Page 6 - The Isalnder- March '23

Page 6, The Islander

FundraiSing event from page 1

C. Quick, board member, served as honorary chairmen
for the event that raised a record-breaking $2.8 million
in support of the organization’s conservation mission and
bold vision.
“Thank you, everyone, for contributing to the most
successful gala – ever – to help save wildlife here and
in the wild,” said Kessler.
Quick added, “For more than 50 years, Palm Beach
Zoo has been committed to animals and our community in
bringing wild, wonder-filled experiences to underserved
children whose only chance to experience rare and
endangered animals is at the zoo. Our bold vision is
to create the zoo of the future with world-class animal Mrs. Eva and H.E. Ambassador Meshal Al-Thani and Stephen Schwarzman and
experiences for every guest, the utmost in animal well- Michele and Howard Kessler Sandra and Patrick Rooney Sr. Margo McKnight
being and expertly designed spaces where irresistible
connection and conservation action can happen.”
Guests of the evening enjoyed a festive cocktail
reception, followed by haute cuisine dining, a lively
auction and dancing to the sounds of Chris Norton. Before
sitting for dinner, guests had the opportunity to go on an
expert-guided express tour around the zoo, where jaguar
Fiona, Alyssa the Baird’s tapir, giant anteaters, squirrel
monkeys and more delighted along the way.
The gala also connected guests to some of the zoo’s
most notable denizens. Animal encounters included
greetings by Wilbur, the celebrity sloth, an African-
crested porcupine cocktail mingler followed by a Chilean
flamingo trio that led gala guests to the dance floor.
Scarlet and hyacinth macaws Crackle and Perus made
cameos in photo moments all in support of the zoo’s Lillian and Luis Fernandez Caroline and Thompson Dean Sarah Johnson, Holly Johnson Bartlett and Lutes Bartlett
mission of inspiring people to act on behalf of wildlife
and the natural world.
Sandy and Patrick Rooney Sr. received the Gala
Stewardship Award during the evening’s festivities.
As leaders in our community, the Rooneys exemplify
dedication and generosity through both action and
philanthropy. For nearly two decades, the Rooneys have
shared their fondness of the zoo and for wildlife with the
community, their many friends, and loved ones, including
their beloved grandchildren. Sandy Rooney shared, “From
the beginning of time, the balance of the world depends
on how animals, plants, and humans are intertwined so

Candace Hamm, Frank Chopin and Carole Moran Deborah Dauman and Thomas C. Quick and
Suzanne Johnson Michele Kessler

Christopher and Anne Maura Ziska Christu, Frank
Flowers and Laura Baker

Stephen Myers and Terry
Jack and Eileen Connors Taylor
Carla and Terry Taylor Mei Sze and Jeff Greene
that the system of life continues. By preserving wildlife
for future generations, we guarantee them the right to Palm Beach Zoo thanks the generous sponsors,
live in a natural world.” underwriters and community partners as well as specialty
Friends of the zoo, H.E. Ambassador Meshal and Mrs. cocktail and wine sponsors Maker’s Mark, Sipsmith,
Eva Al-Thani; Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis; Alison Dano’s Tequila, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Beverly
Holtzschue and Douglas Schloss were also honored for Hills Vineyards award-winning Super Tuscan wine.
their unwavering dedication, generosity and support of From Forest Stewardship Council certified paper that
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Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society. protects forests for wildlife like bears to Bird Friendly
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During this wild evening, guests were also treated to certified coffee served with dessert that preserves habitat
Bold Vision, a short film narrated by best-selling author for wild birds, and B Corporation certified spirit partners,
James Patterson. Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society is living its
Jamie Niven conducted the lively live auction, which wildlife-saving mission. The goal is to inspire all guests
included premier exclusive packages. Journey to Africa to act on behalf of wildlife everywhere with wildlife-
guests bid on an African safari trip curated by James protecting actions that can lead to big conservation impact.
Currie and Simon Gluckman of Intrepid Expeditions; To join the zoo in its conservation efforts and to learn
Gustavo Novoa custom art donated by Findlay Galleries; more, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.
a Jamaican fantasy luxury golf trip donated by Michele About Palm Beach Zoo And Conservation Society
Rollins of Rose Hall; a sunset cocktail party aboard For more than 50 years, Palm Beach Zoo and
superyacht Kimberlie donated by Kimberlie Glaser as Conservation Society has provided guests with up-close
well as Shannon McCoy of Worth Avenue Yachts; a and personal animal encounters that connect people to
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing private dinner party at the zoo for 26 guests donated by wildlife. Palm Beach Zoo guests explore a wild ecosystem
Palm Beach County and is a privately Table 26; rare wine lots from 1961; and two owners’ thriving on 23 lush, tropical acres while discovering
owned and managed company. tickets to Super Bowl LVII. hundreds of exotic animals. Palm Beach Zoo participates
Captain’s is committed to providing Honorary Chairman Thomas C. Quick engaged the in AZA Species Survival Plan programs, ensuring
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dependable, reliable and professional healthy animal populations for rare and endangered
ground transportation to and from all crowd with a call to the heart by raising additional
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212 donations to connect Title One children to hands-on species. The impact of a visit to Palm Beach Zoo extends
To reserve your vehicle: education programs in the zoo’s “outdoor classroom.” beyond the gates, inspiring people to take action and save
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com Changing lives and saving wildlife requires a bold vision wildlife in wild places. For more information, visit www.
and a big plan – and the zoo has both. palmbeachzoo.org.