- April 25, 2024
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Many people who give $50,000 checks want some recognition for their generosity. Lindsey Florence had to be talked into it.
Florence, a trustee with the Palm Coast Arts Foundation, dragged his feet to a check-delivery gathering at which only half a dozen other people were present, on May 23. There he was revealed as the “mystery donor” whose pledge of $50,000 kicked off a furious fundraising drive to solicit a matching $50,000 from the community and support the construction of a roof on top of the stage at 1500 Central Ave., in Palm Coast’s Town Center.
Florence agreed to reveal his identity to help draw more awareness to the need for continued fundraising. Future phases, which Executive Director Nancy Crouch predicts will last another decade, will enable PCAF to build an arts center on the property.
And the $50,000 pledge worked. Crouch announced that after 66 days of a 67-day campaign, PCAF had already raised 124% of the goal, or $62,200. Half of the funds were contributed by about six people. Take a virtual tour of the proposed finished project here.
So who is Lindse Florence? Years ago as an undergraduate, he attended the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he was inspired to audition for the renowned choir. He got in. “I must have flown across the campus,” he recalled. “I was so happy.”
He went on to earn his Master of Music degree from Indiana University and directed high school choirs for 30 years. On two occasions, he brought choirs to the White House and remembers seeing the crowd and students meet President Gerald Ford.
“All of a sudden, the sea parted, and there was Betty Ford, and she walked through,” he recalled. “It was a real wonderful moment.”
Florence moved to Palm Coast in 2001 and believes it’s a great place to live. “Hopefully not too many people will find out,” he said.
And yet, the arts center is exactly the kind of attraction that could help the city to grow. PCAF President Sam Perkovich is also broker/owner of Parkside Realty Group, and she said that when she drives people around town looking for a home to buy, they often are disappointed at the lack of arts venues, saying, “Oh, I really have to drive to Jacksonville or Orlando to see a show?”
Florence said he made the donation to improve the quality of life in the community. The arts remain a big part of his life; he has helped organize Picnic and Pops for the past 10 years. Recently he has been listening to Mahler’s second symphony once or twice a week — maybe a hundred times in his life — and still, "It gives me goosebumps," he said.
The arts center will enable residents another way to experience live music "because then they'll all feel as good as I do," he said. "I’ve been to performances, and I come out, and I’m so excited, elated. It’s just wonderful. It’s not an experience you can get by reading a book or going to the gym. It’s something that really stirs your soul."
