As you may know, the Boynton Beach Mall in
Boynton Beach, FL had donated 8,000 square feet of space to the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History (MLFH) for a three-year lease. Since opening inside the Boynton Beach Mall, MLFH was responsible for increased visitation to the Mall of shoppers because of the numerous group tours and special events hosted by MLFH that included shopping and dining experiences because of partnerships MLFH established with the stores and eateries inside the Mall. Some of the stores and eateries at the Mall experienced a direct economic benefit because of MLFH.
The MLFH lease was scheduled to end this year in November 2012 therefore active efforts were being led for MLFH to identify and transition to a permanent home outside of the Mall, at the end of the lease. However, the Boynton Beach Mall wrongfully forced MLFH to move to make way for a tenant named You Fit Health Clubs because this health club can pay market rate rent and the Mall needed MLFH's 8,000 square feet of space for the gym. To add, the Mall is For Sale! The move was sudden and abrupt. The Mall had been duly informed that MLFH had programming scheduled at MLFH's facility for Black History Month with a black history exhibit at MLFH but that exhibit display at MLFH had to be cancelled because of the move. Furthermore, MLFH had programming scheduled at its facility in the Mall for the Deaf. And, because of the move, the Arnold Scaasi exhibit has been delayed. In a few short days, MLFH had to move from the Mall premises more than 37,000lbs of property. Certified museum movers were hired to assist with the move. MLFH, which is a non-profit 501c3 charity, was burdened with a huge financial expense because of the forced move. MLFH does have pro bono legal representation regarding this matter with the Mall.
MLFH has received an offer of help with a permanent building. And, there are active efforts to identify a new home location. MLFH will be launching a capital campaign soon to help raise monies for the new permanent building efforts. Please visit the MLFH website mlfhmuseum.org for updates about when the MLFH exhibit galleries will re-open.
MLFH needs your help! Please consider a monetary donation in any amount to help support the permanent building efforts. Donations are tax deductible. You can make a donation on-line at http://mlfhmuseum.org/donatenow.html or mail check payments payable to the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History at P.O. Box 6127, Delray Beach, FL 33482.
None of the Museum's other programming has been cancelled. Children & Parents Day on April 1st is still confirmed and will be held at another location in Boynton Beach. And, the culinary bus tours of historic Delray Beach, Boynton Beach & Lake Worth still continue without interruption. Click here to make reservations for the Taste History Culinary Tours. Call 561-243-2662. Visit the MLFH Blog at http://fashionhistorymuseum.blogspot.com/
Sincerely,
