2012 Palm Beach
A List The Most Powerful and Influential People in Palm Beach compiled by AVENUE Magazine ■ introduction by Renée Morrison
C
onrad Black once said that while visiting Palm Beach in 1969, he saw a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud hit a Rolls-Royce Phantom V, which itself had been hit by another Rolls-Royce Phantom. “That,” Black would tell friends, “was the moment I knew I was where I belonged.” Home to an annual event hosting Ferraris from all over the country, on the great lawns of the magnificent Breakers Hotel, the residents of this dazzling island that is Palm Beach, make up the fabric of what money, success and power look like. Many people from the Forbes’ richest people in America list have set up residences amongst other multi-millionaire neighbors; where the rich collect private jets, yachts and play polo with ease and grace. Palm Beach, our loyal dowager, continues to charm the island with the habits and interests of the most demanding consumers who have created a redefined sense of royalty. Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club, formerly home to cereal heiress, Marjorie Merriweather Post, hosts black-tie soirées with past guests including Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion and Elton John. The legendary artists announce their performances a month before ticket sales are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis to their members. The island is not immune to presidential campaigning, in fact, due to the staggering wealth and commitment of the community, all presidential hopefuls have
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had fundraisers. One two-hour cocktail party can easily raise $100,000 and change. The seasoned residents receive all the benefits of a more intimate setting with a potential future President. As Palm Beachers make their way around the barrier reef island they will attend important charitable events from balls to galas, to fashion shows, luncheons, and the openings of galleries and stores. Luxury has made a brilliant return to the retail stage and newly re-designed Worth Avenue, highlighted by the now famous Living Wall at Saks Fifth Avenue showcasing opulent jewelry cases and a smattering of salons for the clothing designers. Down the way, the Society of the Four Arts meets the islanders’ cultural needs in music, drama, literature and art for the resort community. One Palm Beacher, Bill Koch, a noted collector, is loaning an exciting exhibition of rarely seen objects from the American West. Palm Beach continues to elevate her intellectual lectures to local professionals from Scripps and the National Arts Institute where the science of film production special effects attracts the likes of Steven Spielberg. In keeping with tradition, we at AVENUE invite our readers to join us in our recognition of AVENUE’s A-list for 2012. It was created to honor those who are truly on top of their game. And to you, dear reader, may your new year be filled with wonderful blessings both great and small.