Twilight in the Garden

Photographs of previous Twilight in the Gardens courtesy Conrad Erb Photography (Photos 1 & 2); Noise Soul Cinema (Photos 3, 4 & 6); and Wright Eye Photography (Photo 5).

A joyous evening under the stars

Friday, October 4, 2024

Twilight in the Garden is the annual gala to benefit Bartram’s Garden and the year’s largest fundraiser. Join us to celebrate this beloved public space and ensure its continued growth.

Ticket sales are currently closed. To add your name to the wait list, please email Kimani Keaton at kimani@bartramsgarden.org.

We are honored to announce the distinguished honorees, celebrating two long-standing partners of the Garden.

2024 Twilight in the Garden Honorees

  • Nancy A. Goldenberg, Hon. ASLA President & CEO of Laurel Hill and co-chair of Pennsylvania Public Horticulture Coalition
  • Greater Philadelphia Health Action and Woodland Academy, a nonprofit organization providing essential medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmaceutical, and childcare services to more than 84,000 people annually, including hundreds of our youngest neighbors.

Join us for a festive night of great company, an unparalleled setting, and deep gratitude as we gather in honor of this legendary landscape. You and your guests will enjoy:

  • A magical choose-your-own adventure evening, with options for everything from sunset garden tours to cozy riverfront fire pits
  • Silent auction featuring travel, artwork, private experiences, and more!
  • Autumnal cocktails and seasonal treats

A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible. All proceeds from Twilight in the Garden support Bartram’s Garden, a public park welcoming more than 125,000 visitors annually.

2024 Honorary Event Co-Chairs

Ivy Berry, Southwest Tree Coalition Co-Founder

Chanticleer

Greater Philadelphia Health Action

Haverford Trust Company

Robert Katz, Managing Director, Eisner Advisory Group LLC

Laurel Hill

Charles Lomax, President and CEO, Lomax Real Estate

Longwood Gardens

Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation

Sharon Neilson, NESTT Project Manager & Support Staff, Greater Philadelphia Health Action

William F. Ryan and Dr. Joan T. Richtsmeier

Phil and Jocelyn Scribano

University of Pennsylvania

Regina G. Young, State Representative in the PA State Assembly, 185th District

Meet the 2024 Honorees!

Nancy A. Goldenberg, Hon. ASLA

Nancy Goldenberg is President/CEO of Laurel Hill. She is responsible for ensuring that the two historic cemeteries, arboretum and funeral home are premier cultural and educational destinations and leaders in the evolving death care industry. Before joining Laurel Hill, Nancy served for 20 years in executive positions at Philadelphia’s Center City District, leading the planning for many of the CCD’s most recognized park projects including Sister Cities Park, Collins Park, Dilworth Park, and the Rail Park. Nancy had prior roles as Chief of Staff for the PA Horticultural Society and head of the Fairmount Park Commission’s Natural Lands Restoration & Environmental Education Program, an initiative to restore the natural areas of Philadelphia’s park system.

A native of Cincinnati, Nancy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University and her Master’s Degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a board member of the Pennsylvania Cemeteries Cremation and Funeral Association and is on the Cemeteries Committee of World Urban Parks. She is also on the board of the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

Nancy is an emeritus board member of the Fairmount Park Conservancy and previously chaired the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commission, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and co-chaired the City Parks Alliance. Nancy is most proud of being a founder of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and an Honorary Member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a lifetime achievement and among the highest honors that the organization confers.

 

Greater Philadelphia Health Action (GPHA) and Woodland Academy

Founded with a commitment to enhancing community health and well-being, Greater Philadelphia Action Health Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to underserved populations. A cornerstone of community health and education, GPHA provides essential medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmaceutical, and childcare services to more than 84,000 people annually. Established on principles of compassion and equity, GPHA Inc. operates with a mission to ensure that every individual has access to quality healthcare regardless of their socioeconomic status. By partnering with local healthcare providers, volunteers, and community leaders, GPHA Inc. aims to create sustainable healthcare solutions that empower individuals and families to lead healthier lives.

