Guests raise funds for state embassy in Washington

Guests raise funds for state embassy in Washington
Ryan Schwartz and Mary Calcote with Dennis Whittle and Mari Kuraishi

For 47 years, Florida House in Washington D.C. has been the state’s best-kept secret, but no more.  To raise funds for the Sunshine State’s “embassy” in Washington, the nonprofit held a fundraiser at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens March 1. 

Florida is the only state to have an embassy in Washington D.C., said Florida House Executive Director Diana Beckman. The house, which is located directly across the street from the U.S. Supreme Court and the Library of Congress, offers Florida residents and tourists a quiet sanctuary and a cold glass of orange juice as they tour Capitol Hill. Founded by Rhea Chiles, wife of former U.S. Senator Lawton Chiles in 1973, the house is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that is owned by the people of Florida. It is strictly non-partisan. As a non-profit that does not accept federal or state tax dollars, it relies on private donations for its support and has the purpose to “connect, celebrate, and champion Florida to the world,” Beckman said.

The goal of gathering at the museum was to raise at least $15,000, Beckman said, noting she expected to “blow that out of the water.” Guests enjoyed a meet and greet, silent auction, and a special tour of the exhibits conducted by Adam Levine, director and CEO of the Cummer.

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