Zoo To Do Teams Up With Trademark Property Co., Galleria and Gittings Portrait Studios

For an added splash ahead of this year’s Zoo To Do gala, the Zoo team and Zoo To Do chair Marena Gault worked with Chuck Steelman from Trademark Property Co./Galleria Dallas to dream up a Wild and Wonderful installation at the iconic North Dallas shopping center.

    The team took over an empty storefront for the month of October to feature stunning portraits of generous Zoo donors and Zoo To Do guests, paired with the eye-catching lion creative that sets the tone for this year’s Zoo To Do “Wild and Wonderful” theme. 

Roger and Marena Gault, Chairs, Zoo To Do 2022, Wild and Wonderful
Portrait by Gittings Portrait Studio

         

Rick Bettinger and his team from Gittings Portrait Studios thoughtfully volunteered their time to capture photos of a mix of long-time supporters and new friends of the Zoo, all decked out in black tie attire, next to the beautiful habitats and amazing animals at the Dallas Zoo. As a part of the project, Gittings donated the standard sitting fees for the portraits to the Zoo. And incorporated on the creative in the installation is a QR code which passers-by can use to make their own donation to support the Zoo’s mission of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife.

Greg and Kim Hext
Portrait by Gittings Portrait Studio

Slated for Saturday, November 5, the Dallas Zoo’s largest fundraiser Zoo To Do will open to 700-plus guests as they begin the evening near the Giants of the Savanna habitat with cocktails and small bites from a selection of Dallas’ standout restaurants, while enjoying animal encounters and browsing the Big Board and silent auction items. The strolling dinner and dessert then continues in the Wilds of Africa Plaza, featuring additional sweet treats and late night bites from outstanding guest chefs. Following dinner, guests can bid on Zoo experiences, travel, and more in the live auction. Partygoers will then dance the night away to music by Manhattan.

       Joining Marena as chair is her husband, Roger Gault. Honorary Chairs are Kim and Greg Hext. Robyn and Chris Chauvin are Host Committee Chairs. Sherwood Wagner is VIP Chair.

Chuck Steelman and Scott Kehn
Portrait by Gittings Portrait Studio

Additional committee members include Diane Brierley, Cindy Gummer and Kim Hext as the Advisory Committee; Underwriting Committee are Alex Arellano (Chair), Jake Bender, Diane Brierley, Ryan Gummer, Gail Plummer, Steven Roth; Live Auction Committee are Kari and Tim McDonald (Chairs), Barbara and Don Averitt, Lauralee and Robert Gunby, Dawn Moore, Venise Stuart, Aimee Williams-Ramey; Big Board Chair is Cindy Gummer; Silent Auction Committee are Robyn Chauvin (Co-chair), Chuck Steelman (Co-chair), Gabi Herrick, Kyleb Howell, William LeMasters, Niko Padilla, Jack Salisbury, Fabiola Sierra; Raffle Committee are Courtney and Andrew Nall (Chairs), Nick Adamson, Brandi and Rick Ellis, Christina Morris; Wine Guys are father/son teams Greg Hext and Preston Hext along with Michael Meadows and Matthew Meadows; Honorary Chef is Dan Landsberg and Chef Wrangler is Brett Krafft. 

Andrew and Ronak Asadi
Portrait by Gittings Portrait Studio

Zoo To Do is a major source of funding for the nonprofit Dallas Zoo. Proceeds from the event help support the Zoo’s dedication to providing the best animal care, delivering unique education offerings, and strengthening its wildlife conservation efforts in our backyard and around the world. Sponsorship levels range from $12,500 to $60,000 and underwriting levels range from $7,500 to $100,000. Individual tickets are $750 each and VIP tickets are $1,500 each.

Stephanie Ainscow
Portrait by Gittings Portrait Studio

  For more information, visit the website at www.dallaszoo.com/zootodo

Go All Out for Wild Night In at Dallas Zoo

For the first time ever, the Dallas Zoo’s annual Zoo To Do fundraiser is relocating – to the internet! The Zoo To Do gala that would have been hosted at the Zoo in late 2020 has been reinvented as “Wild Night In,” a virtual fundraiser to be streamed online at 6:30 PM on January 28, 2021.

 Wild Night In will feature familiar faces from the Dallas Zoo (both human and animal), giving virtual “guests” a closer look at the work that went on and the fun that was still had despite the challenges the Zoo faced as an organization in 2020. The audience will have opportunities to support the Zoo during the event by bidding in a live online auction, participating in a raffle, or making a direct donation.

 The virtual fundraiser will be streamed on the Zoo’s website, as well as on its Facebook page and YouTube channel. If you are not able to join the event live, a video replay will remain available on the Zoo’s website and YouTube channel for you to watch at your leisure.

