Mattress Factory celebrates 40th birthday in style
Photo by Neil Strebig
The museum’s 20th annual Urban Garden Party hosted a sold out crowd.
By Neil Strebig
This past week the Mattress Factory hosted their annual fundraising event, “Urban Garden Party: MF40” to a sold-out crowd of 1,400 people.
According to Director of Development Caitlin Harpster, more than $210,000 in donations were made. The funds will be allocated towards the museum’s artistic, educational and community outreach programs.
Event chair, Eric J. Werner was joined on stage by Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto, state Senator Wayne Fontana and county executive Rich Fitzgerald in declaring June 16, 2016 “Mattress Factory Day” in the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
This year’s Urban Garden Party celebrated the anniversary of the museum’s grand opening in 1977 with a Star Wars inspired theme, a silent auction, contributions from dozens of local breweries and eateries, live music and performances that included turning the first floor of the museum into a CBGB-like punk rock bar.
For more information on upcoming Mattress Factory events or how to donate visit the museum’s webpage.
Food and beverages for the event were provided by: All in Good Taste Productions, Apteka, AMPD Group, Black Radish Kitchen, B52, Bar Marco, Big Burrito Group, Butcher on Butler, Butterwood Bakery, Carato Café, Coca Café, Cure, Enrico Biscotti Company, Faber Distilling Company, Gluten Free Goat Bakery, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, Greek Gourmet, La Prima Espresso Company, Market Square Wine and Grocery, Mediterra Bakehouse, Merchant Oyster Co, Millie’s Ice Cream, Monterey Pub, Morcilla, Muddy Waters Oyster Bar, Onion Maiden, Opening Night Catering, Penn Brewery, Pennsylvania Libations, Provision Pittsburgh, Rita’s Italian Ice, Studio AM, studio:dessert, The Vandal, and War Street Brewery
Live music and performances for the event were provided by: Balloon Artist Weird Eric, Beauty Slap, DJ Dave Zak, Kierra Darshell’s Divas of Drag, LUXE Creative Resident DJ Samuel Andres, O’Ryan the O’Mazing and the Steel City Kitty Burlesque & Variety Show.
