James Borynack
Chairman and CEO of Wally Findlay Galleries
International Inc.
Why: Happy to open the gallery spaces in support of causes that include the Palm Beach Zoo, the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, Children of Bellvue and the Katrina Recovery Fund of the New Orleans Museum of Art. He serves as chairman of the board of trustees of the National Hospice Foundation.
Alex Dreyfoos
Chairman and founder of The Dreyfoos Group
Why: Founding board chairman of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts; member Scripps Research Institute board of trustees; lifetime member of Massachusetts Institute of Technology board. Dreyfoos founded the Palm Beach County Cultural Council and led the drive to build the Kravis Center. His philanthropic contributions include $15 million to MIT, $7.5 million to the Kravis Center and $1 million apiece to the Intracoastal Health Care Foundation, Scripps Research Institute and the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
Ervin Duggan
President of The Society of the Four Arts
Why: Under Duggan's leadership, a reinvigorated Four Arts started the Campus by the Lake adult education series, expanded activities at its children's and adult libraries, and leased a building from the school district, where it plans to present programs in the future. The redeveloped sculpture garden that reopened last year has drawn praise for its design and ambience.
Willliam Meyer
Developer, chairman
of Meyer Jabara Hotels
Why: As chairman of the board of directors for the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Meyer last year stepped into the spotlight occupied for 25 years by Kravis founding chairman Alex Dreyfoos. A specialist in real property law, he is chairman of Meyer Jabara Hotels, which owns 26 hotels in 12 states and brings in more than $200 million in annual revenue. He is the former board chairman of the Quantum Foundation, the 12th largest charitable foundation in Florida and he continues to head the foundation's investment committee and serve on its executive committee.
Christina Orr-Cahall
Director, Norton Museum of Art
Why: During Orr-Cahall's more than 17 years at the Norton, the museum has undergone two major expansions, increased its collection with gifts such as Baroness Jeane von Oppenheim's 1999 donation of 670 photographs, and greatly increased its programming, while maintaining fiscal stability.
Sally Soter
President of Norton Museum of Art board of directors
Why: A devoted collector of American art and photography herself, Soter also is one of the Norton's biggest supporters. In 2007, she and her husband, William, gave $2 million to the Norton for the photography endowment and general museum operating costs. Soter is a founding member of the Norton's photography committee, served as chairwoman of the works of art committee and was chairwoman of the 2002 Bal des Arts. The Soters are among a select group named by the Norton as "visionary donors" for their commitment to the museum.
Louis Tyrrell
Founder and producing director
of Florida Stage
Why: Tyrrell shepherded the 20-year-old Florida Stage from a start-up on Palm Beach Community College's Lake Worth campus to one of the most respected regional theaters in the country, fostering the growth of American theater with critically acclaimed productions of new plays. Last year the organization debuted a new play festival that brought together 45 actors, directors, playwrights and dramaturges. "1st Stage" returns this year March 2-4.
