For the 2020 Zoo Gala, the Birmingham Zoo has planned a virtual event inspired by a similar fundraiser hosted by the Los Angeles Zoo.
The Zoo Rendezvous Virtual Luau, presented by IberiaBank, will take place Sept. 10 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Festivities will include a preshow that begins at 6:45 p.m., Hawaiian-style music by Electric Avenue, Hula dancers and more entertainment.
Chairs for the virtual party are Bronwyne Chapman, Candice McKinney and Ann Blair Gribbin.
Honorary chairs include Wally Nall III, Zoo Corporate Relations Director Leigh Laser Collins, and Lisa and Craft O’Neal.
While the event is free, the event organizers have planned extras that guests can purchase as a donation.
A variety of meals, wine and swag are available for preorder on the fundraising website, givebutter.com/VtVOT6, and will be delivered to your door Sept. 10. In addition, an online auction will take place from Sept. 3 until Sept. 12 at 10 p.m. at luau.givesmart.com.
Zoo officials are anticipating a projected $2.7 million dollar loss this year.
It costs at least $30,000 a day to maintain the facility, whether the zoo is open for visitors or closed to the public; this includes $1,000 a day to feed more than 550 animals that call the zoo home.
The Zoo Rendezvous fundraising goal is $400,000, which will benefit the Emergency Animal Fund.
The event will be broadcast at youtube.com/bhamzoo. For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com.
