SB Zoo Celebrates with Sparkle & Shine Zoofari Ball
Grand Event Raises $650,000 for the Zoo's Operations
On August 26, 800 supporters donned sparkly and shiny outfits for the annual Zoofari Ball in celebration of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s 60th anniversary. The wildly popular, grand fundraiser raised about $650,000 for the Zoo’s operations. Several months of work by Tyler Speier Events, the Zoo’s Megan Nuss, and a 50+ member event committee created this extravaganza.
Upon arrival, guests were offered a sparkling beverage with a disco ball swizzle stick to sip as they strolled the walkway to the scenic hilltop for a delightful two-hour reception. Gourmet food stations lined the perimeter, while silent auction items beckoned in the center. For dinner, guests adjourned a bit higher up, where they were seated al fresco.
With a seventies disco-inspired Sparkle & Shine theme, tables were covered with sparkly linens and topped with table numbers sporting animal silhouettes. In a nod to the Zoo’s work with monarch butterfly conservation, potted trees embedded with butterfly silhouettes were positioned among the tables. There was a tasty buffet dinner, a short program, and dancing to music by The Collective Music Group.
