Hundreds of community supporters and sports enthusiasts celebrated the Florida Panthers, back-to-back 2024 & 2025 Stanley Cup Champions, at History Fort Lauderdale’s 29th annual History Makers fundraiser at War Memorial Auditorium on January 8. Presented by Alligator Ron & Ali Bergeron, Miles & Tara Forman and Murphy Family Charitable Trust and hosted by WSVN 7 Sportscaster Donovan Campbell, the History Makers event raised more than $60,000 for History Fort Lauderdale and its mission of preserving our collective heritage. The yearly event recognizes individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the growth of the City of Fort Lauderdale.
The evening began with a VIP tour by Florida Panthers Vice President, Programming & Development, Keith Fine who shared a history of the team’s emotional journey toward redeveloping War Memorial Auditorium. Guest enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent auction, a meet and greet with Florida Panthers alumni players Serge Payer and Peter J. Worrell plus the opportunity to view memorabilia.
Previous History Maker honoree Bob Denison of Denison Yachting shared his passion for the team’s redevelopment efforts and reinforced the importance of keeping cultural institutions like History Fort Lauderdale essential for generations.
City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Vice Mayor/Commissioner John Herbst, Commissioner Steve Glassman, Commissioner Ben Sorensen, Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman, and History Fort Lauderdale Board Chair Erin Farrington Finlen presented Florida Panthers COO Rob Stevenson with a memorial plaque commemorating the team’s unmatched legacy of award-winning sportsmanship, hometown corporate philanthropy, civic responsibility and historic preservation efforts.
According to the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, the Panthers have impacted the local economy by at least $110 million over the last two seasons during the team’s long playoff runs.
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS February 2026 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2026/february/#1