Philadelphia (Spring 2010) The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Azalea Garden Party & Silent Auction will have a south-of-the-border flare this year. The fund-raising event falls on May 5 — Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage. So get ready for lively mariachi music and Mexican-influenced cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
The Azalea Garden Party & Silent Auction raises funds for the continued maintenance of the garden, located behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The party takes place on the scenic Waterworks promenade behind the museum. Co-Chaired by Mark and Liz Ward, the party will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Festivities will include the Silent Auction, stilt walkers, magicians, children’s crafts and entertainment, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
With the support of PHS members and the Friends of the Azalea Garden, in addition to the expertise of a select team of landscape architects and contractors, the Azalea Garden is one of the most popular open spaces in the city.
In 1954, PHS was gifted the Azalea Garden as the non-profit’s first permanent garden, designed to “enhance the beauty of Fairmount Park and add to the attractiveness of the city of Philadelphia.” The space was created to commemorate the 125th anniversary of PHS.
Unfortunately, by the late 1980s, the Azalea Garden was overgrown and in disrepair due to municipal funding cuts. In 1988, PHS chose the Azalea Garden as a pilot greening project and developed a restoration plan. Since then, PHS’s Philadelphia Green program has guided the landscaping for the four-acre garden. All proceeds of the annual Azalea Garden Party & Silent Auction support the ongoing maintenance of
the beautiful garden.
Cuisine by Drexelbrook Catering, and several auction items, including two Southwest Airline roundtrip vouchers, will complete the festivities at this gala event. This year’s party is sponsored by Fairmount Park, Subaru of America, Inc., and The Camera Shop.
For more information about the Azalea Garden Party, please visit PHSOnline.org.
Press Contacts:
ALAN JAFFE 215 988-8833
LAURA HOOVER 215-988-8836
