Hot Egyptian Nights!” Nets Around $100,000 for 2010 Annual Zoofari Presented by Friends of Santa Ana Zoo Returning for the 18th year, the Zoofari gala fundraiser hosted around 350 guests who were treated like royalty with the theme, “Hot Egyptian Nights!” The best party in Orange County celebrated the night under the stars at the Santa Ana Zoo. Guests were greeted with a special drink appropriately named, “Cleopatra's Kiss”. Attendees enjoyed a large silent auction area as well special visits with the animals; however, the highlight of the evening proved to be the camels! Brought in for the summer, Noah and Kaleb posed for a special keep sake photo with each guest. This year attendees enjoyed free valet parking sponsored by Villa Ford along with a hosted bar by Foster’s Wine Estates Americas, appetizers and then an exquisite gourmet dinner prepared by Parties by Panache. An extraordinary live auction and dancing to the lively tunes of the “Class of 69” followed. Back this year by popular demand were the evenings co hosts; KOCE’s Ed Arnold and philanthropist Sandy Segerstrom Daniels with Chuck Dreyer returning as auctioneer. Frank Mickedeit, from the OC Register was honored for his work promoting the zoo while “living in a cage”. The event netted almost $100,000 to help contribute to the much needed animal commissary and Zoo improvements. Walking into the event area, guests were treated to an Egyptian paradise with decorated palm trees, golden Pharohs, mummy tombs, and Egyptian wall décor. The tables were exquisitely decorated with purple and blue table cloths trimmed in gold. Center pieces were hand-made decorated wooden camels, courtesy of Rip Ribble, President of Friends of Santa Ana Zoo. Food for the evening was appropriately named for the theme, with “Valley of the Kings” Mediterranean Platter;“Treasures of the Sphinx” Mini Chicken B’stillas; “Rosetta Stone” Cumin Cured Salmon Bruschetta; “Cleopatra’s Purse” Falafel in Mini Pitas and “Mummy” Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese. Dinner was served with “Pyramid” Salad; “Pharaoh’s Feast” Spicy Egyptian Chicken with Figs, Dates and Apricots; “Nile” Toasted Couscous Pilaf and “Egyptian” Ratatouille. Dessert was fabulous with “Camel Caravan” Flourless Chocolate Cake; “Desert Decadent” Brown Sugar Meringues and “Oasis” Fresh Berries. The Melting Pot in Irvine was stationed by the coffee bar serving plates of bite size fresh strawberries, Rice Krispie treats and brownies to dip in a decadent pot of fondue. Ribble welcomed everyone to this special evening celebrating the uniqueness of the Zoo. All the proceeds from Zoofari will be going to help rebuild the commissary where they keep the food for the animals. It's necessary to replace out dated appliances for more energy-efficient equipment as well have a bigger storage facility as the Zoo increases its animal collection. Ribble then introduced the co hosts for the evening Ed Arnold and Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, where along with the Zoo Director Kent Yamaguchi, presented a beautiful bouquet of roses to Auction Chair Donel Wiles and Executive Director Cathi Decker thanking them for another successful Zoofari. Frank Mickedeit was then called up to be honored for his part helping the Zoo. Mickedeit stayed three nights “living in a cage” and his experience was captured on a webcam as well as documented in his daily column for the OC Register. He thanked everyone for their support while ribbing a few people with his comedic style. Opportunity prizes were picked with Monica Kim winning golf for four at Candelwood; Judy Larios was excited to receive the Tiffany jewelry; and Del and Carole Stagg were the lucky winners for a Disneyland package. Chuck Dreyer then worked his magic during the live auction; this was his 15th year helping the Zoo. Outstanding priceless items were a Hug and Snuggles Tour of the Zoo, which takes the winner on a private behind-the-scenes encounter to help feed and care for the animals and then lunch with the Zoo Director which sold five times at $400 dollars each. A lavish four-course with wine pairing dinner for eight in the luxurious surroundings of your home prepared by Parties by Panache was a steal for $800. Kent Yamaguchi was the lucky winner of a four day, three night adventure to the “Grand Dame of the Desert” – the historic Arizona Biltmore for two which includes air fare, rental car, and a visit to the Phoenix Zoo that includes a behind-the-scenes animal encounter. He paid $1200 for the complete package. A 4 day, 3 night romantic rendezvous to the Inn at Opolo Bed & Breakfast with a private tour of Opolo Vineyards and private wine tasting at Eberle Winery then one night Pelican Cove Inn in Cambria with a 2 day pass to Hearst Castle went for $1250 to Barry and Cathi Hofstetter. Peggy Turk from Corona del Mar was excited to win “The Frank Experience” for 4 at the zoo. The package was inspired by Mickedeit's days