Born to be wild: Party animals raise $2.2 million at Tropical Safari Gala
There's something anthropologically quirky about a party for humans in a home for animals.
We imagined the mama kinkajou with her little ones watching the whirlwind of eating, drinking, dancing and bidding at the zoo's annual gala and then, at evening's end, turning to her babies and saying "See? This is why we don't want any human friends."
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Tropical Safari Gala: Journey to Africa took place April 1 amid the lush, tropical grounds of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society.
And we mean "lush" in the best possible way.
Tom Quick and Michele Kessler were chairman and chairwoman for the evening, which began with a reception featuring cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and — for guests wishing more than the meet-ad-greet with Wilbur the sloth and Perus the macaw — an optional quickie tour of the zoo to see Fiona the jaguar, Alyssa the tapir, giant anteaters and squirrel monkeys .
After cocktails, the crowd moved into the main tent for a welcome from the chairwoman.
“We have much to celebrate at this evening’s event,” said Kessler. “From a special virtual walkthrough of Tiger Forest, the zoo’s upcoming third Malayan tiger habitat, to the Somali Giraffe Project, an exciting new conservation partnership to help track reticulated giraffes in Africa, to honoring all our steadfast supporters, together, we took a stand for wildlife and our zoo.”
Longtime zoo ambassadors JoAnna and Stephen Myers were the night's honorees and received the Gala Stewardship Award from Kessler to celebrate their generosity, leadership and commitment for more than two decades
Debbie and Philippe Dauman, Margaret and Michael Picotte, and Robyn and Len Tannenbaum also were honored as Friends of the Zoo for their support.
After dinner, chairman Quick put on his auctioneer's hat for the live auction with its high-end offerings including an African safari trip curated by James Currie; a private tennis session with rising ATP star Jenson Brooksby; rare Rolex watches; a Lugano diamond necklace; a private dinner party at the zoo by Table 25; rare wine; and custom earrings by Nicholas Varney.
The evening continued with dessert and dancing to The Sultans.
More than 400 people attended.
Proceeds from the evening — about $2.2 million — will support the zoo’s conservation mission and expert animal care, specifically the revitalization of Flamingo Beach.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Season's wildest night brings $2.2 million for Palm Beach Zoo
