DP Skunk and Kitty Matt and Rachael Hunter from Laguna Beach
“GET SPOTTED AT THE ZOO!!”
2011 Annual Zoofari Raises Over $80,000
Presented by Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ)
Returning for the 19th year, the August 27 Zoofari gala fundraiser hosted almost 400 guests who were treated to a “wild” time with the theme, “Get Spotted at the Zoo!” The fabulous party in Orange County celebrated the night under the stars at the Santa Ana Zoo where guests began the night by sipping cocktails with one special drink appropriately named, “Kitty-Cat Cocktail”. Attendees also enjoyed a large silent auction as well as special visits with the animals.
This year attendees enjoyed free valet parking sponsored by Villa Ford along with a hosted bar by FOSAZ, appetizers and then a delicious gourmet dinner prepared by Parties by Panache. An extraordinary live auction and dancing to the lively tunes of the “Class of 69” followed.
Co-chairs this year were KOCE’s Ed Arnold and philanthropist Sandy Segerstrom Daniels with Glenn Fladeboe as auctioneer. Rip and Karen Ribble were honored; Rip for his years of service and generosity as well as his help with building the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo into a very pro-active, professional group and Karen, who has always been at Rip’s side. Whatever project Rip begins, Karen is always there to do whatever she can to provide her support and assistance.
A loving tribute was also held for two longtime friends of the Santa Ana Zoo; Chuck Dryer and Bud Hurlbut. Both passed away this last year will be great missed; their legacy at the Santa Ana Zoo will live on for decades to come.
The event is expected to net about $75,000 this year to bring a pair of Brazilian Ocelots to the Zoo. Ocelots are beautiful “exotic” wild cats from South America, often described as “miniature cheetahs.” There are currently only 26 Brazilian Ocelots in the United States and we’re bringing two more to the Santa Ana Zoo, with your help tonight.
Food for the evening was appropriately named for the theme, with “Cat Scratch Beet Towers”, “Wild Ocelot” Mushroom Flatbread Pizza, “Tiger” Shrimp ‘n Coconut, “King of the Jungle” Duck Spring Rolls, “Bobcat” Corn Cups Filled with Jerk Chicken for hors d’oeuvres. Dinner was served with “Siamese” Two-Color Tomato Salad, “Crusty Cat” Flatbread, “Mountain Lion” Filet Mignon, “Kitten’s Delight” Soy Maple Glazed Salmon, “Calico Cat” Summer Risotto, “Jaguar” Veggies. Then dessert, “Black Panther” Profiteroles with Ice Cream, Chocolate Ganache and Fresh Berries.
Outstanding items for the LIVE Auction were a Hug and Snuggles Tour of the Zoo which took the winner on a private behind-the-scenes encounter to help feed and care for the animals and then lunch with the Zoo Director; A four day, three night adventure to the “Grand Dame of the Desert” – the historic Arizona Biltmore, a $200 gas card, tickets to the Phoenix Zoo that includes a behind-the-scenes, up-close and personal encounter with their majestic elephants, and tickets to Desert Botanical Garden and the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium; A first time ever adult scavenger hunt through the “wilds” of the Santa Ana Zoo for 12 – that includes a sit down dinner and drinks; Eight days and seven nights at the luxurious Mayan Palace Mazatlan; The ultimate grab bag that contains 100 California Scratchers, a “winning” one night stay at Pala Casino Resort & Spa in Temecula that includes dinner for two at Mama’s Cucina Italiana and a Jimmy Choo handbag that’s filled with a mystery amount of cash; and a top of the line Kindle and state-of-the-art Apple 64GB iPad 2.
Everyone also had a chance to bid and help purchasing a Bobcat S-130. It’s one of the most important, multifunctional pieces of equipment used at the Santa Ana Zoo. This day-to-day “work horse” is crucial to the health and safety of our animal collection. Building new habitats, maintaining animal enclosures and landscaping the beautiful Zoo grounds are all done more efficiently and effectively with the Bobcat S-130.
Zoofari is sponsored by FOSAZ, a non-profit organization which has helped support and improve the Zoo for over 31 years. The Santa Ana Zoo is Orange County’s only AZA accredited Zoo and is recognized as signifying excellence and commitment to animal care and conservation. The Santa Ana Zoo provides a place to have fun, to learn, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. For more information, please call (714) 953-8555 x10 or visit santaanazoo.org
