It is my pleasure to welcome you to Zoobilee “Party with a Purpose.” Tonight, we’re bringing you a wild time that offers more than the comforts of home. What could be better than a warm summer evening at the zoo with friends—feathered, four-footed, or otherwise? As you enjoy the ambiance, taste the treats, and perhaps bust a move on the dance floor, don’t forget that your presence helps advance Roger Williams Park Zoo’s vision to improve the future for wildlife and people. Together.
As we construct new facilities, introduce new animals, and present new experiences to our guests, the Zoo team also works behind the scenes to maintain the highest standards of animal well-being, safety, cleanliness, horticulture, and hospitality. The goal is to make it look easy, but if you think about your last holiday family gathering and remember what the house looked like after everyone left, you’ll have a small idea of what our unsung heroes do every day to make the Zoo shine. It is no small job to care for over 125 animal species, several thousand plants, 44 acres of buildings and infrastructure, and meet the needs of almost 800,000 guests annually! Roger Williams Park Zoo is not a place. It is an ecosystem!
We love being Rhode Island’s #1 single-site attraction, and your support helps keep it that way. As you tour the grounds, you will see several projects underway or recently completed. Over the next several years, keep your eyes on us, because there is much more to come, and it will take all of us to make our dreams come true.
Thank you and congratulations to the restaurants, caterers, and beverage purveyors who lavishly donate their time, energy, food, and drink! Their partnership makes Zoobilee a go-to event in Providence, and this year is no different. Their generosity influences where I dine throughout the year, and I hope it inspires you too!
We are proud to have BankRI as our presenting sponsor this evening, along with a distinguished group of generous sponsors and contributors. We thank them and hope that you will, too. Their community spirit shines on our behalf.
In closing, it is an honor to applaud event co-chairs Pam Heffernan and Claire Carrabba and the Zoobilee Ambassadors for their diligence and creativity in putting together this year’s “Party with a Purpose.” In tandem with RWPZoo staff and volunteers, they’ve assembled another great evening. Way to go!
I hope you all enjoy the festivities. Cheers!
Stacey Johnson
Rhode
Island
Zoological Society, Executive Director
Dear Guests,
Welcome to the 33rd annual Zoobilee – Party with a Purpose!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening, where great food, lively music, and incredible wildlife come together for an amazing cause. Zoobilee remains a signature event throughout the state, as we bring over forty local restaurants, vendors, and beverage companies together to celebrate and raise funds for our beloved Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Tonight’s event is the culmination of our year-long planning. You may have already had the opportunity to engage with our animals in unique ways this evening, but that is just the beginning! You can sample some of RI’s finest menu bites, sip on local beverages, and dance again to the sounds of Mystique.
The Roger Williams Park Zoo remains Rhode Island’s most beloved family attraction, and together, we marvel at what we have already accomplished and look to the future with excitement, as we continue to embark on the next phase of the Zoo’s master plan. And none of this would be possible without you. Philanthropy plays a critical role in everything we do at the Zoo, and your presence and support for tonight’s event directly impact our animal care, education, and conservation initiatives. Thanks to your generosity, the Zoo will continue to grow and deliver on our mission of saving wild animals and wild places.
The future of your Zoo is truly a bright one. With the opening of the penguin habitat and the construction of our new Education Center, we will be able to better provide state-of-the-art environmental education and encourage learners of all ages to become the next generation of conservationists.
You help us provide a safe and naturalistic environment for our animals, inspire curiosity through education, and advocate for a healthier planet through conservation initiatives in Rhode Island and around the globe.
An event like this doesn’t happen without the support of a great team. Our sincerest gratitude extends to our Development Committee, as well as our dedicated staff, event ambassadors, and volunteers, for their commitment to the success of this event.
Thank you for advocating for Roger Williams Park Zoo. We hope you enjoy Zoobilee, “Party with a Purpose”!
