Tropical birds, tropical foods, tropical colors. Hard to believe the 800 guests who attended the National Aviary's Feathered Jewels Gala last Saturday were sitting inside the Hunt Armory! That cavernous space was transformed into a tropical night, complete with the flying parrots and macaws who performed during the Flight Zone Bird Show that preceded dinner. Black draping and carpets made the bright hues stand out all the more on the sequin-embossed linens and gorgeous blooms by Michael Jacobs of Blooms. Laurie Streiner produced the magical event, and big Catering interpreted the South American theme with alligator sausage cheesecakes, steamed tilapia in banana leaves, grilled beef skewers and purple rice pudding. Dancing to the music of Sputzy helped to undo some of that caloric damage. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Phoenix Philanthropy Award to U.S. Steel's Anthony Bridge, who chaired the corporate sponsorship committee and helped to bring the evening's total to $400,000, plus silent and live auction proceeds.