Their commitment extends beyond healthcare, nurturing the next generation through Woodland Academy, where prior to COVID-19, Woodland Academy provided early care and learning opportunities to more than hundreds of students and connected families to community resources, including the medical services provided by GPHA. What sets Woodland Academy apart is its dedication and commitment to both the served and underserved communities. For over 30 years, Woodland Academy, just blocks away from Bartram’s Garden, has been deeply rooted in the Southwest Community, serving the local Southwest Philadelphia area and its growing vicinity.

Key initiatives of GPHA Inc. and Woodland Academy include health education programs, community outreach efforts, and advocacy for healthcare policy reforms aimed at improving access and affordability. Through these efforts, GPHA Inc. strives to build resilient communities where health disparities are minimized and everyone can thrive.

Many Thanks to Our 2024 Sponsors!

We gratefully acknowledge the following leadership support for the 2024 event:

Presenting Sponsor

Laurel Hill

Steward

Chanticleer

Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc.

William F. Ryan and Dr. Joan T. Richtsmeier

Collector

Haverford Trust Company

Longwood Gardens

Phil and Jocelyn Scribano

University of Pennsylvania

Botanist

Robert Allen

Bellevue Strategies

The Bellwether District

Paul Buttner and Larry Scharf

Crescent Designed Metals

DIGSAU

Kathleen Grady

Ann and Steven Hutton

The Lomax Companies

Jane G. Pepper

Philadelphia Housing Authority

Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation

Stephanie and Bill Stabert

 Eric and Susan Swanson

The Tuttleman Family Foundation

Urban Engineers

WRT

With special thanks to Jamie Hollander Gourmet Foods & Catering, Kennedy Printing, John & Kira’s Chocolates, and Philly Wedding Light for their generous support of Twilight in the Garden.

List current as of October 2.

Previous Honorees

Twilight in the Garden has previously honored the following pillars of Philadelphia green space:

  • Ivy Berry, co-founder of the Southwest Tree Coalition
  • Edward M. D’Alba, former President and CEO of Urban Engineers
  • Michael DiBerardinis and Joan Reilly, civic leaders and green space advocates
  • City Councilmember Jamie R. Gauthier, 3rd District
  • Terrence L. Gore, artist
  • The Lomax Family Foundation, dedicated to the health and wellness of African-American communities
  • Kathryn Ott Lovell, former Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation
  • State Representative Joanna E. McClinton
  • Elizabeth P. McLean, garden historian
  • Paul W. Meyer, former F. Otto Haas Executive Director of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Mural Arts Philadelphia
  • Michael Nutter, former Mayor of Philadelphia
  • Jane G. Pepper, former President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
  • Paul B. Redman, President and CEO of Longwood Gardens
  • The Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School
  • The Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden
  • Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05)
  • Virginia Smith, green space advocate and Philadelphia Inquirer writer
  • Sidney B. Spahr, civic leader and horticulturist
  • James B. Straw, civic leader
  • Bill Thomas, Executive Director of Chanticleer
  • State Senator Anthony H. Williams

You may also be interested in:

Mark Your Calendar

Twilight in the Garden is the first Friday in October.

2025: Friday, October 3

2026: Friday, October 2

2027: Friday, October 1

Support Bartram’s Garden

Your tax-deductible donation keeps us growing.

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Birds

Boating & Fishing

Flowers, Plants & Trees

Gardening

History

Kids' Activities

Sankofa Community Farm

Southwest Philadelphia

Water Quality

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Youth Internships

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Birds

Look up! More than 100 species of birds rely on this ecosystem.

Boating & Fishing

Enjoy all that the Tidal Schuylkill River has to offer.

Flowers, Plants & Trees

See what’s blooming, find a favorite tree, and stroll the gardens and natural lands.

Gardening

Bring the Garden home! Shop for plants or grow food, trees, and more.

History

Uncover the interconnected stories of this historic site.

Kids' Activities

Join us year-round to learn, make, share, and wonder.

Sankofa Community Farm

“Go back and get it!” Growing food sovereignty with an African Diaspora focus.

Southwest Philadelphia

Resources and opportunities especially for neighbors in Southwest Philly.

Water Quality

Find our latest data on the river’s bacteria levels and recent rainfall.

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Enjoy upcoming workshops, self-care, and events. Are you a Southwest artist? Let’s partner!

Youth Internships

Calling Southwest students: paid internships available with the river, the farm, and the trees.