On the evening of March 29, the Historic Stranahan House Museum hosted its renowned signature event, Pineapple Jam, at Broward County’s oldest and most historic home. More than 250 of South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and influencers were among the guests who “Partied in Paradise for Preservation”, raising over $75,000 to support year-round historic preservation and education programs at the Historic Stranahan House Museum, one of the top cultural attractions in Fort Lauderdale.
The scenic New River and the vibrant tropical décor created the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening. During Pineapple Jam, guests enjoyed tropical-inspired drinks, food and live music by the George Aspinall Band. Supporters also had the opportunity to bid on luxurious items in a silent auction and raffle including high-end items and exceptional luxury experiences ranging from elegant jewelry, memorabilia, lifestyle experiences, unique travel opportunities, concert tickets and more.
Co-chaired by Whitney Dutton and Maggie Gunther, Pineapple Jam is the Historic Stranahan House Museum’s largest annual fundraising event. The 2025 event honored Paul and Jodi Tanner as the Individual Honoree and Rogers, Morris and Ziegler, LLP as the Corporate Honoree.
“We are tremendously grateful for the support from all those who joined us for the 2025 Pineapple Jam,” said Executive Director Jennifer Belt. “The fun-filled evening wouldn’t be possible without our Co-chairs Whitney Dutton and Maggie Gunther, our board members and donors who are committed to supporting the historic preservation and education programs at the Historic Stranahan House Museum.”
The Historic Stranahan House Museum is the oldest house in Fort Lauderdale and the epicenter of Broward County’s long and fascinating history. Built in 1901, Stranahan House is recognized as the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale and was home to the area’s first businessman, Frank Stranahan, and the first schoolteacher, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan. Stranahan House opened as a museum in 1984.
The 2025 Pineapple Jam sponsors included Akerman, Amazon, Rogers, Morris, and Zeigler, Tripp Scott, Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors, Cushman & Wakefield, Fertig and Gramling, John Knox Village, JM Family, Memorial Healthcare System, Whitney Dutton & Family and many more. All sponsors may be viewed at www.stranahanhouse.org/pineapple-jam-2025.
The 2025 Pineapple Jam committee members included A.J. Belt, Caroline Carrara, Whitney Dutton, Maggie Gunther, Abbie Lipton, Sarah Lis, Kristina Lucia, Peter Neirouz, Brianna Reeves, Ashley Sawyer Smith, Marianna Seiler DeJager and Caroline Whiddon.
About Historic Stranahan House and Museum:
The Historic Stranahan House and Museum, the oldest and most historically significant surviving structure in Broward County, has served as a trading post, post office, town hall and home to the Stranahans. Frank Stranahan is Fort Lauderdale’s first businessman and most respected pioneer. His wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, was the area’s first school teacher and a champion of many civic, social service, environmental and educational causes. Today, the mission of the Historic Stranahan House Museum is to tell the story of the birth of the community through the lives of two extraordinary people and the homestead they created and to serve as an enduring legacy of historic preservation. Its purpose is to preserve, interpret and promote the House, historic site and history of our community’s founding family. Every year, more than 3,000 fourth-grade school children and 30,000 tourists and locals visit, making the House one of the top cultural attractions in Fort Lauderdale. Stranahan House and Museum is located at 335 SE 6th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please visit www.stranahanhouse.org.
