More than 600 philanthropists, wildlife enthusiasts, and animal advocates gathered at Lincoln Park Zoo on July 12 for the 47th Annual Zoo Ball, hosted by the zoo’s Women’s Board. The “Wild Everest” theme raised $1.7 million, making it the highest-grossing Zoo Ball in the event’s history. The funds raised support Lincoln Park Zoo’s animal care, welfare, conservation, and learning programs and the 49-acre campus, which is also an accredited arboretum.
Zoo Ball guests convened on the Main Mall for cocktails, a silent auction, and a raffle before taking to one of the satellite dining locations located throughout the zoo for dinner and a paddle raise program. Wild Everest was inspired by the zoo’s work mitigating illegal wildlife trafficking and advancing protections for endangered species in Asia. The Himalayan mountain range’s snowy habitat inspired the event’s décor. Soft bouquets of baby’s breath decorated each table, with bursts of bright blue flowers and stark white roses accenting the floral arrangements from The Flower Firm. Strings of twinkling lights and frosted glass evoked the blustery snowfalls common to the mountain range. After dinner, guests reconvened on the Main Mall for dessert and danced to the Maggie Speaks music.
Throughout the evening, the zoo’s dedication to animals of the Himalayas in its care—such as Sichuan takins, snow leopards, and red pandas—was highlighted. The species served as ambassadors for the world-class care the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo receive, partly supported by funds raised at Zoo Ball. Co-chaired by Jennifer Statler and Jessica Therivel, this year’s event also helps ensure Lincoln Park Zoo remains free and open to everyone daily. It offers an opportunity for the community to connect with nature. Lincoln Park Zoo is the nation’s only privately managed free-admission zoo and welcomes more than 3 million guests each year.
Lincoln Park Zoo is deeply grateful to Board Chair Francesca M. Edwardson and Host Committee donors Emily and John Alexander, Fran and John Edwardson, John D. and Alexander C. Nichols Foundation, TAWANI Foundation, William Blair, John Ettelson, and Sharon Zackfia.
The following Lead Sponsors also provided generous support: Abbott, BMO, Citi, Deborah and Bruce Crown, Deloitte, Karen Eisenbart, Exelon, The Gettys Group, ITW, Jenner & Block and Randy Mehrberg & Michele Schara, JPMorgan Chase Bank, McKinsey & Company, Nokia, Northern Trust, Peoples Gas, PNC, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan, The Sidley Austin Foundation, Barbara Speer and Chris Noon, and US Cellular.
How To Help
The Lincoln Park Zoo offers various ways for the community to support its programming. Annual Fund contributions can be made in any amount and support exemplary animal care, worldwide conservation efforts, and exceptional education programs. Donor Club memberships are also available, starting at $365, and include unlimited free parking, train and carousel rides, priority camp registration, a front-of-scenes tour, and more.
