The Women’s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo hosted its 38th annual Zoo Ball, this year themed “Arctic Blast,” on the grounds of the zoo July 10. More than 850 black-tie-clad guests celebrated the new Regenstein Macaque Forest exhibit and helped raise funds for a state-of-the-art education center along with other Women’s Board initiatives.
During the reception, partygoers shopped a silent auction and snapped photos in front of the Kovler Lion House where lionesses Zalika and Kamali lounged on the grass. Decor by HMR Designs was inspired by the “glacial glamour of the Arctic zone” and featured dramatic animal ice sculptures, including an 8-foot-tall polar bear, carved by Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures. Jewell Events Catering’s ice bar served the evening’s signature cocktail, The Aurora Borealis.
A recorded polar bear’s growl signaled guests into dinner inside a 14,000-square-foot tent where the decor in shades of silver, white and blue continued the Arctic wonderland theme. Snowflake-shaped chandeliers hung above tables topped with faux icicle sculptures, baby’s breath flowers and candlelight.
Co-chairs Karen Eisenbart and Denise Stefan Ginascol were joined by Women’s Board President Kimberly Theiss, who welcomed the crowd and acknowledged event sponsors. A special recognition was given to Dr. Lester Fisher, who was in attendance. Fisher retired in 1992 after serving the zoo for 45 years, the first 15 as a part-time veterinarian and the last 30 as its director.
Kevin Bell, Lincoln Park Zoo president/CEO, said, “I came to Lincoln Park Zoo in 1976 as curator of birds from the Bronx Zoo in NYC, where my dad was also a curator. I thought that I would only stay a few years and then return to New York, but I fell in love with Chicago and the zoo. Most of all, I was working for one of the finest men I had ever met, Dr. Lester Fisher. It was a tremendous honor to be named director in 1993 and continue the work that Les started to renovate Lincoln Park’s animal buildings and grow its conservation and education programs.”
The funds raised at Zoo Ball 2015, more than $1.1 million, will help keep the zoo free to the public and support its capital, conservation and education efforts.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
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