Journey toAfricaGala
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
January 27, 2023
The mission of Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world.
Our sights are set. We are building the Zoo of the Future with our largest expansion ever.
Over our 50-year history, Palm Beach Zoo has become a top cultural attraction in our area. More than 400,000 guests annually come to be immersed in nature and enthralled by amazing, and often endangered, animals. Humans crave nature. Being near wildlife and bodies of water has been shown to boost our health and state of mind.
However, nature needs our help. Species are nearing extinction at an alarming pace, and younger generations are losing touch with the outdoors. It’s never been clearer that it’s time for the Zoo of the Future.
Build your legacy.
The Journey to Africa starts now.
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Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society’s
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Michele Kessler Chairman
Luis J. Fernandez Vice Chairman
Gary E. Krieger Treasurer
Dr. Daniel J. Comerford III Secretary
Kane K. Baker
Ruth Baum
Maura Ziska Christu
Guillermo Perez-Vargas
Mitchell Quain
Matt Valle
MEMBERS
Marilyn Beuttenmuller, Esq.
Whitney Wood Bylin
Jonathan Clay
Julia B. Connors
Dale Coudert
Caroline Dean
Robert B. Dunkin II
Mei Sze Greene
Susanna P. Hager
Candace Hamm
Josh McGraw
George F. Merck
Carole Moran
Stephen E. Myers
Thomas C. Quick
Sandra S. Rooney
Margo McKnight
President & Chief Executive Officer
Kathleen Breland, CPA Chief Financial Officer
Casey Coy
Chief Operations & Security Officer
Karen Huebbers Chief Development Officer
Renée Bumpus Chief Animal & Conservation Officer
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Journey to AfricaGala
Friends, World-Changers and Wildlife Lovers, Together for wildlife and with spirited hearts, we welcome you to the Journey to Africa Gala at Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. We are gathered in this spectacular tent surrounded by rare and exotic animals for a transcendent dining experience, dancing into the night to the sounds of Mr. Chris Norton and supporting our community’s tropical treasure: Palm Beach Zoo.
Tonight’s difference-making evening will elevate our Zoo to its true next level: the Zoo of the Future.
Palm Beach Zoo is dedicated to the profound human-nature connection with iconic animals that inspire us to preserve our planet’s most threatened species. The Zoo of the Future is within our grasp. With your help, we can create a greater nature-filled place where visitors are inspired through amazing wildlife experiences and help to ensure species survival. Your support will save wildlife through our Bold Vision.
We are thrilled to honor Sandra and Patrick Rooney Sr. tonight with the Gala Stewardship Award for nearly 20 years of dedication and service to Palm Beach Zoo.
We celebrate your support and look forward to a WILD evening at our Zoo.
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Welcome to the
Deborah Dauman Chair
Suzanne Johnson Chair
Credit: Capehart, Jason Merritt/Getty Images for MTV, Dave Allocca/Starpix
Thomas C. Quick & Michele Kessler Honorary Chairmen
Award Recipients
Congratulations to our dear friends, Sandy and Pat Rooney, Gala Stewardship Award recipients, for their incredible dedication and generosity to Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society.
For nearly two decades, the Rooneys have shared their fondness of the Zoo with the community, their friends and loved ones, including their beloved grandchildren. They marvel at the visible bond between our zoologists and the animals in their care. “The animal care team does incredible work, and it shows to all who visit,” said Sandy. “The animals love and respond to their caretakers in a beautiful, trustworthy way.”
Sandy and Pat believe in the importance of the Zoo’s mission and how the Zoo brings excitement, exposure and accessibility of rare and endangered species to our "backyard," especially for those who would have no other way of experiencing wildlife.
Sandy shared, “From the beginning of time, the balance of the world depends on how animals, plants and humans are intertwined so that the system of life continues. By preserving wildlife for future generations, we guarantee them the right to live in a natural world.”