See you on the dance floor,
Pam Heffernan
Pam
Heffernan
Co-Chair, Development Committee
Rhode Island Zoological Society
Board of Trustees
Claire
Carrabba
Co-Chair, Development Committee
Rhode Island Zoological Society Board of Trustees
Claire Carrabba
Program of EventsMain Stage & Upper Zoo
7:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Gather Under the Tent -
Get ready for an exciting encounter with several of our amazing animals!
Welcome
• Kayla Fish and Kim Kalunian –WPRI Morning Team
Exclusive Live Animal Presentation: Up Close and Personal
• Stacey Johnson, RIZS Executive Director
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Dance Party with Mystique
Enjoy a vibrant mix of music and dance!
9:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Dance Party Continues with Mystique
Keep the party going with more great tunes!
9:45 p.m.
Last Call at Upper Zoo Bars
Don’t miss out on your final chance to grab a Zootini!
Events Not To Be Missed!
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Extraordinary Rendition Band
Enjoy lively music as you enter the Zoo!
Animal Encounters -
Meet our fascinating animals up close in the Lower Zoo!
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Animal Encounters
More opportunities to interact with animals Zoo-Wide!
6:00 – 9:45 p.m. or sold out
Wine & Beer Bazaar
It’s your chance to take home an incredible prize. Grab one before they’re gone!
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Botanical Wall Photo Op
Try a unique photo experience near the Main Bar!
6:45 – 7:45 p.m.
Up Close Animal Encounters
Get face-to-face with extraordinary creatures on the Faces of the Rainforest Plaza!
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Sponsor listing as of 6/25/25
Bison Brigade
Beacon Mutual
Casamigos Tequila
Tree Kangaroo Crew
CoastlineTrust Company
Domenic & Sandy Coletta
Coventry Lumber
Dimeo Construction Company
First Hartford Realty Corp. S
Patrick LeBeau & Meghan Rawson-LeBeau
Frank & Liz Mauran
Parsons Capital Management, Inc.
Saccoccio & Associates Architects
Shoreham Bank
A.B. Munroe Dairy Inc.
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Bentley Companies
Cherry & Scott Chun
David & Kelsey Coletta
Delta Dental of Rhode Island
Sarah Denby
DiSanto Priest & Co.
FastSigns
Tortoise Troop Gibbon Gang
Pam & Bill Heffernan
Massage Envy
Miles River Direct
Jack Murray & Lynn Morgan
Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP
Ron & Joanne Patalano
Washington Trust
Wave Federal Credit Union
Accu-Care Supply
Nancy J. Allen
The Angell Pension Group, Inc
Bally’s Twin River Lincoln
Roxanne Beretta - Realtor RE/MAX
Bill Lizotte Architectural Glass & Aluminum
Martha Bouler
Jessica & Peter Chaffee
Club Pilates East Greenwich & Johnston
Deal Electric LLC
Eastern Ice
Ferestien Feed & Farm Supply, Inc.
Meg Ferguson
Jennifer Foster
General Environmental Services
Gilbane Building Company
The Ken Beck Companies
KPMG LLP
Lahlaf Geotechnical Consulting, Inc.
Liberty Cedar, Inc.
Narragansett Brewing Company
Stephen & Melanie Nedder
North-Eastern Tree Service, Inc.
Pier Fish Company
Karen & Stephen Prest
The Reyta’s
R.I. Container Products, Inc.
SDS Disposal, Inc.
Signature Printing
Spirol
David & Jill Wolff
Woodlawn Gardens Florist
Special Thank You
Rhode Island Zoological Society Staff
Roger Williams Park Zoo Staff
Sponsor listing as of 6/25/25
Attention Guests:
Photographs will be taken by Zoo staff during the course of the evening for use in future public relations materials such as our annual report, on-site event promotion posters, invitations, or on social media.
Thanks to these fabulous food and beverage providers!
