Annual Appeal 2008

Making the Countless Wonders of Phipps Possible

Phipps is a place of countless wonders. Rows of schoolchildren in our award-winning Tropical Forest Conservatory raise their hands high over their heads, palms touching their partners’ palms to imitate the overarching canopy layer of trees in the tropics. Other guests enjoy quiet moments of inspiration, uplifted by the dazzling beauty and aromatic, lush surroundings.

Phipps transforms people’s lives, and your support of this Annual Appeal enables us to be a force for good stewardship of the Earth and lead people of all ages to a deeper appreciation of plant-life, eco-innovations, botany, garden aesthetics and nature’s gentle lessons.

Admission and membership revenue cover just 17 percent of what it takes to operate Phipps every day. For the essential funds we need to bridge the gap between budgets and programs, we turn to you who value our region and are involved – through your membership – in the bright promise of Phipps, now in its 115th year.

The Chihuly glass exhibit has emphasized the pivotal position Phipps holds as a cultural and environmental leader – and with this vital role comes increased activity and responsibility. We need your participation in this Annual Appeal to make this a reality.

We ask you to join us in supporting the countless wonders of Phipps by returning the attached reply card today. An anonymous challenge grant will match all new and increased gifts, doubling the impact you can make on superior Phipps education and display programs for our region and its families. 

As you now join with us in this important work, I would like you to know how very grateful we are for your help in sustaining Phipps as the Green Heart of Pittsburgh and one of the world’s greenest gardens.

Yours sincerely, Richard V. Piacentini

Executive Director

Joseph F. Lagana

Board of Trustees Chair