Don your safari gear and embark on an unforgettable journey around Riverbanks Zoo for what is sure to be the “wildest party in town” on Saturday, September 22 from 7 to 11pm. Enjoy live entertainment, fabulous food from all over the world, exotic live and silent auctions and an abundance of fun in the unusual surroundings of the Zoo.
“This fundraising event is like no other experience in town,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “The unique environment coupled with fabulous food and company makes this a night that you definitely don’t want to miss.”
Upon arrival at the Zoo, party-goers will be greeted by the sounds of steel drums, the sight of live animals and the savory aroma of international cuisine. A lively cruise ship theme sets the tone for you and your group to embark on a trip around the world. As you enter the main gate, guests are issued a “travel itinerary” designed to guide them through the wilds of Riverbanks.
An exotic menu has been prepared by Riverbanks’ executive chef featuring delicacies from all over the globe to complement the theme, Treasures from around the World, at this year’s annual fundraiser. Food stations representing six continents will offer delicacies like curried leg of lamb, Shanghai duck, Botswana roasted yams and Peruvian fried plantains. Follow the sounds of the mariachi band to Safari Camp where guests can grab a margarita and partake in stimulating Tex-Mex cuisine including fresh fajitas served along with BBQ pork, ranchero beans and Mexican rice.
Throughout the evening guests can bid on unusual silent auction items such as a face-to-face encounter with the penguins or the opportunity to accompany Riverbanks’ veterinarians on their morning rounds and a behind-the-scenes hospital tour. This year’s dynamic live auction will begin at 9:00pm. Guests can bid on more lavish experiences like the rare opportunity to wine and dine friends in the presence of Riverbanks’ koalas or the chance to beautify your backyard with an attractive arbor designed by Riverbanks’ maintenance crew and surrounding landscape face lift by Riverbanks’ horticulturists.
“The funds raised at the live and silent auction have been extremely instrumental in supporting ongoing conservation and education efforts at the Zoo,” Krantz said.
The attire for the evening is safari or casual, and the event will be held rain or shine. Stick around for the special departure celebration following the live auction. It’s sure to have everyone talking about the wildest party in town.
Tickets are $75 for Riverbanks members and $85 for the general public. To purchase tickets, call (803) 779-8717, ext. 1601 or visit www.riverbanks.org/zoofari. For sponsorship opportunities, please call (803) 779-8717, ext. 1115. Reservations are requested by noon on Friday, September 14. To prolong the evening, Embassy Suites Hotel of Columbia is offering an overnight “Total ZOOfari” package. Please call (803) 252-8700 for details.
