MIAMI-DADE’S “THE VILLAGERS” RECEIVES “COMMUNITY STEWARD AWARD”
FROM 1000 FRIENDS OF FLORIDA

The Villagers, an all-volunteer non-profit preservation organization in Miami-Dade County, received 1000 Friends of Florida’s 2008 Community Steward Award at its monthly meeting on Friday, September 26, 2008 at the historic Actor’s Playhouse in Coral Gables.  “With its emphasis on “recycling” old buildings, historic preservation is the ultimate ‘smart growth’ tool,” notes 1000 Friends President Charles Pattison, who will be presenting the award.  “We are proud to recognize The Villagers, a dedicated all-volunteer group that has contributed to the preservation of some of Miami-Dade County’s most significant historic resources.”

The Villagers evolved in response to the proposal to demolish the Douglas Entrance to Coral Gables in 1966.  After volunteer efforts helped save that landmark, the group formed The Villagers and began assisting with preservation projects throughout Miami-Dade County.  Today, The Villagers includes about 100 active members and 100 sustaining members, with no paid staff.  It holds annual events to generate awareness of preservation and raise funds, including a house tour, garden tour, historic site hunt, quilt sale, and participation in other events.   The generated funds are then used to assist with worthwhile preservation projects throughout Miami-Dade County. 

Dolly MacIntyre, a charter member who nominated the group for this award said, “The Villagers’ organization has generated over $1 million in preservation and scholarship funds in its 42-year history and is a role model for volunteer organizations with an active member participation rate of over 60%.”

The Villagers has been involved in more than 35 major preservation projects over the years, ranging from landmarks such as Vizcaya, the Biltmore, and Miami Circle, to more modest projects such as Anderson’s Corner, a country store.  It has also contributed to surveys of historic districts, a historic marker system for the Miami River Greenway, and other community projects such as supporting proposed historic preservation ordinances.  The group also provides scholarships to preservation and design students at the University of Florida, University of Miami and Florida International University.  A $25,000 emergency fund has been established for grants or loans for such efforts as stabilization and repairs to a historic site after a natural or manmade disaster.

1000 Friends’ Community Steward Award is presented annually to individuals, organizations, local governments, agencies, and public/private partnerships that have brought about positive and lasting change in the way their community manages growth.  “This all-volunteer group has made a very significant and tangible contribution to the preservation of the historic resources of Miami-Dade County,” noted Pattison. 

1000 Friends of Florida is also presenting five other awards over the course of 2008.  A statewide nonprofit organization, 1000 Friends was founded in 1986 to serve as Florida’s growth management watchdog. It has been presenting awards for innovative growth management efforts since 1990.