After revealing the Dallas Zoo’s fundraiser theme — “Nocturne” — earlier this month, 2025 Zoo To Do Co-Chairs Robbie Kruithoff and Ryan Ross have rolled out all types of developments for the night of gourmet grazing and gee-whiz gazing at the Dallas Zoo on Saturday, November 1.
After heading up last year’s record-breaking Dallas Zoo fundraiser, Mary McDermott and Grace Cook have signed up to chair the host committee that’s a pretty heady group of animal lovers including Diane Brierley, Marena Gault, Cindy Gummer, Kim Hext and Gayla Von Ehr on the Zoo to Do Advisory Committee; Rob Swift and Stefanie Tsen Ward co-chairing the underwriting committee with additional support from Carol and Don Glendenning, Nancy Patterson and Steven J. Roth; Marjon Henderson and Mary McGreevy co-chairing the live auction joined by Stephanie Ainscow and Diane Brierley; Big Board Chair Cindy Gummer and Miles Trapp-Danielson; Chuck Steelman chairing the silent auction; Michael Buss and Grace Cook co-chairing the raffle and Darryl Ratcliff chairing the social and marketing committee.
As for the “good taste” of the night, three of the area’s top chefs will be in charge: Honorary Chef Dan Landsberg, Chef Wrangler Brett Kraft and Chef Recruiter Jimmy Contreras, who will have 30 of North Texas’ top chefs stationed throughout the grounds.
Before heading out for summer vacations, check out the underwriting packages, event tickets and sponsorships for one of North Texas’ favorite nights of grazing and gazing.
Insider tip: Former Neiman Marcus President Ryan has shown his retailing genes by putting together some that are available until Thursday, July 17.