Event Entry Area / Admissions Plaza
(serving time 5:30-7:30pm)
Hokulia Shave Ice
Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island
Little Rhody Foods (Del’s Lemonade)
Kristi’s Kraftails
Massage Envy
Lower Zoo / Africa
(serving time 6:00-8:30pm)
Hangry Kitchen
Kabob & Curry / Rasa / Rasoi / Chaska
Narragansett Brewing
The Original Italian Bakery
Service System Associates
Snookers Sports Billiards Bar and Grill
Terrazza
Trinity Brewhouse
TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill
Upper Zoo / Rainforest, Upper Plaza, Dessert Tent
(serving time 6:00-9:30pm)
Allini Water Filters
Casa Azul Taqueria
Casamigos Tequila
Corner Market Café
Crumbl Cranston
Del’s Lemonade
Edible Arrangements
GG’s Pretzels
GPub Providence
Gregg’s Restaurants
Hill’s Home Market
Ice Cream Emergency
JA Patty
Legal Sea Foods
Mare Rooftop
McBride’s Pub
Mill’s Tavern
OZ Tacos & Tequila
Proclamation Ale Company
River Falls/Wickford on the Water/ JB’s on the Water
Shake Shack
Starbucks
Suya Joint
Val’s English Tea & Pie Shop
Beverage Providers
Allini Water Filters
Douglas Wine & Spirits
Eastern Ice
Pepsi Bottling Company
Drink Tickets - $4 each
1 ticket Soda/Bottled Water
2 tickets Beer/Wine/RTD Cocktails
3 tickets Zootinis & Mixed Drinks
Zoo VIP
A Behind the Scenes VIP Elephants Encounter Priceless
A Behind-the-Scenes VIP Penguin Encounter at Penguin Point - Priceless
A Behind the Scenes VIP Red Panda Encounter - Priceless
A Behind the Scenes VIP Sloth Encounter - Priceless
7-10 Night Stay in Barbados at The Club Barbados - $3,225 Value
7-10 Night Stay in Panama at Los Establos Boutique Inn $4,350 Value
WINE & BEER BAZAAR
Help support the Zoo and purchase a wine bottle or a pack of beer with a surprise gift certificate valued at $25 or more
There’s still time to bid!
The online auction is open for bidding until Monday, June 30, 12:00 p.m. Visit biddingforgood.com/ rwpzooauction
Don’t forget to save room for desserts near the gift shop Last Call is at 9:45pm Buy your drink tickets before heading to the Zootini Cocktail Bar
Stop by the American Association of Zookeepers booth to learn more about its mission to advance professional animal care and conservation.
2025 Zoobilee Online Auction and Wine & Beer Bazaar Donors
Thank you to the following friends who generously donated unique items for this year’s online auction and wine/beer bottle bazaar.
A.B. Munroe Dairy, Inc.
Adventureland
Aloft Providence
Downtown
The AMP
Andino’s Restaurant
Apponaug Brewing Company
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Avon Cinema
Ballet RI
Bally’s Twin River Lincoln
Basta
Bayside Resort Hotel
Bettola
Blithewold Mansion
Gardens & Arboretum
Block Island Inns
Blount Fine Foods
The Block Island Ferry
Boston College Athletic Department
Boston Red Sox
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The Boston Beer Company
Bradford Portraits
Brewology
The Break
Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant
Buttonwoods Brewery
Canobie Lake Park
Capital Genealogy
Carl M. Freeman Companies
Casa Azul Taqueria
Catering by Dave’s Marketplace
Cedarland Amazement Center
Centerline Pickleball Club
Charles Riverboat Company
Christopher Russell
Cindy Ko Photography
Coast Guard House Restaurant
Coffee Exchange
Comcast Advertising
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
Crazy Burger Cafe & Juice Bar
Dameian Slocum
Daniel Doke Photography
The Darius Inn
Dash Bicycle
Dave & Buster’s of Providence
Del’s Lemonade & Refreshments, Inc.
