FLAGLER

Flagler Beach museum takes more casual approach to fundraising

Museum's new director sets ambitious goals

Danielle Anderson Correspondent
Hosting a sell-out crowd of more than 80 people, supporters of the Flagler Beach Historical Museum gather for the Dine and Dance on the Deck fundraiser Friday at Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill. [News-Tribune photos/Danielle Anderson]

Keeping it casual and, most of all, local, the Flagler Beach Historical Museum seems to be taking a more relaxed track when it comes to fundraising.

Museum officials first created Cheer at the Pier events, where guests sip and sample from Flagler Beach restaurants while strolling along the Flagler Beach Pier, to more recently the creation of a Dine and Dance on the Deck evening gathering at Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill.

Gone are the days of high heels and bling as museum officials lean more toward informal gatherings to raise awareness and attract donors.

Settling in at the helm of the museum is Kathy Wilcox, who's taking over from long-time director Teri Pruden in carrying on some of the organization's traditions.

Pruden, now consulting for the museum, seemed to enjoy sitting at a table and relaxing alongside friends as Wilcox oversaw the event, which included a silent auction and plenty of smiles.

“We’re really excited that everybody’s turned out to support the museum,” said Wilcox. “We used to do a big gala and last year was the year we started this informal gala and it was a sell-out last year and this year (too).”

Setting ambitious goals, Wilcox has hit the ground running. She said she's excited to be able to work so close to home in a community she loves.

“I really want to get the museum more involved in the community and the community more involved in the museum," she said. "That includes the schools, with their education programs, and again just community events so that people know that we’re here and we have a great little museum.

“I live in Flagler Beach and I’ve always wanted to work in Flagler Beach. So I ride my bike to work, I drive the golf cart to work.”

Jennifer Bowen, who moved to Flagler Beach in March, attended her first museum event Friday night, sharing the evening with her daughter Shelly and some friends.

“When we moved to Florida my sister-in-law came to visit and discovered the museum and introduced us. You gotta hold on to the history,” said Bowen, who added she loves her adopted community. “Everywhere we go, people are just friendly and nice. It’s been exactly what we expected when we moved to Flagler Beach."