Four hundred fifty of South Florida’s most prominent business leaders and elite philanthropists attended the 2006 Gala in the Garden: A Tropical Menagerie in Glass. The event, themed to complement Dale Chihuly’s installation of colorful blown glass sculptures currently on exhibit, is the garden’s largest fundraiser providing support for Fairchild’s vital programs in education, research and conservation.

This year’s gala was led by Chairman Brenda Nestor Castellano; Honorary Chairmen Jean Ellen and Mason Shehan; and Philanthropic Chairmen Swanee and Paul DiMare. Sponsors included Trish and Dan Bell, Joyce and Tony Burns, Anna May and Eugene Conese, The Citigroup Private Bank, Evelyn Langlieb Greer and Bruce W. Greer, Florida Power and Light (Manny C. Rodriguez), The Aaron I. Fleischman Foundation, Marianne and Heinz Luedeking, The Miami Herald, Northern Trust (Sheldon Anderson) and U.S. Trust Corporation (Frances Aldrich Sevilla-Secasa).

Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres under the stars overlooking the striking beauty of Dale Chihuly’s sculptures dramatically lit and nestled in the landscape. In the Jean duPont Shehan Visitor Center Ballroom, bidding was lively on the silent auction items, which included the “Bring Fairchild to Your Home” landscape package and two original glass artworks by Dale Chihuly.

A white-carpeted candlelit trail lead guests to the gala pavilion with its lime and aqua décor, accented by glass beaded chandeliers and gorgeous white Phalaenopsis orchids. Le Basque the Caterer provided an elegant three-course dinner, and guests danced to the music of The Peter Duchin Orchestra. A special presentation made by Bruce W. Greer, President of Fairchild’s Board of Trustees, honored the gala leadership and Bunny Bastian. Plans are already underway for the 2007 gala under the direction of Chairs Brenda Nestor Castellano and Swanee DiMare.