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2007 Annual Report
 Development and Membership
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society achieved very ambitious fundraising goals for 2007, including successful challenge drives and growth in membership.
Twelve donors promised to match new contributions and increased gifts to the 1827 Society up to a total of $120,000. The funds raised by the 1827 Society Challenge were designated for maintenance of the recently renovated landscape surrounding the Swann Memorial Fountain at Logan Square on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, a project led by PHS in partnership with the Fairmount Park Commission with major funding from The Pew Charitable Trusts. In all, the 1827 Society Challenge raised new and increased gifts of $310,000. Participation in the 1827 Society grew from 238 members contributing $370,000 annually to 282 members who contributed $805,000 in FY07, including 43 President’s Circle memberships, a new leadership category of the 1827 Society.
PHS exceeded its second-year challenge from the Independence Foundation to increase contributions to the Annual Fund, raising an additional $75,000. Grateful thanks to the Development Committee members, new President’s Circle members, 1827 Society, and Annual Fund donors who helped PHS meet these challenges.
The past year was also a successful one for PHS in securing funds for its programs. PHS received a bequest to establish the Edwin S. Bond Tree Fund. A lifelong Philadelphian who passed away last spring, Edwin Bond provided for PHS in his estate with a generous bequest that will support Philadelphia Green’s work related to tree planting and tree maintenance in Philadelphia. The Elizabeth S. Hooper Community Gardens Award was established by The Thornton D. & Elizabeth S. Hooper Foundation to recognize and support community gardens.
PHS welcomed 3,100 new members in 2007, bringing the total to 15,500 (including 665 family members who joined during the 2007 Flower Show). Members and guests enjoyed an array of special events. Nearly 2,000 people attended Members’ Day 2006 on September 16 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Three thousand guests attended the Preview Reception and Dinner to celebrate the opening of the 2007 Philadelphia Flower Show. The 2007 Azalea Garden Party, a popular, multi-generational event that raises funds for maintenance of the garden, was held on May 10. This beloved public space is maintained by PHS in cooperation with the Fairmount Park Commission.
Approximately 600 people attended the annual New Members’ Party on a lovely June evening at Chanticleer in Wayne, PA. In May, Leadership-level members gathered for a reception hosted by Daria and Andy Pew at their home in Bryn Mawr, PA. A garden party for 1827 Society members was held in May at Eve and Per Thyrum’s home near Wilmington, DE.
PHS is most grateful to all the supporters who make it possible for us to achieve our goals. A list of PHS contributors begins on page 20.♦
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