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Zoofari 2011 Gets Spotted! – Huge Success for the Zoo
Returning for the 19th year, the Zoofari gala fundraiser on Saturday, August 27, 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.
Guests appreciated free valet parking, sponsored by Villa Ford and a hosted bar by Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), appetizers, and then a delicious gourmet dinner prepared by Parties by Panache. An extraordinary live auction led by auctioneer Glenn Fladeboe 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. 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 proactive, 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 and will be greatly missed; their legacy at the Santa Ana Zoo will live on for decades to come.
The event raised over $80,000, a record amount, well over this year’s goal and last year's totals. The money raised will be used 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 will soon be adding two more to that total.
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