It was 25 years ago that Zoo To Do was created, turning the Dallas Zoo into a festival of food, silent auctions and entertainment, much to the fascination of the critter residents. The giraffes love it because there are always guests who give them extra helpings of munchies.
And speaking of the food, it’s a showcase of chefs impressing one and all with edibles.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, a trio of fellas will co-chair the outdoor “Silver Safari” on Saturday, October 1, for an estimated 700 guests. And what a threesome it is — Hal Brierley, Don Glendenning and John Levy!
With the past two years of hitting the million-dollar mark, the boys have a challenge ahead. But they’ve already signed up The Eugene McDermott Foundation as the presenting sponsor, as well as putting together a top-notch team including Mary McDermott Cook coming on board as honorary chair, Ruth O’Donnell Mutch as host committee chair, Diane Brierley and Cindy Gummer as past chair committee co-chairs, Kevin Hanrahan as underwriting chair, Barbara Daseke as live auction committee chair and Denise Zook-Glazer as silent auction chair.
And what about the chefs? The honorary chef will be the Hotel ZaZa’s Dragonfly Chef Dan Landsberg, who will be joined by Chef Chair Sarah Barr of Hotel ZaZa and Chef Wrangler Brett Krafft of the Hilton Anatole.
Following dinner, the live auction for “rare zoo experiences, travel and more” will take place in the Wilds of Africa. Then the guests will dance away the night with Party Machine providing the sounds. Hope it doesn’t keep the animals up past their bedtime.
Individual tickets start at $750.