 “We all know 2020 was a year like no other, and that was particularly true for the Zoo, as we faced multimillion dollar financial losses because of an extended closure, and limited guest capacity once we were able to safely reopen. The fundraising we do through an event like Wild Night In is more critical now than it ever has been, and we’re looking forward to a great response from those who join us for this year’s virtual celebration,” said Hudson.

 
There are many ways to engage with and support the Zoo’s virtual fundraising event. You can find details and updates about the event at DallasZoo.com/WildNightIn.

 You can get in on the action soon by bidding in the online auction for items that include artwork and Zoo experiences or by purchasing a raffle ticket for a chance to win an animal encounter. Bidding is open now and ends February 1 at 6:00 p.m. CST.

It is free to simply watch the virtual event, but be sure to RSVP here in advance so the Zoo can send you event updates and information about the online auction.

 Plus, everyone who RSVPs will receive a digital event guide to help you make the most of your night. From social media stickers and recipes for sips and snacks, to a “party animal” playlist for your evening, the digital event guide is a must-have to make this event a Wild Night In! 

 You can elevate your Wild Night In experience by supporting the Zoo at a pre-set level starting at $750 to get additional perks, like an invite to the virtual Patron Party or a Wild Night In party kit delivered to your house on January 28 ahead of the event.

Dallas Zoo to Do: Wild at Heart

Join us at the Dallas Zoo for an evening of fun, food, music, & animals.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 • 6:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT

http://zootodo.dallaszoo.com/schedule/

ZOO TO DO 2017: Animal Gathering Kicked Off at the Simmons Hippo Outpost at the Dallas Zoo

Zoo To Do kicked-off the Animal Gathering with a private soirée at the Dallas Zoo’s new $14 million, 2.1-acre Simmons Hippo Outpost. The new hippo exhibit is the zoo’s first major exhibit since 2010 and was funded solely through private donations. The impressive new space features an immersive African waterhole habitat which includes an underwater viewing area of the zoo’s two newest hippo residents, Adhama (uh-DAHM-a) and Boipelo (BOY-pa-lo).  

Barbara and Don Daseke, Zoo To Do Chairs

 A cool breeze was in the air and everyone was in a festive mood as they boarded the trams taking them to this special outpost for the kick-off event. In a salute to the Animal Gathering theme, a flamboyance of plastic flamingos (DID YOU KNOW?: a gathering of flamingos is known as a flamboyance?) served as a beautiful welcoming party and brought smiles from the crowd, as did special appearances by hometown guests, including flamingos Aruba and Bermuda, mother and daughter tamanduas, Chispa and Cora, along with Dulce the spectacled owl. 

Tom Leppert, Karen Waller, Kevin Hanrahan

Zoo To Do chairs Barbara and Don Daseke set the scene for the evening while the hippos roaming and swimming in their habitat provided the perfect backdrop for photos outside. Inside, tables were set with gourmet delights created by the Zoo’s Executive Chef Ian Feiwus paired with wines curated by Hayley Cogill, a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine.

Joan Walne, Zoo board chair; Alan Walne

Gregg Hudson, president and CEO of the Dallas Zoo, thanked everyone for their support and for attending the evening’s event, and touting the zoo’s record-setting 1.2 million visitors last year. Joan Walne, Zoo board chair, congratulated everyone on last year’s event, which earned a record $1,475,000. She thanked last year’s chairs, Hal Brierley, Don Glendenning and John Levy.

Alisha Gummer, Chris Gummer, Cindy Gummer, Chuck Gummer

Chairs Barbara and Don Daseke said they were delighted to chair the 2017 event and noted that since they went on their trip to Africa, they have grown to appreciate how important natural habitats are to the animals and are thrilled to help bring awareness to the Dallas Zoo’s dedication to its mission to create a better world for animals. As longtime Dallas Zoo and Zoo To Do supporters, they have brought on many friends and some former Zoo To Do chairs to join their committee this year, including Honorary Chair Mary McDermott Cook, Live Auction Chairs Diane and Hal Brierley, Host Committee Chairs Barbara and Steve Durham, Underwriting Chairs Kate and Lane Britain, Decorations Chair Cindy Gummer, Honorary Chef Chair Dan Landsberg from Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa, Chef Wrangler Brett Krafft from the Hilton Anatole, and Chef Chair Sarah Barr from Hotal ZaZa.

Kevin Rabe, Nancy Rabe, Douglas Rabe

Slated for Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 and hosted at the Dallas Zoo, guests and patrons of the 2017 Zoo To Do Animal Gathering will stroll through the award-winning Giants of the Savanna exhibit, sample exquisite dishes from more than 25 of Dallas’s 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! Finally, partygoers will dance the night away to music from Emerald City All Stars.

