Every cultural organization in Palm Beach County felt ill-effects from hurricane Wilma. But whether Wilma caused cancelled shows, lost revenue or structural damage, all organizations are on the path to recovery – some much further along than others. The Palm Beach County Cultural Council has compiled a list of cultural organizations and their operating status. The list is on the Council’s homepage,
www.palmbeachculture.com and is updated daily.
Thankfully, most of the County’s cultural groups escaped from the hurricane relatively unscathed, however some suffered extensive damage and are in need of substantial volunteer and/or financial help.
Some of the most-affected Palm Beach County Cultural organizations are:
The Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park – the Zoo sustained substantial damage to exhibits, landscaping and administrative buildings. The 1000 + animal collection faired well with only one duck lost. The Zoo hopes to re-open mid to late November and host a grand re-opening celebration. Volunteers are needed to help with hurricane clean-up at the Zoo daily from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with the following guidelines:
Must be age 18 or older - sorry, no exceptions
Come dressed for physical work involving raking, sweeping and/or some lifting
Must wear closed-toe shoes
If possible, bring work gloves
Rakes, push brooms and wheel barrows are welcomed
Water and food will be supplied.
All volunteers must check in at the Administration Building at 1301 Summit Blvd., to be sent to designated work areas.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens – The gardens sustained extensive damage and many signature trees fell. They are closed to the public until further notice. The museum building sustained a fair amount of roof damage, but the collection appears fine and hopes are to open the building soon.
American Orchid Society – The gardens and green house suffered major damage and are closed until further notice.
For updates and contact information on these organizations and others throughout Palm Beach County, please visit the Cultural Council’s website,
www.palmbeachculture.com.
For additional information, please contact:
Larry Boytano
Public Relations Coordinator
Palm Beach County Cultural Council
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 300
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tel. (561) 471-1601
Fax (561) 687-9484
lboytano@pbccc.org
www.palmbeachculture.com
