“Zoofari State Faire” Celebrates 21st Year with Successful Fundraiser

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Sept. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (http://www.santaanazoo.org) (FOSAZ), a non-profit organization, hosted the 21st annual Zoofari fundraising black-tie gala for over 300 guests with a Victorian Faire theme entitled “Zoofari State Faire.”  Zoofari takes place at one of the most inspiring venues in Orange County, the Santa Ana Zoo.

Guests began the night being greeted by various animals and their docent “handlers”.  A three banded armadillo, a ball python, along with Danny the pony and Bindi the binturong welcomed everyone as they entered the Santa Ana Zoo. Free valet parking was sponsored by Villa Ford along with a hosted bar, appetizers and then a gourmet dinner prepared by Parties by Panache were also enjoyed.

SoCal PBS Anchor Ed Arnold was the emcee for the evening with Glen Fladeboe as auctioneer for the live auction, assisted by FOSAZ Board Member Debbie Newmeyer.

Special honorees this year were Debbie Friedman and Dan Dunshee and Lori and Bobby Babcock.  They received awards as they have been instrumental in leading the Board over the recent years bringing the Santa Ana Zoo’s special events to the next level; all to help the animals and the people who visit the Zoo.

The event netted over $75,000 and this year they raised over $30,000 just in the silent auction area alone while the live auction netted over $25,000.

The most exciting live auction bids were the final Live Auction item – it was a straight donation where the Santa Ana Zoo will be bringing a Silver Langur to the Zoo.  Almost everyone in the audience participated raising the amount needed, $12,000; it will fund a “howdy cage” in addition to the exhibit. Other live auction items were: two  iPad Mini’s donated by Board Member Howard Hall; a Halloween Party for 20 with dinner and drinks won by Board Member Kristeen Stolo, 8 days/7nights in a one bedroom villa at the Cancun Resort in Vegas donated by Board Member Curtis Farrell, a Prada red Saffiano leather tote handbag donated by Board Member Patty McClendon which was stuffed with over $800 and 100 California “Scratchers” won by Board Member Monica Kim, 5 days/4 nights at the St. Regis in Vancouver with airfare from Alaska Airlines won by Board Member Allen Goh, and the  rare-behind-the-scenes “Blue Ribbon Tour” experience was sold 4 times giving folks a private tour of the zoo along with lunch.

Attendees also enjoyed decorations by R.W.B. Party Rentals and dancing to the dynamic tunes of the “Groove Factory”.

Zoofari is chaired by Cathi Decker and sponsored by FOSAZ, a non-profit organization which has helped support and improve the Zoo for over 31 years. This year, Zoofari is raising funds for the rides, upgrading the train and paying off the loan for the Carrousel along with starting funds for the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel as well as building “howdy cage” and exhibit space for the Silver Langur.

About the Santa Ana Zoo: Established in 1952, 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.  It is also home to more than 150 animals, including 50 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species.

For more information about the Santa Ana Zoo visit www.SantaAnaZoo.org and FOSAZ contact Executive Director Cathi Decker at cdecker@fosaz.org

For media inquiries, contact Kelly Bennett, at Bennett Productions Unlimited at (949) 463-6383 or Kelly@bpunlimited.com.

Kelly Bennett
Bennett Productions Unlimited
PR/Marketing/Branding
California | New York
(949)  463-6383

Kelly@BPUnlimited.com
BPUnlimited.com
@KellyBPU