          Zoo To Do is a major source of funding for the Dallas Zoo. Proceeds from the event help support the zoo’s dedication to providing the best animal care, delivering unique education offerings and furthering its wildlife conservation efforts. 
          Sponsorships range from $7,500 to $50,000. Underwriting ranges from $7,500 to $100,000. Individual tickets are $750 each and a VIP ticket pack is $3,000. For more information, visit the website at http://www.DallasZooToDo.com or contact Stephanie Thompson, events manager at 469-554-7441 or via email at Stephanie.Thompson@DallasZoo.com.

Zoo to Do 2015: The Roaring Twenties

Dallas Zoo transforms to the time of Gatsby, flappers, and jazz, on Saturday, October 17, from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. for Zoo To Do 2015. This year's theme, "The Roaring Twenties", is sure to be fabulous. You will experience food from some of the premier restaurants and chefs in Dallas. You will also be treated to live entertainment and have the opportunity to bid on some very special and unique items during the live and silent auctions. 

 

There are several ways you can show your support for this year's Zoo To Do:

• Become an underwriter
• Become a sponsor
• Purchase tickets
• Make a donation to Zoo To Do

For in-kind donation, please contact Events@DallasZoo.com

 

http://www.dallaszootodo.com/ 

Zoo to Do 2012

The Dallas Zoo’s annual fundraiser is officially the event of the year. The 21st Zoo to
Do roared with success! Where else are you greeted with exotic animals and have
the pleasure of getting a taste from Dallas’ top restaurants? This years theme, “Go
Big or Go Home,” suited the evening well. Start the night by feeding the giraffes,
move on to a fabulous silent auction, wander over to a delightful feast, and then
dance those calories away to amazing live music. This is a beloved-event for a
reason. Do not let the not-so-formal attire mistake the occasion for anything but
fabulous! This benefit supports the preservation of the facilities and conservation
programs for the Dallas Zoological Society. It is the perfect night for everyone and is
one celebration you won’t want to miss. www.dallaszootodo.com

Zoo To Do 2012

In 11 days, join members of the Dallas community at the Dallas Zoo for a night of great food from local restaurants, dancing and "Vegas fun" in support of our wonderful zoo. This event is a hit every year and draws a huge turnout. Head over to http://www.dallaszootodo.com/ for more information and to buy tickets. It WILL sell out and this is one you do NOT want to miss!!

Hope to see you November 3rd at the Zoo.

2012 Dallas Zoo to Do

Go Big or Go Home at the 21st Annual Zoo To Do benefiting the Dallas Zoological Society!

The Dallas Zoo will become Sin City on Saturday, November 3, 2012, so bring out those sequins and pin-stripe suits for the biggest party of the year. Meet 25 of Dallas’ top chefs out on the Strip, lead by Honorary Chef Jim “Sevy” Severson, and enjoy their exquisite tastings while rubbing shoulders with Dallas’ biggest dining players. With silent and live auctions, live music and dancing, guests will be entertained all night.

Save the Date: Saturday, November 3, 2012

5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dallas Zoo - Giants of the Savanna and Wilds of Africa Plaza

Chairs: Shelly and Tom Codd

Honorary Chairs: The Edgar A. Robinson Family

Tickets: Sponsorships begin at $1,500 and individual tickets are $400. To purchase tickets and for more information on additional underwriting or sponsorship opportunities, contact Carly Garcia at (469) 554-7441 or Carly.Garcia@dallaszoo.com.

Visit http://www.dallaszootodo.com/ for updated information on the event.

What to Wear Where: Kid to Do at the Dallas Zoo

This week we are bringing out our wild side as we get ready for this weekend's Kid to Do at the Dallas Zoo!  We love any excuse to rock a leopard print, so below we're giving you some of our favorite options to let your inner lioness out. From a bold, all-over design to a subtle printed jean, we've got you covered for however adventurous you're feeling!

{ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 }

And for the little one in your life, try...

A safari-worthy tutu

...or a...

 

Quit monkeying around T-shirt

How precious are they?! Absolutely perfect for a fun day celebrating a fun origination!

Kid to Do at the Dallas Zoo is an exciting event that is modeled after Zoo to Do, the widely popular annual fundraiser featuring some of Dallas' finest chefs. 

Proceeds from both events will enable the Dallas Zoological Society to continue in its mission to support the Dallas Zoo as an outstanding center of education, entertainment and wildlife conservation!

Honarary Chairs: Jennifer and John Eagle

Honarary Chef Chairs: Tracy and Kent Rathbun

Event Charis: Maria Martineau Plankinton and Emily Vafa

Underwriting Chairs: Julie and Rob Little

The party will be held in the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo as well as on Cat Green in ZooNorth. Much like the adult Zoo to Do, the children will enjoy Dallas' finest kid-friendly cuisine and exciting entertainment by Eddie Coker. Other activities include giraffe feedings, bounce houses, a DJ, face painting, arts and crafts and so much more!

