PHS hosts Cinco de Mayo themed party to raise funds for Azalea Garden
Philadelphia (April, 2010) The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s annual fundraiser for the Azalea Garden to be held on May 5, 5-8pm will have a south-of-the-border theme this year to coincide with Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage. Lively mariachi music and Mexican-influenced cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are planned along with a Silent Auction of trips, personalized events, gardening equipment, artwork and more.
The Azalea Garden is one of Philadelphia’s most treasured and beautiful open spaces. The four acre garden is situated on the scenic Waterworks promenade behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art and is home to one of the most impressive collections of azaleas and rhododendrons in the region. Co-Chairs Mark and Liz Ward noted that along with the dedication of PHS members and volunteers known as the Friends of the Azalea Garden, “this year’s fundraising effort will help maintain the gardens breathtaking array of plantings including perennials and planted beds and trees.”
In 1954, PHS gifted the Azalea Garden to the City of Philadelphia to “enhance the beauty of Fairmount Park and add to the attractiveness of the city of Philadelphia” and to commemorate the 125th anniversary of PHS. By the late 1980s, the Azalea Garden was overgrown and in disrepair due to municipal funding cuts. So, in 1988, PHS selected the Azalea Garden project for restoration. Since then, the public landscape division of PHS’s Philadelphia Green program has guided the landscaping and maintenance for the garden and today, the Azalea Garden is one of the City’s most popular gathering spaces for wedding photographs, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.
This year’s Party will feature entertainment for all ages including stilt walkers, magicians, children’s crafts, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Catering is provided by Drexelbrook Catering and the event will be sponsored by Fairmount Park, Subaru of America, Inc., and The Camera Shop.
Tickets may be purchased at the door. For more information about the PHS Azalea Garden Party and Silent Auction, please visit PHSonline.org.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society motivates people to improve the quality of life and creates a sense of community through horticulture. PHS operates the nation’s leading greening program, Philadelphia Green and produces the largest indoor flower show in the world, The Philadelphia International Flower Show.
Suggested Group Photo:
Jane Pepper, President, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (resides in Media)
Drew Becher, President-Elect, PHS (resides in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia)
John Ball, Chair, PHS, (resides in Wayne)
Liz and Mark Ward, Chairs, Azalea Garden Party Committee (reside in Devon)
Jen McGowan, Auction Chair, Azalea Garden Party Committee (resides in Wayne)
Mark Focht, Executive Director, Fairmount Park Commission (resides in Philadelphia)
For more information Contact:
Alan Jaffe at 215-988-8833
Laura Hoover at 215-988-8836
