Better Makers: Zoo Ball Celebrates 40 Years, Raises $1.4 Million for Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Ball

On July 14, more than 850 guests attended the 40th annual Zoo Ball at Lincoln Park Zoo. The event, hosted by the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo and co-chaired by Mary Pearlman and Shawn Sandor, raised more than $1.4 million for a new state-of-the-art Visitor Center that will serve 3.6 million guests every year.

Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Ball: glamping tents
Glamping tents (Photo by Alain Milotti.)

Erin McDonald Co. and FROST Chicago created the evening’s beautiful setting, and Jewell Events Catering and Production provided a delicious three-course meal. A silent auction featured fabulous prizes, including tickets to the 69th Emmy Awards and box tickets for a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra, a Best of 2017 winner, provided music as guests danced the night away.

Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Ball: Mini Iceberg Wedge
Gluten-Free Mini Iceberg Wedge: chopped bacon, tomato, blue cheese, spicy green goddess sauce, accented with a giraffe lavosh (Photo by Alain Milotti.)
Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Ball: Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra
Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra (Photo by Violet Dominek at John Reilly.)

The Zoo Ball’s presenting sponsor was PowerShares QQQ by Invesco. Premier patrons were Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and BMO Harris Bank. Additional supporters included Abbott, Emily and John Alexander, Dover, Peter Francis Geraci Law, Katie and Brent Gledhill, Anna and Bob Livingston, Northern Trust, PNC, William Blair and John Ettelson, Lathrop Gage LLP, Neiman Marcus, Pomellato, United, Make It Better, and Michigan Avenue.

Learn more about Lincoln Park Zoo’s conservation efforts around the world and find out how you can support the zoo.

Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Ball: Biff Bowman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Mary Pearlman, Zoo Ball 2017 Co-chair; Caroline Huebner, Women’s Board President; Shawn Sandor, Zoo Ball 2017 Co-chair; Kevin Bell, Lincoln Park Zoo President and CEO
Biff Bowman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Mary Pearlman, Zoo Ball 2017 Co-chair; Caroline Huebner, Women’s Board President; Shawn Sandor, Zoo Ball 2017 Co-chair; Kevin Bell, Lincoln Park Zoo President and CEO (Photo by Violet Dominek at John Reilly.)
Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Ball: Susan Schoenberger, Sean Cusack, and Mareilé Cusack, Board of Trustees
Susan Schoenberger, Sean Cusack, and Mareilé Cusack, Board of Trustees (Photo by Violet Dominek at John Reilly.)
Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Ball: Jay and Heather Mages
Jay and Heather Mages (Photo by John Reilly.)
Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Ball: Bridget and Matt Campbell
Bridget Campbell, Women’s Board Member, and Matt Campbell (Photo by Violet Dominek at John Reilly.)
Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Ball: Laura and Michael LaPorte
Laura and Michael LaPorte (Photo by Robert Carl.)

 

More from Make It Better: 


Anna-Carlson

Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of Glenbrook South High School and the University of Missouri, she loves cheering on the Cubs and Blackhawks and also fears she watches too much Netflix.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Who We Are       NFP Support       Magazine       Programs       Donate    

X