living in a primate cage which went for $1500. Mark Harrison from Corona del Mar was the lucky winner to the 3 night tasting tour of Napa Valley with golf via a private jet, paying $6,000. Dreyer then asked everyone to help fund the walk-in freezer that is badly needed for the zoo. Raised was $11,000 and those who contributed received the decorative hand made camel center piece. Cathi Decker, Executive Director said the silent auction was very successful, especially with items such as the “wish lists” for the animals being a big hit. “Things like mist systems, field trips for the kids as well as items needed for the commissary are very needed. Those folks who purchased items for the animals are to be thanked because it's so appreciated”. The evening was a huge hit with attendance, sponsorships and tickets sales up from last year. After the auction, attendees were ready to dance into the night with the great music provided by “The Class of 69”. From Chicago to Stevie Wonder, the dance floor was filled with folks dancing to hit songs from the 70's and 80s. The Zoofari fundraiser is sponsored by FOSAZ, a non-profit organization which has helped support and improve the Zoo for over 30 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. HUGE SUCCESS AT ZOOFARI 2009 “Funky Monkey” THANK YOU ! Funky Monkey was the theme of this year’s Zoofari, held on August 22 here at the Santa Ana Zoo. Zoofari has become one of the most enchanting, exciting, and entertaining fundraising events in Orange County, all thanks to you! Zoofari proceeds from this year are being used to upgrade our Zoo’s commissary, where the food for the animals is prepared, along with other important Zoo upgrades in preparation for our upcoming AZA inspection. We’d like to thank our Co-Chairs Ed Arnold and Sandy Segerstrom Daniels as well as our Master of Ceremonies Chuck Dreyer. This year, we honored Lana Chandler, the Del Oro Pacific Railroad Club, and the Santa Ana Elks Lodge No. 794. Also, we must mention the incredible amount of work a very creative and dedicated Zoofari committee put into making this event happen. The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park could not continue its development into one of the premier small zoos in the country without the support of its generous donors, Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) and its board of directors, and the substantial investment from the City of Santa Ana in providing the Zoo’s operating budget. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) also provides extensive operational support through its Administration/Design Division and Park Services Maintenance Division. The Zoo is proving to be a model of private and public collaboration for providing top-quality care for the animals we maintain, outstanding educational and conservation programs, as well as a beautiful zoological and botanical garden for our community to enjoy. There is still much more to be done, as the possibilities are endless and exciting. With the outstanding success of Zoofari 2009, we are already planning for an even better Santa Ana Zoo. Thank YOU for your support. Huge Success at Zoofari 2008 – Thank You! The theme of last year’s Zoofari was Carrousel Animalia, held August 23 here at the Santa Ana Zoo. Zoofari has become one of the most enchanting, exciting, and entertaining fundraising events in Orange County, all thanks to you! Zoofari proceeds from this year are being used to bring the legacy of a Conservation Carrousel to the Santa Ana Zoo. We’d like to thank our Co-Chairs Ed Arnold and Sandy Segerstrom Daniels as well as our Master of Ceremonies Chuck Dreyer. This year, we honored Howard & Karin Hall and Ron & Joyce Glazier. Also, we must mention the incredible amount of work a very creative and dedicated Zoofari committee put into making this event happen. The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park could not continue its development into one of the premier small zoos in the country without the support of its generous donors, Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), and its board of directors, and the substantial investment from the City of Santa Ana in providing the Zoo’s operating budget. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) also provides extensive operational support through its Administration/Design Division and Park Services Maintenance Division. The Zoo is proving to be a model of private and public collaboration for providing top-quality care for the animals we maintain, outstanding educational and conservation programs, as well as a beautiful zoological garden for our community to enjoy. There is still much more to be done, but the possibilities are endless and exciting, and with our hugely successful Zoofari 2008 we are already planning for an even better Santa Ana Zoo. Thank YOU for your support! ZOOFARI 2007 “Tango in the Tall Grass”

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