Powell, OH, 2017-Sep-19 — /Travel PR News/ — Celebrate a magical evening with a global reach at the Rwandan Fête from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The annual fundraiser, hosted by Partners In Conservation (PIC) and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and presented by RDP foodservice, benefits conservation and humanitarian projects in central Africa.
The Rwandan Fête aids PIC’s core mission: to protect animals—particularly, critically endangered gorillas, whose populations are threatened by the bushmeat trade and deforestation—while simultaneously improving the lives of people in central Africa. Over the last 26 years, PIC has supported more than 60 projects focused in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This year, the Fête will focus on bamboo and beekeeping initiatives to protect the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, which is home to several species of endangered primates, including gorillas. Through partnerships with local communities, PIC is working to initiate efforts such as a bamboo growing project to preserve an integral part of the gorillas’ food supply and to provide economic alternatives to poaching. For example, by providing training, equipment and entrepreneurial guidance to marginalized people, PIC initiatives have helped local people generate more income through sustainably harvesting honey. Honey is a valued product, but traditional methods of using smoke during its collection resulted in forest fires. Modern beekeeping has been introduced to Nyungwe National Park and has successfully reduced the number of forest fires, and efforts are underway to expand these more sustainable collection efforts into Kahuzi-Biega National Park to protect wildlife habitat and become a source of income for the local people.
The Fête helps make PIC’s conservation and humanitarian initiatives possible. From live music to an African marketplace, this fundraising extravaganza embodies the Rwandan cultural spirit. Guests also enjoy an elegant dinner, live and silent auctions and a chance to meet some of the dedicated PIC members.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium funds the yearly operating expenses for PIC. All proceeds raised at the Fête directly support projects in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to benefit the people and wildlife living in those areas. The event sells out every year, so be sure to purchase your tickets today! For more information about the Rwandan Fête or to purchase tickets, please call 614-724-3485.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; annually contributing $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
SOURCE: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium