2018 Zoo To Do (Z2D) Co-Chairs Kim and Greg Hext weren’t going to let the threat of thunder, lightning and hail hold them back last night at the Dallas Zoo. They were bound and determined to share plans for the Zoo’s annual mega fundraiser. And, boy, were there plans.
This year’s Z2D’s theme is Safari Soirée and it will return to the Dallas Zoo on Saturday, October 13. Also returning will be Honorary Chef Dragonfly Chef Dan Landsberg.
To support the Hexts’ march to money, they’ve arranged to gather past Z2D vets to head up committees like Host Committee Co-Chairs Barbara and Don Daseke; Underwriting Committee members Diane Brierley, Lane Britain, Mike Gruber and Michael Meadows; Live Auction Triumvirate Hal Brierley, Don Glendenning and John Levy; Big Board Chair Cindy Gummer and Chef Wrangler Brett Kraft.
For the honorary chair, they managed to get Ruth O’Donnell Mutch, who co-chaired the very first Z2D.
But Kim and Greg have added some new elements to the mix. In addition to the main event from 5:30 to 9 p.m., there will be Zoo To Do 2 | The After Party chaired by Travis Andres from 9 to midnight way past the animals’ bedtime. There will an open bar, live entertainment by The Emerald City All-Stars and “exclusive after-party chefs.”
Still another added feature will be a Chef Hospitality Party on Sunday, September 16, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. that will shine a spotlight on the chefs who will cooking up a storm the night of the fundraiser. Chaired by Ellen Winspear, it will be for the chefs and their families including “an indoor picnic,” special activities and taking in the sights and sounds of the Zoo and its residents.
To handle the silent auction, Kim pulled in newbies to the fundraiser effort including the trio of Jenna Alexander, Nancy Gopez and Roz Colombo. BTW, if you can’t make the fun in person, you’ll be able to bid on silent auction items online.
Sponsorships, underwriting opportunities and tickets are available now.