30 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Zoo Ball Goes Virtual Moonlight Soirée presented by Phillips 66 HONORING
Jane Block CHAIRS
Sara and Randy Ortwein AUCTION CHAIR
Peggy Kostial
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AFTER PARTY CHAIRS
Courtney and Zac Harmon CLICK HERE TO WATCH
THE VIRTUAL ZOO BALL
Soon after the pandemic began, we knew we would have to completely rethink Zoo Ball 2020. The situation was difficult to fathom, because Zoo Ball is a beloved annual event that raises mission-critical funds. Given the circumstances, could we make Zoo Ball a success? Thanks to the extraordinary leadership of chairs Sara and Randy Ortwein; auction chair Peggy Kostial; and After Party chairs Courtney and Zac Harmon, we turned this snazzy soirée into a virtual, pull-at-your-heartstrings live event that generated a record-smashing $1.2 million! The program featured special appearances from animals like Curly the sloth and our giant river otters. At home, participants bid in the online auction and participated in the virtual paddle raise. The first $100,000 in gifts to the paddle raise were matched by an anonymous donor and dear friend of the Zoo.
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It was prescient that we asked Jane Block almost a year earlier if she would agree to be our honoree for this Zoo Ball. This ended up being the perfect moment in time to recognize and reflect on her decades of volunteer leadership and generous spirit.
