Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 17, 2015

Going to the zoo is always a treat and especially when there is a party.  A cool breeze was in the air and everyone was in a festive mood as they boarded the trams piloting them to the Premier Party for the Zoo To Do 2015: The Roaring ‘20s in the Simmons Safari Base Camp with an with an up close view of the No. 1 ranked zoo exhibit in Texas, the Giants of the Savanna, by USA Today’s 10 Best travel rankings.

Zoo To Do chairs and Lake Highlands residents Cindy and Chuck Gummer did not miss a beat designing the room with swank memorabilia, custom posters with family resemblances and photos from the Roaring ‘20s, setting the scene showcasing the gourmet delights created by the Zoo’s Executive Chef Jacob Hunter.

While zebras paraded, elephants roamed and antelopes leaped across the terrain, partygoers dined al fresco on favorites such as deviled eggs, authentic White Castle burgers wrapped in trademark paper, a delicious spin on the classic Waldorf salad presented in bibb lettuce wraps and a mashed and sweet potato bar accompanied by cocktails and wine. A very special dessert dubbed "Bathtub Gin and Juice Sorbet," consisting of grapefruit, Hendricks gin, awesomeness, with a sprig of mint topped the evening off with a refreshing spirit.

Sean Greene, Vice President of Guest Experiences at the Dallas Zoo, brought the crowd together with a fantastic demonstration featuring a trumpeter hornbill crane piloting through the air and returning to his spot right next to Sean.

Gregg Hudson, president and CEO, thanked everyone for their support and attending this evening’s event. Michael Gruber, Chairman of the Board, introduced Zoo To Do chairs Cindy and Chuck Gummer, saying they have a passion for nature and conservation.

“We’re thrilled to chair the 2015 Zoo To Do with our family,” said Cindy Gummer, chair with her husband, Chuck. “Our sons signed on as co-chairs the minute we asked them and their wives all support this very important event and the mission. We all look forward to a wonderfully successful evening of fun and fundraising.” She introduced Chris Gummer and his wife, Alisha; Jay Gummer and his wife, Cameron; Ryan Gummer and his wife, Michelle and thanked underwriting chair Mike Andereck for his commitment to the cause.

Co-chair Chuck Gummer expressed his thanks to the board and everyone who has signed on to help, saying the event has the best components for success. He said the Dallas Zoo is a very well respected institution in the City of Dallas. He then made an exciting announcement, which was received with a round of applause - Micki and The Honorable Mike Rawlings have signed on as honorary chairs. Helping create this memorable party are Honorary Chef Dan Landsberg and Chef Chair Sarah Barr, both of Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa, and advising on fundraising and the overall event are the Advisory Council members Jennifer Altabef, Diane Brierley, Patty Stone and Ellen Winspear.

Slated for Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the Dallas Zoo, guests and patrons of Zoo To Do 2015: The Roaring ‘20s will stroll through the award-winning Giants of the Savanna exhibit, sample exquisite dishes from over twenty-five of Dallas’ premier chefs and restaurants, and enjoy interactive animal demonstrations and musical entertainment. Following dinner, guests will move to the Wilds of Africa plaza for a live auction featuring rare Zoo experiences, travel, and more! Next, dance the night away with music from Party Machine.

Zoo To Do is a major source of funding for the Dallas Zoo.  With the proceeds from the event, the zoo is able to continue providing outstanding education, entertainment, and wildlife conservation.

Sponsorships range from $1,500 to $100,000. Underwriting ranges from $7,500 to $25,000. Individual tickets are $500 each. For more information, visit the website at http://www.dallaszootodo.com or contact Rebecca A. Rhule, CFRE, Director of Development at 469.554.7440 or email her at Rebecca.Rhule@DallasZoo.com.  

(Photos by Cathy Burkey.)