Zoo Ball and Donor Clubs

Zoo Ball Goes Virtual

Moonlight Soirée

presented by Phillips 66

HONORING

Jane Block

CHAIRS

Sara and Randy Ortwein

AUCTION CHAIR

Peggy Kostial

AFTER PARTY CHAIRS

Courtney and Zac Harmon

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

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!

HONOREE, Jane Block

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.

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.

AFTER PARTY CHAIRS, Courtney & Zac Harmon

COCKTAIL KIT AND T-SHIRT

ZOO BALL AUCTION CHAIR, Peggy Kostial

The Polly and David Roth Animal Care Professional Development Endowment

We strive to connect donors with the projects and programs that they are most passionate about. So, we were excited to work with Polly and David Roth, two long-time Zoo supporters, to establish a permanent endowment that will fund continuing education opportunities for our animal care professionals over decades to come. This endowment will have a lasting impact by helping our zookeepers stay on the forefront of their continually evolving profession. We give heartfelt thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Roth for thoughtfully and generously supporting the future of the Houston Zoo and the animals in our care.

“As members of the Asante Society we had the opportunity to take some behindthe-scenes tours. On every tour we were most impressed by the staff’s knowledge, professionalism, and dedication. We hope, by establishing this endowment, that we can help the Zoo continue to attract and maintain such a quality staff.”

– Polly and David Roth

Staying Connected with Our Closest Friends

ASANTE SOCIETY AND FLOCK IN 2020

Asante Society and Flock members enjoy s’mores at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lighs

For much of 2020, we turned to the digital space to keep our donor club members connected to our mission. In June, Asante members were invited to a virtual happy hour to hear from CEO Lee Ehmke and other members of our leadership team. Flock enjoyed a virtual trivia night with awesome prizes up for grabs.

Once we could do so safely, we were thrilled to finally reconnect with Asante Society and Flock members in person at an exclusive preview of the South America’s Pantanal exhibit and a special Donor Night at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights.