Hospitality, nonprofit work, healthcare, education and media—this year’s class of Walk of Recognition honorees spanned the gamut of people who have guided the city through the 2000s.
Typically a smaller affair of just a handful of honorees, the Boca Raton Historical Society opted to include 25 luminaries for the era in light of the city’s centennial.
Throughout the crowd at The Addison (also celebrating its centennial this year) were past honorees wearing medallions. One by one, each luminary was greeted with thunderous applause and presented with a star:
- Kathy and Paul Adkins
- Angelo Bianco
- Barbara Cambia
- Mary Csar
- Robin Deyo
- Jerry Fedele
- Summer Faerman
- Susan Gillis
- Dan Guin and Jane Tyree
- Dean Michael Horswell, PhD
- Mark Larkin
- Zoe Lanham
- Troy McLellan
- George Petrocelli
- Gary Peters
- Dr. Jon Robertson
- Charlotte and Morris Robinson
- Carrie Rubin
- Michelle Rubin
- The Rev. Andrew Sherman
- Tim Snow
- Marie Speed
But that wasn’t all—the historical society surprised the crowd by awarding a star to philanthropist Marta Batmasian, who founded and sponsors the Walk of Recognition with her husband, James. The star will be installed alongside community members who have been recognized since 1997 at the Walk of Recognition in Royal Palm Place. For this year’s 25 luminaries, their names will be on a plaque.
“It is my honor to place your name among the many individuals you have celebrated for so many years,” said Mary Csar, the outgoing executive director of the Boca Raton Historical Society.
Receiving the honor, Batmasian was in tears as she said, “I did this for a city that has given us everything the last 43 years … I thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you’re doing. Thank you.”
In November, Batmasian donated $100,000 to The Addison’s nonprofit initiative, allowing the venue to present more $10,000 grants to local nonprofits.
