Olivia Hollaus (right) is replacing the retiring Mary Csar (left) as executive director of the Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Photo provided
As Boca Raton concludes its 100th anniversary year — a time of reflection, celebration and renewed civic pride — the Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum marked a milestone of its own.
Longtime Executive Director Mary Csar is retiring following more than a quarter-century of service, passing the torch to Olivia Hollaus, who will assume the role in early 2026.
“As the city reflects on its 100-year journey, this feels like the right moment for renewal both for Boca Raton and for the historical society,” Csar said. “It’s been my privilege to help preserve and share this community’s extraordinary history, and I’m deeply confident in Olivia’s ability to carry that mission forward with creativity and heart.”
Added Hollaus, “Mary has built an incredible foundation rooted in authenticity, connection and pride. As Boca looks ahead to its next century, I’m excited to continue that legacy, ensuring our museum not only preserves the past but inspires the future.”
In other news, the Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum released its list of the 2025 Walk of Recognition honorees. They are:
• Paul and Kathy Adkins
• Angelo Bianco
• Barbara Cambia
• Mary Csar
• Robin Deyo
• Summer Faerman
• Jerry Fedele
• Susan Gillis
• Dan Guin
• Michael Horswell
• Zoe Lanham
• Mark Larkin
• Troy McLellan
• Gary Peters
• George Petrocelli
• Jon Robertson
• Morris and Charlotte Robinson
• Carrie Rubin
• Michelle Rubin
• The Rev. Andrew Sherman
• Tim Snow
• Marie Speed
• Jane Tyree
In celebration of the city’s 100th anniversary, the 2025 class will be recognized on a centennial plaque. The plaque will join the Walk of Recognition installations in Mizner Plaza, home to the granite stars sponsored by Jim and Marta Batmasian.
For more information, call 561-395-6766 or visit bocahistory.org.
Arts Garage donations to be matched in December
Arts Garage in Delray Beach has launched its annual campaign with the goal of raising $40,000 in support of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.
Supporters Helen Rothlein and James White, along with philanthropist Anita Perlman, have combined to provide a total of $20,000 in matching funds. Every contribution made prior to Dec. 31 will be matched dollar for dollar.
“At Arts Garage, we believe the arts are for everyone,” said President and CEO Marjorie Waldo, noting that the initiative — anchored by the theme “The Arts Matter!” — arrives at a pivotal time for arts and cultural organizations nationwide, many of which are facing shrinking private and public dollars. “Our community’s ongoing generosity allows us to continue presenting world-class performances, offering scholarships, supporting local artists and providing accessible arts education to all.”
For more information, call 561-450-6357 or visit artsgarage.org/2025-annual-campaign.
Achievement Centers hails $365,000 grant
Achievement Centers for Children & Families has received a $365,000 grant from the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation in support of its nationally accredited Early Learning Program.
The investment represents a commitment to early childhood education and the well-being of underserved families in South County, and it will directly help sustain and strengthen the program’s 100-plus children ages 1 to 5.
“The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation’s support lifts a tremendous burden from our organization, allowing Achievement Centers to continue delivering full-day, year-round care while expanding services that meet the evolving needs of our children and families,” CEO Stephanie Seibel said. “More than just funding, this gift enables our staff to focus on program innovation and long-term sustainability with ripple effects across our after-school programs, teen initiatives and family support services. The DeSantis Foundation’s gift is more than financial: It is a vote of confidence in our mission and in the future of our community’s youngest learners.”
In other news, the Achievement Centers for Children & Families was the primary beneficiary of Havana Nights, an event created by KAST Construction, The Kolter Group and other sponsors.
It raised $2.3 million for the Delray Beach nonprofit as well as 25 other area charities, all of which support children and families in need.
“Giving back to the communities where we live and build is one of the most meaningful parts of our work,” said Michael Neal, CEO of KAST Construction. “This year’s record-setting $2.3 million raised will profoundly impact children and families across South Florida and highlights the deep generosity of our real-estate development and construction community.”
Added Seibel, “This event is the perfect example of what corporate philanthropy looks like. It shows the incredible impact that companies like The Kolter Group and KAST Construction can have when they bring their resources, leadership and vision to the community.”
For more information, call 561-266-0003 or visit achievementcentersfl.org.
Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net
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