Denver Zoo
Discovery Museum
Douglas Wine & Spirits
Dunkin Donuts
Durk’s Bar-B-Q EcoTarium
Edaville Family Theme Park
Edible Arrangements
Element Boston Seaport District
Elite Island Resorts
Elizabeth’s Portofino
Endicott Dance
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Margaret J. Ferguson
Flatbread Company
Providence
Foxwoods Resort & Casino/ CAO
Frances Fleet
The Freedom Trail Foundation
Gather Glass
George’s of Galilee
Ghost Tours of Newport, RI
Gooseneck Vineyards
Great Wolf Lodge New England
The Guild Pawtucket
Hartford Yard Goats
Harvard Museums of Science and Culture
Hawthorne Hotel
Pam Heffernan
Hilton Providence
Homewood Suites by Hilton
The House of the Seven Gables
Hy-Line Cruises
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
The Ice Cream Machine
Institute of Contemporary Art Boston
The Industrious Spirits Company
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Jackson Ski Touring Foundation
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Karen Melo Ticas
King Richard’s Faire
La Gondola Providence
Level 99
Luciano’s
Dr. Francois I. Luks
Mare Rooftop
The Mark Twain House & Museum
The Martucci Group
Massage Envy Spa
Montaup Country Club
Mulligan’s Island Golf & Entertainment Center
John & Madeleine Mullen
Jack Murray & Lynn Morgan
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
My Place for Medical
Mystic Seaport Museum
Naples Zoo
Native Plant Trust
New Harvest Coffee Roasters
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
New England Revolution Charitable Foundation
Newport Creamery
Newport Playhouse
Newport Polo
Newport Restaurant Group
Newport Vineyards
Not Your Average Joe’s
Old Sturbridge Village
Old Town Trolley Tours
Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa
Passion for Pumpkins
Pats Peak
Peabody Essex Museum
Pepsi Bottling Company
Presto Strange-o
The Preservation Society of Newport County
Proclamation Ale Company
Providence Bagel
Providence Bruins
Providence Children’s Museum
Providence College
Providence Marriott Downtown
Providence Performing Arts Center
Providence River Boat Company
Providence Swings, Inc.
Providence Tour Company
PVD Food Truck Events
Quality Rental Centers Inc
R1 Indoor Karting
Red Stripe Restaurants
Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School
Ross-Simons Jewelers
Rustigian Rugs
The Rustic Rhode
Sakonnet Vineyards
Salem Witch Museum
Salem Witch Village
Shannon View Inn
Signature Printing, Inc.
Sin Desserts
Spain Restaurant
Spectacle Live
Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Howl at the Moon
Springfield Museums
Story Land
Studio B Salon
Swan Boats of Boston
Sweenor’s Chocolates
Thames and Kosmos
Theatre By The Sea
Tiny Bar
TopGolf
Trader Joe’s
Treetop Adventures
TreeTrails Adventures
Mystic
Triggs Memorial Golf Course
Trinity Repertory Company
TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill
Water Country
Weekapaug Inn
Whisky Mentors
Wonderworks Orlando
Worcester Red Sox
WPRI 12 & Fox Providence
Wright’s Dairy Farm Inc.
Zoo Atlanta
Zoo New England
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Thank You for Your Support!
We are grateful for your presence tonight. It is through your support at events like Zoobilee, that the Zoo is able to contribute to the conservation of our earth’s animals and natural resources.
Because of YOU this year we are able to:
• Create memories for nearly 800,000 guests.
• Provide exceptional medical care to over 125 animal species.
• Bring the Zoomobile to over 6,500 school children last year.
• Share the importance of wildlife conservation with thousands of students who come on field trips, engage with the Zoomobile, partake in virtual programming or participate in internships.
• Provide curriculum appropriate environmental science programming to over 125 schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
• Save animals both locally and globally including the American burying beetle, New England Cottontail, red wolf, Matschie’s tree kangaroo and snow leopard.
Thanks to you, Roger Williams Park Zoo continues to instill a sense of wonder and caring for the natural world in all those who visit.
