Night in the Tropics: Rio!
# RioRevelry: Even the weather cooperated, serving up a steamy evening for the National Aviary’s 17th annual Night in the Tropics benefit event on Saturday night. The Rio theme began as soon as guests approached the front door as dancers in traditional Brazilian feather headdresses danced to Latin beats. UPMC’s Maris Bondi chaired the sold- out extravaganza for 1,300 people. Ms. Bondi came with board member Rob Dauer. “It’s incredible to see how much the event has grown,” said Cheryl Tracy, National Aviary executive director. “The party sold out again this year, and guests loved the theme Rio! With dancers, live music, delicious food and, of course, our beautiful birds, this event truly is one of a kind,” she noted. “The success of Night in the Tropics is so meaningful because it helps to support our important conservation work to save birds and protect their habitats.” The party raised $ 300,000. The layout of the food stations, sponsors tent and even the bandstand were all changed up for a fresh, newly energized experience. The entertainment included the Batucada Band, Pittsburgh Samba Group and Timbeleza. Kenia, Vera Hite and DJ 007 provided the Brazilian sounds for dancing under the stars. Thirty restaurants and bakeries kept the multitudes fed while Penn Brewery offered brews. Loving the sultry sambainfused gathering were Gisele Fetterman, Jim and Cathy Lehman, John Graf, Tom and Cristine Kobus, Bryan Brantley, Kathy Testoni, Richard Caruso, Thea Martin, Mark and Eileen Flinn, Sally Wiggin, Mark Jones, Annie Engel, Jim Brainard and Ginny Merchant and Mike and Lisa Hart.