This Saturday, June 2nd

6:00-9:00pm

For more information, please contact Nancy Saustad at the Dallas Zoological Society

(469) 554-7445 or nancy.saustad@dallaszoo.com

Visit the Dallas Zoo's website

Zoo to Do Goes Hollywood

Zoo to Do 2011, held in the Giants of the Savanna and Wilds of Africa Plaza at the Dallas Zoo on November 5th was a huge hit. Everyone came decked out in Hollywood Safari Chic to celebrate the Zoo during its 20th Anniversary fundraiser. Throughout the evening guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres from Neiman Marcus, food tastings prepared by Honorary Chef Jim "Sevy" Severson and a team of 23 of Dallas' top chefs, and live music from Emerald City. The money raised from the evening is a major source of funding for the Dallas Zoological Society. The proceeds go directly towards daily operating costs for the zoo including education, entertainment and conservation of wildlife. To learn more how you can give back to the Dallas Zoo or get involved with Zoo to Do 2012 please click here or call (469) 554-7500.

Zoo to Do 2011

The Dallas Zoo has been one of Dallas’ most beloved attractions for than 100 years. This year, Zoo to Do goes Hollywood!

Zoo To Do is a major source of funding for the Dallas Zoological Society. With the proceeds from the event, the Society is able to continue in its mission to support the Dallas Zoo as an outstanding center of education, entertainment, and wildlife conservation.

The party will be held on Saturday, November 5, in the Giants of the Savanna exhibit at the Dallas Zoo. The evening begins at 5:00 PM with cocktails, a stroll through the Savanna, and the opening of the silent auction. It continues with more than 25 of Dallas’ finest chefs and restaurants providing food at different stations throughout the event. It is a true “grazing” event. Music, dancing and live entertainment will continue throughout the evening and will be followed by a spectacular live auction and late night dancing under the stars.

Click here to purchase your tickets to this fabulous event!

Zoo to Do - "Under the Serengeti Sky"

Zoo To Do - Under the Serengeti Sky

Saturday, November 5, 2010

5:00 - 11:00 pm

Come celebrate under the stars at an African safari right here in Dallas. Hosts Ellen and Don Winspear invite you to join us “Under the Serengeti Sky” at The Dallas Zoo for the biggest party of the year. This fun and elegant evening begins with cocktails, a stroll through the new Giants of the Savanna, and the opening of the silent auction. More than 25 of Dallas' finest chefs and restaurants will then serve an array of delicacies at tented stations in the Wilds of Africa. The party culminates with a spectacular live auction followed by music, entertainment and dancing under the stars - all raising funds to support The Dallas Zoo.

Tickets begin at $350 per person. Advance reservations are required. Contact Suzanne Gerard at (214) 943-2771 x 322 for more information or visit http://www.dallaszootodo.com/

Zoo To Do - Gone Wild

No time to go on a genuine African Safari? No worries – because on Saturday, October 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., you can go into the “Wilds of Africa” at the Dallas Zoo for the wildest Zoo To Do ever!!

Dress in your African safari or animal print chic attire and enjoy the Monorail Safari tour while sipping a cocktail alongside Honorary Chairs Mayor Tom and Laura Leppert and Event Chairmen Patty and Dennis Stone. Afterwards, visit the various tents in the “Wilds of Africa” and nibble on treats provided by more than 25 of Dallas’ top chefs and restaurants. Chef Chair Jim “Sevy” Severson has assembled talented chefs and owners such as Kent Rathbun and Rick Griggs from Abacus, Dan Landsberg from Tillman’s Roadhouse, David Holben from Del Friscos Double Eagle Steak House, Sara Johannes from Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, Richard Chamberlain of Chamberlain’s Steak & Chop House and Fish Market Grill, Jim Severson from Sevy’s Grill and T.J. Lengnick, Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing from Shinsei to participate.

Throughout the evening, hunt for treasures in the fabulous silent auction. And capture even bigger treasures in one of the evening’s highlights, the spectacular live auction. Then cap off the night with high-energy music, entertainment and dancing under the stars.

Can’t be there? Then visit the online auction at http://www.dallaszootodo.com/ going on now through midnight Wednesday, September 30.

In 2010, the Dallas Zoo will introduce a major new addition, the Giants of the Savanna which will house the elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, warthogs, hoof stock and painted dogs. This new habitat will showcase one of the most forward-thinking and innovative African wildlife exhibits in the country while replacing some of the oldest exhibits at the Zoo. Zoo To Do supports these initiatives to grow and improve the Dallas Zoo.

Sponsorships are available from $50,000 to $1,500. Tables are $2,500 and individual tickets are $250. For more information, contact Suzanne Gerard at 214-943-2771 X320 or sgerard@dallaszoo.org.

Picture taken by Jason Wynn of Jason Wynn Photography