler, Lauren Day Roberts, Diann Scaravilli, Valere Shane, Ramona Singer, Daisy M. Soros, Nancy Stone, Missy VanBuren-Brown, and Herb Wertheim and Alicia Dahill.
Proceeds from the event directly support French Heritage Society’s restoration and education programs. Over the past 43 years, the organization has awarded more than 700 cultural grants and supported nearly 580 student internships across France and the U.S.
Upcoming French Heritage Society Events:
La Table de l’Amitié: Corton-Vergennes Wine Dinner (NYC) – April 29, 2025
Dîner des Mécènes (Paris) – May 20, 2025
Members’ Trip to Paris – May 21–23, 2025
Summer Soirée in the Hamptons – July 18, 2025
Chairman’s Circle Trip to Normandy – September 15–20, 2025
New York Gala Dinner Dance – November 12, 2025
—
About French Heritage Society:
Founded in 1982, the French Heritage Society is dedicated to preserving the rich architectural and cultural legacy of France. With 11 chapters (10 in the U.S. and one in Paris), FHS builds bridges between cultures through restoration grants, student exchanges, cultural programs, and exclusive member events.
