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Created: May 07 2015

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The 31st Annual Pineapple Jam raised $130,000 for the Historic Stranahan House Museum, the oldest house in Fort Lauderdale and former home to the pioneers of the city – Frank and Ivy Stranahan.

Community Hosts Brett and Britani Atkinson Executive Director April KirkCommunity hosts Brett and Britani Atkinson of Founding Family Sponsor Moss & Associates welcomed 340 guests who turned out for the annual fundraiser, which included dinner, a silent and live auction and live musical entertainment along the scenic banks of the New River. Co-chairs of the event were Sandra Moss and Debra Vogel, president-elect of the board of directors for Stranahan House.

“The pineapple is the symbol of hospitality and I think this year’s Pineapple Jam at Stranahan House Museum reflected that,” said Vogel. “Everyone was so engaged, particularly with our silent and live auction. I want to thank Bob Moss in particular for his spirited leadership as our official live auctioneer.”

Among the items in the live and silent auction was a luxury cruise around the Mediterranean or the Aegean Sea donated by Silversea and Landmark Travel, an all-inclusive stay at Coconut Bay Resort in St. Lucia, as well as special, one-of-a-kind pieces including pottery by Susan Somerstein, an original painting by award winning watercolorist Marilyn Johansen, an original painting by renowned artist Joseph Gormerly, artwork by Tricia Rutsis and Mary Cosantino, and even a private 30-person party at the Historic Stranahan House Museum.  

In the evening’s spirit of giving, guest David Lister, winner of the 50/50 raffle, donated his winnings back to Stranahan House.

Proceeds from Pineapple Jam benefit education programs and support preservation of the Historic Stranahan House Museum.

“We cannot thank all of our sponsors enough,” said April Kirk, executive director of Stranahan House Museum. “First year sponsor LauderAle Brewery, for example, served hand crafted locally brewed beers. Our relationship with them started in January for our Holiday Hangover and we’ve since designated them our ‘Exclusive Beer Sponsor.’ That’s a great example of how we are fostering relationships throughout the community in support of this great landmark and the educational programs we promote.”

Founding Father sponsors for Pineapple Jam included Moss & Associates, Aon Construction Services Group and The Related Group. Additional support was provided by BB&T, Moraca Builders, Steel Fabricators, Tripp Scott, Silversea Cruises and Landmark Travel.

Catering was provided by Hugh's Culinary, wine was donated by Hilton Worldwide, beer was donated by LauderAle and vodka was courtesy of Tito's Vodka. The pineapples that adorned the event were provided by MHG Insurance Group. Other notable benefactors include Clay Wieland Photography, Carroll's Jewelers and the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation Department.

About Historic Stranahan House and Museum
The Stranahan House was built in 1901, when Broward County was no more than a bleak southern frontier supposedly unsuited for human habitation. The existing residents were the Seminoles who traveled down the New River to Frank Stranahan’s trading post to do business. Over the years as Fort Lauderdale grew and developed, the house became a post office, boarding house, restaurant and home to the “Founding Father” and “First Lady” of Fort Lauderdale – Ivy and Frank Stranahan. Today it stands as the oldest house in Fort Lauderdale and an epicenter of Broward County’s long and fascinating history.