Hundreds of guests, city and county officials and development executives gathered together on April 5 to honor Dev Motwani, president of Merrimac Ventures and founder and managing partner of Chieftain Residential, as he was honored as the Fort Lauderdale’s Historical Society’s (FLHS) 2018 History Maker of the Year.
The 1920s speakeasy themed special event, presented by The Salah Foundation, raised more than $70,000 to further FLHS’s mission of making the city’s heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors.
FLHS board chair Art Bengochea welcomed attendees and presented a sponsor recognition artwork to George J. Taylor of The Salah Foundation for the organization’s underwriting grant and dedication to strengthening community development. FLHS executive director Patricia Zeiler also thanked Orchard Supply Hardware and Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s StepUP Apprenticeship Program for their ongoing efforts to restore the New River Inn, where the event happened.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis took the podium to congratulate Motwani for his impact on the growth of the city and dedication to preserving our rich history and culture.
Motwani was presented with a surprise proclamation naming April 5 as “Dev Motwani Day” in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Joined by District 1 City Commissioner Heather Moraitis, District 2 City Commissioner Steven Glassman, History Makers 2018 event chair Robert Peters and Dev’s mother, Ramola, the group kicked-off the city’s 107th birthday celebration by blowing-out the candles on an oversized cake.