Summary of Zoo Ball 2023 – A Starry Night in the Galápagos:
The Zoo Ball 2023, presented by Phillips 66, was held on October 21st and raised over $2 million for the Houston Zoo. The event occurred at the Zoo’s Galápagos Islands exhibit, featuring a black-tie gala with more than 740 attendees. The event co-chairs were Jordan and Dylan Seff, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, and the honoree was Stacy Methvin, the former Board Chair of the Houston Zoo. Guests could explore the Galápagos Islands exhibit and interact with animals such as tortoises, sea lions, and penguins. The event also included a multi-course dinner with an Ecuadorian-inspired menu, a silent auction, and a live auction. The After Party, sponsored by PNC, featured dancing and late-night bites.
Summary:
1. Zoo Ball 2023 – A Starry Night in the Galápagos raised over $2 million for the Houston Zoo and celebrated the opening of the Galápagos Islands exhibit.
2. The event was hosted by co-chairs Jordan and Dylan Seff and Vanessa and Chuck Ames, with honorary Stacy Methvin, a former board chair of the Houston Zoo.
3. Guests could explore the Galápagos Islands exhibit, meet and mingle with the wildlife, and enjoy a delicious Ecuadorian-inspired dinner.
4. The silent and live auctions offered unique and competitive items, raising additional funds for the zoo.
5. The after-party, sponsored by PNC, provided late-night entertainment and dancing.
Regarding extraordinary events, the Zoo Ball 2023 – A Starry Night in the Galápagos takes the cake. This black-tie gala raised over $2 million for the Houston Zoo and celebrated the grand opening of the Galápagos Islands exhibit, a must-see for all wildlife enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the fascinating details of this unforgettable event.
They were co-chaired by Jordan, Dylan Seff, Vanessa and Chuck Ames. The Zoo Ball transported over 740 Houstonians to the Galápagos Islands, right in the heart of the Houston Zoo. The exhibit, the first of its kind, showcased the remarkable wildlife that calls the legendary island chain home. Awe-inspiring Galápagos tortoises, playful sea lions, and delightful penguins captured the attention and hearts of all who attended.
The Masihara Pavilion transformed into an elegant ballroom, setting the stage for a night of enchantment. Every detail was carefully considered, ensuring an immersive experience for all attendees. The delicate ambiance was further enhanced by the delectable Ecuadorian-inspired multi-course dinner, expertly crafted by City Kitchen.
Guests savored a poached shrimp and jumbo lump crab salad, accented with a heart of palm, micro cilantro, and a plantain chip. The main course featured prime-aged beef tenderloin medallions, tantalizingly complemented by a cabernet reduction and chimichurri—the twice-baked Andean gold potato with scallions served as a delightful accompaniment. As the night came to a close, the bittersweet chocolate and dulce de leche tart with a cinnamon gelato and carajillo chocolate sauce provided the perfect sweet ending to a culinary journey.
Stacy Methvin, an extraordinary leader and former Chair of the Houston Zoo’s Board, was honored at the event for her invaluable guidance and influence in transforming the zoo into a leader in wildlife conservation. In appreciation, Houston Zoo President and CEO Lee Ehmke announced that a wild Asian elephant would be named after her. Dr. Farina Othman, a dedicated conservation partner from Borneo, will monitor the conservation efforts of the elephant.
The silent auction, chaired by Margaret Farnsworth and Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, added excitement to the evening. During the cocktail hour, guests eagerly bid on various items. The highlight of the silent auction was the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail reception in the Sea Lion Tunnel of the Galápagos Islands exhibit, followed by an intimate dinner in One Ocean. This exclusive experience garnered an astonishing bid of $11,050.
The live auction, conducted by auctioneer Logan Thomas, offered competitive items that captured the imagination of the attendees. A five-night stay for 14 people in enchanting Park City, Utah, was claimed for an impressive $19,500. Wells Beach, Maine, also became a hot commodity, with a week-long stay, including $1,000 for restaurants and first-class airline tickets, selling for a remarkable $22,000. The bidding war didn’t stop there, as another week in Wells Beach was auctioned off for another $22,000.
Sports enthusiasts had the chance to secure an exclusive VIP Houston Rodeo experience, complete with fine-dining reservations for six at The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse and coveted club seats. This coveted package went for an impressive $15,000. A tropical getaway was also up for grabs, with a four-night stay for 18 people in captivating Puerto Vallarta. The lucky winner would enjoy the luxury of a catamaran, a private chef, and a talented mixologist for an unforgettable vacation, all for a staggering $27,500. Not to be outdone, another week in Puerto Vallarta was auctioned off to a runner-up for the same impressive sum.
Amidst all the excitement, the naming rights for one of the zoo’s blacktip reef sharks ignited a lively bidding war. The chance to name these magnificent creatures was valued at $19,500. In a surprising twist, the runner-up was also allowed to name the other shark for the same price, bringing even more unexpected joy to the night.
The generosity of the attendees continued to amaze as they eagerly participated in a paddle raise, donating a total of $180,000. The zeal for giving back was contagious as the crowd vied for the chance to be the “last hero standing.” The winner would receive gift certificates to Zadok Jewelers valued at $10,000, while the second-place winner would be rewarded with $2,500.
The night was not yet over, as the After Party, sponsored by PNC and chaired by Kristina H. Somerville, beckoned the revelers. Late-night bites, open bars, and the pulsating beats of The Party Feel kept the energy alive, and the dance floor was jam-packed until midnight.
In conclusion, the Zoo Ball 2023 – A Starry Night in the Galápagos was a remarkable event that showcased the unwavering support and dedication of the Houston community to wildlife conservation. It galvanized the spirit of giving and cemented the Houston Zoo’s position as a leader in the field. Through a blend of elegance, stunning wildlife, thrilling auctions, and captivating entertainment, this event will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of all who attended.
