The Event: More than 160 civic-minded philanthropists gathered at the Casino, a private club in Chicago, for the annual Lincoln Park benefit, ZooLA (Zoo Live Auction) on Nov. 3. The intimate cocktail hour for this boutique fundraiser offered unusual and luxury packages for raffle and auction. All proceeds to towards benefiting the zoo’s capital campaign.
Put on each year by the Women’s Board, the goal is to keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and accessible year round, and to support its animal care and conservation programs.
Cause Célebre: “It’s really my favorite event that the Women’s Board does,” said Bridget Campbell of Glencoe, event co-chairman. “It’s a short evening where we try to have really special packages and experiences that you can’t buy and that people can bid on…(to) support the zoo.”
Currently, the Women’s Board is fulfilling a $5 million capital campaign commitment, and the last portion is $3 million earmarked for the zoo’s new Welcome Center.
“We think it’s very fitting that the Women’s Board is actually the lead donor for the Welcome Center for the zoo and we’re very excited about it,” said Caroline Huebner, Board president.
Debbie Clamage of Evanston has been a Board member for nearly 30 years. “The zoo is a treasure in addition to the Cubs. This treasure was around even before they won the World Series and we want to keep it free for everybody for eternity,” said Clamage.
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In addition to being one of the only free zoos in America, said Shawn Sandor of Winnetka, Women’s Board member, “It’s just a safe place for kids and families to come and enjoy these wonderful animals that we need to keep on earth for a long, long time”
Bottom Line: ZooLA raised more than $200,000 for Lincoln Park Zoo. More at lpzoo.org/womens-board