[Columbia, SC] - Disabled and chronically ill children who have been treated at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital will be Riverbanks Zoo's special guests at the Zoo's first DreamNight this Friday, June 3 from 6 to 8:30pm. The Zoo will remain closed to the public and DreamNight families will be admitted to the zoo at no charge.

80 zoos from all over the world will be keeping their gates open late to host DreamNight, an international project now going into its 10th year. Since 1996 when the Netherlands' Rotterdam Zoo hosted 175 pediatric cancer patients and their families the event has grown. Last year, over 20,000 visitors participated in the program worldwide. This will be Riverbanks' first year participating and already, the Zoo has had over 180 staff and friends volunteer to help.

"We're excited to be one of the flagship zoos in the United States to participate in this event," said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "We hope that opening up the Zoo for a special night like this will show the kids that dreams can come true."

Diane Bagnal Moody, with Palmetto Health Children's Hospital communications and special programs added, "At Children's Hospital, everyday we spend time making sure that the children we care for feel special because of all that they have had to endure. This partnership with the Zoo gives us yet another opportunity to provide them with the little pleasures in life. The Zoo's sponsorship of DreamNight illustrates the importance they place on helping children in this community. Since Children's Hospital is committed to helping children in every way that we can, we couldn't be more pleased."

In addition to the Zoo's regular exhibits, kids will enjoy a DJ Dance Party at Palmetto Plaza, a picnic buffet at Safari Camp, roving costume characters including Cocky and the USC Cheerleaders, magicians, free screenings of the 3-D movie Bugs and a special gift. Zoo keepers will also be stationed in front of each exhibit to answer questions about the animals and to talk with kids one on one.

Over 175 children and their families are expected to attend the event, all of whom have been invited by physicians and staff at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital. The event will also kick off Palmetto Health Children's Hospital's annual Children's Miracle Network Broadcast which begins Saturday morning on WIS television.