Palm Beach Zoo joyfully celebrates Sandy and Pat. It is our honor to recognize their incredible contributions for the betterment of wildlife and our Zoo.
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Gala Stewardship
Sandra & Patrick Rooney Sr.
Credit: Capehart
of the Zoo
Palm Beach Zoo gratefully acknowledges H.E. Ambassador Meshal and Mrs. Eva Al-Thani for their generous support over the years.
The Al-Thanis were introduced to the Zoo by close friends Michele and Howard Kessler, and soon after were inspired to become supporters. They shared, “The Zoo is a fun, educational opportunity for community members, a lifeline for endangered wildlife and a way to serve the global community by protecting critical ecosystems.”
H.E. Ambassador and Mrs. Al-Thani believe zoos are the primary way many people gain exposure to wildlife. Their support is future-focused, especially for the youth of our community. “Saving wildlife means passing on a healthy planet to future generations. A visit to Palm Beach Zoo allows a child to experience a little piece of every continent in a single afternoon, inspiring all of us to care about something so much bigger than ourselves. Through its conservation efforts, it ensures the same opportunity will be available for future generations.”
Their favorite animal is the giraffe, and they have expressed their gratitude for the Zoo’s support of the Somali Giraffe Project, which funds research to help these amazing creatures survive — a nd thrive.
Thank you, H.E. Ambassador Meshal and Mrs. Eva Al-Thani, for being Friends of the Zoo and a force for wildlife.
5 Friends
H.E. Ambassador Meshal and Mrs. Eva Al-Thani
Friends of the Zoo
Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis
We are proud to recognize Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis as Friends of the Zoo for their generous giving to our Zoo. Their legacy of philanthropy within our community will impact future generations of families and wildlife. Thank you, Marie-Josée and Henry, for being wonderful supporters.
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of the Zoo
Alison Holtzschue & Douglas Schloss
Palm Beach Zoo is honored to recognize Alison Holtzschue and Douglas Schloss as wonderful Friends of the Zoo.
Alison and Doug first connected with the Zoo 30 years ago when they visited with their children! Now, they look forward to bringing their grandchildren.
They believe in our mission and understand the urgent need to help save the wild world. Alison and Doug shared, "Zoos give people a direct personal experience of wildlife that would be unavailable to most of us. Many people don't realize the extent to which wildlife is vanishing across the globe.”
Alison and Doug are passionate about the Zoo and the wildlife experiences we bring to our community’s "backyard", as well as fostering opportunities for children to learn about the world's animals. “The Zoo helps people of all ages and backgrounds, especially children, to understand how big and varied the population of Earth is and how precious our ecosystems are.”
During their behind-the-scenes tour, Alison and Doug marveled at meeting the tiger zoologists and learning about how they care for our incredible big cats. They also appreciate interacting with our smaller species, adding that “feeding the lorikeets is always a priority!”
Alison and Doug, thank you for being instrumental supporters of the Zoo of the Future, as well as the well-being and care of our giraffe initiative.
Friends
Wildlife
Palm Beach County is rich in diversity and treasures so precious that their mere existence is the story of legends. It is here that the Gulf Stream kisses our shores, carrying with it an array of animals from massive whales to tiny coral larvae while providing an astounding diversity of life and healthy marine habitats.
On land, we boast of the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the United States: the Everglades. Home to a huge diversity of species, the Everglades are critical for wild things and humans alike. The Everglades truly need to remain forever as a giant glade.
“ Wildlife and wild places need our help now, as more than one million plant and animal species are at risk of disappearing on our watch. We all can play a role in reversing this trend.”
Michele Kessler Chairman, Board of Directors
We are living between these superlatives of nature: ours to protect and ours to be inspired by. The Zoo’s local conservation work (including Florida panther, swallow-tailed kite and coral initiatives) is of the utmost importance in yielding meaningful benefits for wild Florida. In seeing our local progress, we are heeding the call of other species needing immediate help.
Whether close to home or halfway around the globe, we must follow our mission and work diligently to save wildlife in wild places.
There is one particular species that recently caught our attention. At 18 feet tall, weighing in at more than one-and-a-half tons, and adorned with dramatic brown and white patterns, giraffes in the wild are “winking out” of existence without anyone paying attention.
It is now clear that many populations of giraffes have been in a sharp decline without most of the world noticing. Scientists are calling it a “silent extinction.” Although giraffe populations in Association of Zoos and Aquariums ® (AZA) zoos are growing, giraffes in the wild are in danger of disappearing altogether.
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Act Now for
Wildlife
In 2018, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) elevated the reticulated giraffe from Vulnerable to Endangered status, reflecting a population decline of about 80% over the previous 30 years.
Palm Beach Zoo joined other AZA institutions (including Houston Zoo, Phoenix Zoo and Denver Zoo) in supporting the Somali Giraffe Project. The Project works closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service on conservation and recovery of reticulated giraffes, which are now only found in pockets of Kenya and Somalia.
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Together with our Zoo, we are saving species and changing lives. Our combined impact will be profound.”
Deborah Dauman Gala Chair
Act Now for
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To protect most species, we must understand how they are using wild spaces. Giraffes are experiencing similar pressures as Florida wildlife. Just as we track swallow-tailed kites and Florida panthers, we now provide satellite-tracking devices for giraffes to the Somali Giraffe Project. The devices track the movement of giraffes and return valuable data that will help inform future strategies for wildlife protection.
These spectacular animals captivate people with their otherworldly appearance and sweet demeanor. It is our great hope that these gentle giants will inspire you to act, too. While Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society works hard to take care of species at the Zoo and in the wild, our most important “animal” is YOU.
“ Zoos are a place of peace and refuge. Saving wildlife is important to my family, and I am excited about the future of Palm Beach Zoo.”
Suzanne Johnson Gala Chair
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Act Now for Wildlife
“ For more than 50 years, our Zoo has been committed to nature and to our community in bringing wild and wonder-fi l led experiences to the Palm Beaches.”
Thomas C. Quick Board of Directors
We exist to connect people with nature; provide transformative, life-changing experiences; and ultimately move humans to action.
Changing lives and saving wildlife requires a Bold Vision and a big plan. We have both. The Zoo of the Future is emerging in Palm Beach with exciting changes and wildlife connections within our grasp.
Through connection, caring and conservation, we will compel guests to become an even greater force for precious creatures by getting nose-to-whiskers close to wildlife. The more we do here, the more we can do for them in the wild.
Live lightly on this planet. Join the Zoo in our conservation efforts, and enjoy the nature that makes Palm Beach one of the best places to live.
“ Thank you to Palm Beach Zoo and all of you for saving giraffes in Africa. The wildlife-saving work you and I are doing together also protects other animals like cheetahs in Kenya. Thank you for being great wildlife-conservation heroes.”
Dr. Abdullahi Hussein Ali 2022 National Geographic ® Grantee and Somali Giraffe Project Manager
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Now for
Act
Wildlife
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We Extend a Special Thank You to
OurSponsors
WILD THING
Eileen & Jack Connors
Deborah & Philippe Dauman
Lillian & Luis Fernandez
Suzanne & Ambassador Robert W. Johnson
Michele & Howard Kessler
Carole & John Moran
Milly & Patrick Park
Sandra & Patrick Rooney Sr.
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We Extend a Special Thank You to
OurSponsors
KING OF THE JUNGLE
H.E. Ambassador & Mrs. Meshal Al-Thani
Florida Crystals
Candace Hamm
Thomas C. Quick
HollyJolly Foundation
James Borynack & Adolfo Zaralegui | Findlay Galleries
Whitney & Jonathan Clay
Julie & Mike Connors
Valerie & Harry Cooper
Caroline & Thompson Dean
JoAnna & Stephen E. Myers
The Ritchie Family Trust
Robyn & Len Tannenbaum
As of January 5, 2023
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GOLD
We Extend a Special Thank You to
OurSponsors
SILVER
Bank of America
Ruth Baum
Whitney & Eric Bylin | Atlantic Creek Real Estate Partners
Doane & Doane, P.A.
Florida Power & Light
Ann & Robert Fromer
Gunster
Rebecca & Martin Hotz
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Martha Kessler
Kochman & Ziska PLC
The Libert Family
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
NextEra Energy Transmission
Lynne Wheat & Thomas Peterffy
Nicola Gee & Mitchell Quain
Wendy & Paul Raether
Marsha Metrinko & Michele Rollins
Ross Family Charitable Trust
Alison Holtzschue & Douglas Schloss
Diane & John Sculley
As of January 5, 2023
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We Extend a Special Thank You to
OurSponsors
BRONZE
Susan & Christopher Cowie
Wendy & Howard Cox
Ambassador Mary Dawkins & Brigadier General Peter Dawkins
Gail & Alfred B. Engelberg
Sheila & R. Joseph Fuchs
Rachel C.W. Gwinn Private Foundation
Kaaren & Charles Hale
Mai Hallingby-Harrison
Helena & Roman Martinez IV
Monika & John Preston
Leslie & Thomas Rosin
Frances G. Scaife
Daisy Soros
Carla & Terry Taylor
Deborah Norville & Karl Wellner
Susan & Bob Wright
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We Extend a Special Thank You to OurUnderwriters
DINNER SPONSOR
Suzanne & Ambassador Robert W. Johnson
WINE SPONSOR
Jeff & Mei Sze Greene
SPIRIT SPONSORS
Beam Suntory
Dano's Tequila
Tito's ® Handmade Vodka
INVITATION SPONSOR
Virginia & John Gildea
FLORAL SPONSORS
Mary McDonnell Davidson & John Rosenwald
Sanda & Jeremiah Lambert
Sallie B. Phillips
Jana & John F. Scarpa
Sharma & Paul Schacknow
COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSORS
Anonymous
Vicky & Sam Hunt
Judy & Leonard Lauder
Margo & James L. Nederlander Jr.
Pauline Pitt & Jerry Seay
PROGRAM SPONSOR
Romph Pou Agency
As of January 5, 2023
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We Extend a Special Thank You to
OurUnderwriters
VIP TOUR SPONSORS
Anonymous
Sandra & Paul Edgerley
Jane R. Grace
Antoinette Guerrini-Maraldi & Hans Kertess
Kitty & Bill McKnight
Katharine Rayner
Mrs. Thomas A. Saunders III
Michelle & Christian Searcy Sr.
Kathryn & Leo Vecellio
Jacquelyn Weld
VIDEO SPONSORS
Diana & Peter W. Gonzalez
Helen & John Gordon
Nataly & Ernst Langner
Sondra & David S. Mack
Wilma B. Siegel
Susan & Bob Wright
CONSERVATION SPONSORS
Sandra & William Blodgett
Kim & Payson Coleman Jr.
Stephanie & Lawrence Flinn Jr.
Allison & Stuart Haft
Elaine & Kenneth Langone
Lili & Ambrose Monell
Peter Soros
Eleanor & John Sullivan
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With Gratitude to our
Community Partners
Atlantic Creek Real Estate Partners
Bank of America
Beam Suntory
Beverly Hills Vineyards
Dano's Tequila
Doane & Doane, P.A.
Embassy of the State of Qatar
Findlay Galleries
Florida Crystals
Florida Power & Light Gunster
Intrepid Expeditions
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Kochman & Ziska PLC
Morgan Stanley
Private Wealth Management
NextEra Energy Transmission
Romph Pou Agency
Rose Hall Jamaica
Table 26°
Tammy Fender
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Worth Avenue Yachts
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of January 5, 2023
As
Journey to Africa Gala
Features
SPECIAL THANK YOU
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Event Planning by David Stark Design
Music by Mr. Chris Norton
Live Auction Hosted by Jamie Niven
Live Auction Hosted by Thomas C. Quick
Thank You to Our Wine and Specialty Cocktail Sponsors
Sipsmith® London Dry Gin and Maker’s Mark ® have been awarded B Corporation Certification, emphasizing Beam Suntory’s long-term commitment to social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability one sip at a time. Sustainable without Compromise. A commitment to sustainability is our commitment to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Award-winning Super Tuscan wine was generously donated by Jeff and Mei Sze Greene, courtesy of their private wine label: Beverly Hills Vineyards, grown on the sweeping grounds of Palazzo di Amore in Beverly Hills, California.
The coffee being served this evening is gold standard and carries the Bird Friendly ® certification created by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. The growing practice of certified coffee preserves critical habitat for birds and wildlife, helps fight climate change, protects biodiversity, and supports farmers committed to sustainability.
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Special Thank You to the Producers of ourVideo
BOLD VISION
Brian Bayerl
Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Writer & Editor
Brian Bayerl is a multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker, cinematographer and editor. His work has premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, South by Southwest (SXSW), and the Tribeca Film Festival. His work can be seen on select Showtime and CBS Sports shows. He works with community organizations, such as Palm Beach Zoo, Nova Southeastern University, and the Florida Panthers Hockey Club.
Whitney Bylin Producer
&
Writer
Whitney Bylin has worked in film since 1993: developing, producing, directing and writing documentary programs. Her work has aired on National Geographic Channel, Discovery, PBS, and The History Channel, among others. Whitney has served on the board of Palm Beach Zoo since 2008. She has tirelessly led the Zoo’s Events Committee for 10 years, including a role as past Gala Chairman and Honorary Chairman. This is Whitney’s seventh year donating her time to produce the Gala video.
James Patterson Narrator
James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author. For his prodigious imagination and championship of literacy in America, Patterson was awarded the 2019 National Humanities Medal. The National Book Foundation presented him with the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. He is also the recipient of an Edgar Award and nine Emmy Awards. He lives in Palm Beach with his family.
Creative Direction by Tony Miceli Director of Media Production, PGAV DESTINATIONS
Founded in 1965, PGAV Destinations creates enduring memories and stretches the imagination with world-class design for attractions, exhibits and experiences. A global design firm with projects on five continents and in 35 states, PGAV’s sculptors, designers, architects, artists and strategists are bringing the Zoo’s Bold Vision to life through the creation of the new Africa Experience.
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We Extend a Special Thank You to
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Tito’s Handmade Vodka teamed up with Palm Beach Zoo to dive deep into our Coral Reef Conservation Initiative.
Through this collaboration, the Zoo's Science Dive Team provides essential data to help preserve and protect Florida's Coral Reef. Our ultimate goal is to be joined by our community in saving wildlife in wild places. We accomplish this by sourcing information, opportunity and, most importantly, creating a feeling of agency for those we engage to act for nature.
The dream is just below the surface. Thanks to Tito's Handmade Vodka, we are diving closer to preserving a thriving coral reef as part of Florida's ecosystem for future generations.
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Living Our Mission
From the Forest Stewardship Council ® certified paper in this program that protects forests for wildlife like bears to Bird Friendly ® certified coffee served with dessert that preserves habitat for wild birds, and B Corporation certified spirit partners, Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is living our wildlife-saving mission.
Our goal is to inspire you, as our guest, to act on behalf of wildlife everywhere with wildlife-protecting actions that can lead to big conservation impact.
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24 Thank You for Joining The Journey to Africa Be a part of our Bold Vision. Please reach out to Karen Huebbers, Chief Development Officer, or Lindsay Shapiro, Gift Officer, at VIP@palmbeachzoo.org or 561.533.0887 ext. 222. Your support will resonate for generations.
FSC Certified Paper
1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
