SEATTLE, 2013-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hard-fought bidding on exceptional auction items, exclusive evening zoo tours, dining al fresco, and live entertainment on the zoo’s North Meadow all contributed to a wild success of raising $1.65 million at Woodland Park Zoo’s 37th Annual Jungle Party presented by Brown Bear Car Wash and Snoqualmie Tribe.
Seattleites and philanthropists John and Deanna Oppenheimer served as co-chairs of Jungle Party, themed “Stomp, Slither, Stalk: Journey to the Savanna,” to celebrate African wildlife species living at the zoo. More than 900 civic-minded business and community leaders joined together to raise funds for exemplary animal care, interactive education programs, and wildlife conservation projects in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.
More than $659,235 of the funds raised this year will support Jungle Party’s Fund-Our-Future programs themed “Leaders, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!” Fund-Our-Future provides critical funds that enable the zoo to maintain raising the level of excellence in animal care, open up new worlds of learning for people of all ages and interests through education and outreach programs, and ensure Woodland Park Zoo will continue to make a difference in the survival of threatened and endangered species in our backyard and across the globe.
“The generosity of our community is overwhelming, and we are truly grateful to them for continuing to make Woodland Park Zoo our community’s most cherished asset.” said Dr. Deborah Jensen, Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO. “Under the leadership of John and Deanna Oppenheimer, Jungle Party guests graciously made this year’s fundraiser another roaring success for the zoo. Every contribution—big and small—will continue to shape the next generation of conservation stewards, provide the very best care for our animals, and educate millions of visitors with meaningful zoo experiences that connect them with nature.”
Jungle Party guests indulged in cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by local specialty chefs, dinner by Lisa Dupar Catering, a specialty drink bar by El Gaucho, and live and silent auctions featuring nearly 600 items.
The live auction excited good-natured bidding, raising more than $472,486. Notable winnings included the opportunity to be a zoo vet for a day which sold four times for $7,500 each; a Georgia Gerber original sculpture sold for $14,000; a fishing and bear-watching excursion to Kodiak sold twice at $11,000.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting international standards for zoos in animal care, conservation and education programs. Conservation, education and excellent animal care are at the core of the zoo’s mission. The zoo partners with 36 field conservation projects in the Pacific Northwest and around the world to help support the critical work
necessary to preserve wildlife and habitat. Visit www.zoo.org for more information.
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