The Citizens’ Association of Palm Beach will honor landscape designers Fernando Wong and Tim Johnson as its Citizens of the Year during a celebration April 15 at Palm Beach’s Glazer Hall.
The inaugural award recognizes people whose leadership, creativity and service reflect the “civic stewardship” that defines the Palm Beach community, the association said. The honor is named in memory of Richard “Dick” Kleid, a longtime Palm Beach official and community leader remembered for his dedication to the town. Kleid passed away in September.
Wong and Johnson founded Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design, a landscape architecture practice that has designed gardens and outdoor spaces in Palm Beach and beyond, the association said. The company has offices in Palm Beach and Miami Beach.
The two men share a condominium on Palm Beach’s South End, the area that is the focus of the Citizens’ Association’s work.
“We are deeply honored to accept the Citizen of the Year Award from the Citizens’ Association of Palm Beach,” Wong and Johnson said in a joint statement. “This recognition inspires us to continue serving our community with integrity, creativity and a commitment to leaving a lasting, positive impact on this amazing place that we are all blessed to live in.”
During the awards presentation, Wong and Johnson are expected to offer reflections about evolving landscape design in Palm Beach and the stewardship required to preserve the town’s beauty and character. The program will take place from 5 to 7 p.m.
“Fernando and Tim have helped shape the beauty and character that make Palm Beach such a special place,” Rick Salvadore and Skip Aldridge, co-chairs of the Citizens’ Association of Palm Beach, said in a joint statement. “Their creativity, leadership and generosity embody the spirit of civic stewardship we hope this award will celebrate for years to come.”
Proceeds from the event will support the work of the Citizens’ Association, including its Palm Beach student scholarship program.
The mission of the organization, which represents the interests of residents living south of Sloan’s Curve, is to strengthen civic engagement and community representation across the town, advocating for residents while promoting education, thoughtful stewardship, and initiatives that preserve the town’s unique character, quality of life and natural resources, according to its website.
Tickets are $100, or $250 for a “Champion Ticket,” which includes a listing in gold in the program and access to a 30-minute private reception with the honorees. Photo opportunities will also be available. Glazer Hall is at 70 Royal Poinciana Way.
Tickets can be purchased through the association’s online registration page. For details, call the association at 561-655-5466.
Wong also is scheduled to join landscape designers Jorge Sanchez and Mario Nievera for a “Legends of Landscape discussion, moderated by author and designer David Netto, at 3 p.m. on April 22 at the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach.
The event will be held at the Four Arts’ Dixon Education Building, 240 Cocoanut Row. Tickets are $20, and a book-signing with the speakers will follow the presentation. For reservations, visit FourArts.org.
Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Landscape architects Wong, Johnson earn civic honor from Palm Beach group
Reporting by Jodie Wagner, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
