Page 24 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024
P. 24

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

























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                                                “Brilliant Horizons” at the 43  Annual Whirl Gala
                                                On April 27, 2024, the Women’s   Guests were treated to memorable   Guests danced the night away
                                                 Board of Brookfield Zoo Chicago    animal encounters during the cocktail   to the sounds of the Ken Arlen
                                                and Board of Trustees hosted the   hour, including appearances by   Evolution Orchestra.
                                                  rd
                                                43  annual Whirl Gala at the Hilton   scarlet macaw Ruthie, prehensile-
                                                                                                                  With the support of attendees and
                                                Chicago. This elegant black-tie event   tailed porcupine PJ, tamandua
                                                                                                                  the generosity of the community,
                                                 raised over $1.5 million to support   Pederson, Dumeril’s ground boa
                                                                                                                  the Whirl Gala continues to drive
                                                 the Zoo’s animal care, conservation,   Medusa, and leopard tortoises Safia
                                                                                                                  Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission
                                                and education programs. The      and Kaya. The grand ballroom set
                                                                                                                  to inspire conservation leadership
                                                evening welcomed 465 corporate,   the stage for dinner and featured
                                                                                                                  and secure a vibrant future
                                                civic, and philanthropic leaders    special appearances by Humboldt
                                                                                                                  for wildlife and nature.
                                                 from the Chicagoland area and    penguins Pepe, Pedro, and Lila;
                                                 was co-chaired by Katie Feagans    two-toed sloth T-Mo; and flamingos   Top: Cherryl T. Thomas, Dr. Michael J. Adkesson,
                                                of the Women’s Board and Jim Bryan,   Fiona, Fabio, and Paprika.  Jennifer Bellini, Forest Preserves of Cook County
                                                a member of the Board of Trustees.                                 President Toni Preckwinkle
                                                                                 The evening included a paddle raise,
                                                                                                                  Middle: Whirl Co-Chairs, Katie Feagans
                                                The theme, “Brilliant Horizons,”    raffle drawing, and a live auction    and Jim Bryan, look on as American flamingos
                                                celebrated Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s   with exclusive experiences, such as   take to the dance floor.
                                                 90th anniversary while offering    Justin Timberlake concert tickets,   Group Middle:  Women’s Board member
                                                a glimpse into the future through its   luxurious stays in the Dominican   Melissa Canning with friends Katrina Dee,
                                                 transformative Next Century Plan    Republic and Croatia, and a private   Helen Kalantzis, and Stephanie Ouellette
                                                as the Zoo approaches its 100 th   giraffe encounter at the Zoo.    Main photo: Members of the Women’s Board
                                                anniversary in 2034.                                              in attendance at the Whirl
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