The Brookfield Zoo Gala, also known as the Whirl Gala, is an annual black-tie event hosted by the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) to raise funds for the zoo’s animal care, welfare, conservation, and educational programs. This premier fundraising event attracts zoo enthusiasts, philanthropists, and supporters from across the region, offering an enchanting evening filled with animal encounters, fine dining, and lively entertainment.
Purpose and Support
The Brookfield Zoo Gala serves as the primary fundraising event for the Chicago Zoological Society, supporting the zoo’s vital initiatives. The event raises significant funds, with the 2023 edition generating over $1.6 million in support of the zoo’s mission.
Ticket Costs and Inclusions
Attending the Brookfield Zoo Gala is a unique and exclusive experience, with individual tickets priced at $1,000 each. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, table levels are available at $75,000, $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 for a table of ten.
The ticket inclusions are as follows:
| Inclusion | Description |
|---|---|
| Cocktail Hour | Guests can mingle with animal ambassadors during the cocktail hour, providing an up-close encounter with the zoo’s remarkable residents. |
| Three-Course Dinner | A delectable three-course dinner is served, showcasing the culinary expertise of the event’s catering team. |
| Live Auction and Raffle | Exciting live auctions and raffles offer guests the opportunity to bid on unique experiences and one-of-a-kind items. |
| Dancing | The evening culminates with dancing to the lively music of the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra. |
Event Details
The Brookfield Zoo Gala is typically held on the last Saturday of April, with the 2023 event taking place on April 29th. The event is hosted at the Hilton Chicago, located at 720 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.
The event’s timeline is as follows:
- 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – VIP Experience
- 7:00 p.m. to Midnight – Main Event
Each year, the gala features a unique theme, such as “Gorillas in Our Midst” in 2023, adding to the enchantment and excitement of the evening.
Contact Information
For those interested in attending the Brookfield Zoo Gala or seeking more information, the event’s contact is Kerri Doherty at [email protected] or (708) 688-8670.
Other Fundraising Events
In addition to the Brookfield Zoo Gala, the Chicago Zoological Society hosts several other fundraising events throughout the year, including:
- A Midsummer Night’s Feast Progressive Dinner: A progressive dinner around the Zoo, typically held in July.
- Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner: An exclusive dinner recognizing individuals and organizations for their conservation efforts, typically held in October.
- Wines in the Wild: A wine and spirit tasting event, typically held in November.
- Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party: A family event for building gingerbread houses and visiting with Santa, typically held in December.
These events provide additional opportunities for zoo enthusiasts to support the Chicago Zoological Society and its mission to protect and conserve the natural world.
References:
– Brookfield Zoo Gala Tickets and Information
– Gorillas in Our Midst: The 2023 Brookfield Zoo Gala
– Chicago Zoological Society’s Whirl Raises $1.6 Million
– Chicago Zoological Society to Host Annual Whirl Gala
– Brookfield Zoo Fundraising Events