Join social and civic leaders and friends to celebrate the grand opening of Tropical Forest Panama at Phipps.

Event Patron

His Excellency José Miguel Alemán Healy
Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the United States

Honorary Event Co-Chairs

Athena Sarris
Mayor of Etna, The Honorable Robert Tuñón  
Garden Club of Allegheny County’s President Ellen Urda

Honorary Host Committee Co-Chairs

Randi Starr

On Friday, March 7, Phipps invites guests to celebrate the opening of the culturally rich and ecologically diverse exhibit, Tropical Forest Panama. Proceeds benefit Phipps’ Botany in Action, a research fellowship developing the next generation of plant-based scientists who are committed to excellent research and public educational outreach. Since its inception, the fellowship has aided 80 doctoral-level students representing 38 universities and working in 29 countries.   

The evening's festivities will include: 

• Delicious food and drink, including Panamanian-inspired cuisine thoughtfully crafted by Chef Kate Romane from Black Radish Kitchen;
• Specialty Panamanian coffee tasting with De Fer Coffee;
• Live music and dance with Grupo Folklórico de Panamá from Washington, DC;
• Latin salsa dancing lessons from Los Sabrosos;
• Animal encounters courtesy of Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium;
• and a chance to explore Pittsburgh’s incredible new tropical paradise!

6:30 p.m. Arrival Tickets 

Honorary Host Committee Champion 
$400 each | includes the 6:30 p.m. VIP reception followed by a 7:30 p.m. garden party, food service, refreshment and prime recognition.

Honorary Host Committee Benefactor
$350 each | includes the 6:30 p.m. VIP reception followed by a 7:30 p.m. garden party, food service, refreshment and special recognition.

Honorary Host Committee Patron 
$250 each | includes the 6:30 p.m. VIP reception followed by a 7:30 p.m. garden party, food service, refreshment and recognition. 

Advocate
$200 each | includes the 6:30 p.m. VIP reception followed by a 7:30 p.m. garden party, food service and refreshment.

Get Tickets

7:30 p.m. Arrival Tickets 

Supporter
$125 each | includes the 7:30 p.m. garden party, food service and refreshment.

Get Tickets

We can’t wait to make this a celebration for the ages — together, let's toast to Phipps’ bright future by celebrating a night in tropical paradise!

Honorary Host Committee

We invite you to help us lead this very special Tropical Forest Premiere Party by joining our Honorary Host Committee. In this role, you will lend your name to this historic event by allowing Phipps to publish your name on program materials. Honorary Host Committee Champion tickets are $400 each and include V.I.P. Reception with refreshment and food service at 6:30 p.m., prime recognition and the Garden Party at 7:30 p.m. Honorary Host Committee Benefactor tickets are $350 per person and include the private V.I.P. Reception with refreshment and food service at 6:30 p.m., special recognition and the Garden Party at 7:30 p.m. Honorary Host Committee Patron tickets are $250 per person and include the private V.I.P. Reception at 6:30 p.m. and the Garden Party at 7:30 p.m.

Additional support levels include the Founder's Society ($13,200 and above), Chairman's Circle ($5,132 - $13,199), Trustee's Society ($3,132 - $5,131), Director's Circle ($1,320 - $3,131) and Event Donors (up to $1,319). Click here to make an additional support gift.

Questions? Contact us at gdufour@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-622-6915, ext. 3966.

Complimentary valet parking will be available. Wear what makes you feel fabulous — attire is garden party, cocktail, business!

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