Celebration at the Center: A Night of Fun and Fundraising at Party with the Plants
For one night only, the Danforth Center was home to the hottest party in town. Don’t believe it? Just ask any of the hundreds of people who walked through our doors on September 25 for a neon-soaked night of fun at the eighth-annual Party with the Plants.
This fundraiser, hosted by the Danforth Center’s Young Friends, combines music, science, raffles, food, drinks, magic, and more, all in support of our science. Although it’s been a much-loved and impactful event for many years, this particular Party felt more vital than ever, due to the continued instability around federal funding for scientific research. Ultimately, the night proved to be a massive success, helping to bring in $170,000 for our mission.
This support will help bring early-stage research to life aimed at feeding the world and healing the planet. It will help create opportunities in our region for future scientists. And it wouldn’t have been possible without everyone who joined in the celebration.
Lights Out
The theme of this year’s event was “Plants After Dark.” Fittingly, it was after the sun had set on the Center—and following remarks from the emcee Blake Whiteside—that the festivities really kicked off. And there was something for everyone to enjoy. All night long, DJ Chris Brown provided the soundtrack as guests sampled refreshments from a host of local vendors. Attendees purchased raffle tickets, hoping to win one of the many unique experiences and baskets of prizes up for grabs. And after stopping by the plant pull/wine pull game, they might have been wowed by event’s master illusionist, Keith Jozsef.
For some who attended, the night was simply a chance to have fun while giving back. For others, the night provided the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow scientists in the region. “I absolutely loved it,” said Jacob Hedrick of Elemental Enzymes. “I was just happy to support the Danforth Center in general, so having an actual event here where we get to hang out and be with other people in the agtech sector is a great time.”
An Adult Science Fair
One of the major highlights of the event was the scientific stations. Located throughout the atrium and café, these experiences allowed guests to get a hands-on look at the type of work that takes places at the Danforth Center, no scientific ability required. For example, one could learn about our beneficial insects, examine maize mutants, or play music with vegetables.
This year, the stations were organized by Drs. Katie Murphy and Justin Conover, and they were staffed throughout the night by Danforth Center scientists volunteering their time to share their science. “I heard someone describe the event as an ‘adult science fair’ and I think it’s a great description,” said Dr. Katie Murphy. “One of the scientists who stationed told me how they lost their voice by the end of the night, but at the same time felt so inspired by how many people were interested in their research. People are already asking to volunteer next year.”
I have nothing but amazing things to say about this year’s event. The turnout was incredible, and it’s such a great way to introduce new people to this pivotal science. I hope they discovered how special this place is
Klaire Whiteside, chair, Danforth Center Young Friends
About the Event
Since its inception in 2017, Party with the Plants has been the signature event of the Danforth Center’s Young Friends, a community of professionals, aged 40 and younger, who champion the Center’s mission. Since 2022, the event has also served as the culmination of the Grow Challenge Week of Giving, an online, peer-to-peer fundraiser in support of the Center’s Impact Fund. Co-chairs of this year’s event were Klaire Whiteside, chair, and Richard Clements, vice-chair.
After Party
Although this year’s Grow Challenge + Party with the Plants has ended, you still can play a part in the Center’s work to feed the world, heal the planet, and enhance the region by making a gift today.
Thank You!
The Danforth Center and Party with the Plants organizers are grateful to the following:
Party Co-Chairs: Klaire Whiteside, chair; Richard Clements, vice chair
Emcee: Blake Whiteside
Scientist Organizers: Katie Murphy and Justin Conover
Scientists: Matt Adams, Edo Bertolini, Parag Bhatt, Max Braud, Anna Casto, Keith Duncan, Johnny Johns, Liz Kelter, Eileen Kosola, Clara Lebow, Ted Leung, Jianwu Li, Nushrat Rashid, Kevin Reilly, Febri Susanto, Parbati Thapa, Justin Villmer, Evy Wolfe
Entertainers: DJ Chris Brown of Spin Society; master illusionist Keith Jozsef
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