Better Makers: Chicago Zoological Society’s Whirl Gala Raises $1.3 Million for Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo Whirl Gala

Over 525 guests gathered at Brookfield Zoo on April 28 for the Chicago Zoological Society’s 37th annual Whirl fundraiser. This year’s event raised more than $1.3 million in support of the animals at Brookfield Zoo in addition to the Chicago Zoological Society’s conservation, education, and community outreach programs.

One of the benefiting programs includes the Chicago Zoological Society’s King Conservation Science Scholars, which involves young adults interested in animals with action projects and extended learning opportunities at the Brookfield Zoo. During the event, one of the Program’s alumnae, Rebecca Turcios, was recognized for finishing her first year of veterinary school.

Whirl of Fortune was hosted by the Women’s Board and Chicago Zoological Society Board of Trustees. The event was chaired by Elisa Templeton and members of the Whirl planning committee, along with Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Grube and Women’s Board President Sasha Gerritson.

Brookfield Zoo: Whirl Gala
Chicago Zoological Society President & CEO Dr. Stuart Strahl, Chicago Zoological Society Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Grube, Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board President Sasha Gerritson, and Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board Member and 2018 Whirl Chair Elisa Templeton pictured with a 2019 Aston Martin DB11 provided by Aston Martin Glenview (Photo by Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society.)
Brookfield Zoo: Whirl Gala (Christian McGrath and Angie Davis)
Chicago Zoological Society Trustee Christian McGrath and Angie Davis (Photo by John Reilly Photography.)
Brookfield Zoo: Whirl Gala (Romana Malinowski, Melissa Canning, Sasha Gerritson)
Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board Member Romana Malinowski, Melissa Canning, and Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board President Sasha Gerritson (Photo by Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society.)
Brookfield Zoo: Whirl Gala (Connie Keller, Dennis Keller, Elisa Thempleton, John Templeton)
Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board Member Connie Keller, Chicago Zoological Society Life Trustee Dennis Keller, Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board Member and 2018 Whirl Chair Elisa Templeton and John Templeton (Photo by Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society.)
Brookfield Zoo: Whirl Gala (impact)
Impact: Julio Mendez, a participant of the Chicago Zoological Society’s King Conservation Science Scholar program, interacting with guests at Brookfield Zoo (Photo courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society.)

Emily Stone is Associate Editor at Make It Better. She earned a degree in journalism from Elon University in North Carolina. Along with writing, Stone has a passion for digital storytelling and photography. Her work is published in Chicago Athlete Magazine. Stone is a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Stone is a fluent Spanish speaker who in her free time loves a good dance class.

 

 

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