Zoobilee! Party with a Purpose 2026 Program

Presented by

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Dear Zoobilee Guests, Thank you for joining us for Zoobilee 2026! It is a joy to welcome you to this Party with a Purpose, to enjoy a beautiful evening together, sample a rainbow of culinary delights, and …oh, by the way… support the mission and activity of your Roger Williams Park Zoo. Zoobilee has always been about our shared passion for conserving wildlife and wild places, and your presence tonight has an impact on the Zoo team’s ability to achieve those goals. As you meet the human and animal ambassadors tonight, we hope you will learn things that make you say, “Wow!” as well as those that make you think, “Hmmm.” You’ll meet a few critters that you haven’t seen up close before, and then you’ll encounter species you probably live with, like the Canines for Conservation, whose talents and skills will certainly surprise and inspire you. Of course, you’ll engage in conversation with a Zoo team eager to fill you in on their adventures and projects, too.

Tonight, VIP hour inaugurates the Zoo’s new Event Pavilion, next door to the brand-new Conservation Learning Center, where you get to groove with the Fisher Jazz Trio while our food and beverage partner, SSA, presents a variety of treats that will be available when you rent this amazing new facility for your own special event!

We are glad you chose to be here, and we’re grateful for your support. It’s no easy feat to plan and present the Party with a Purpose, and we certainly could not accomplish it without all the restaurants and beverage purveyors who so generously provide all the food and drink. Please be sure to tell them you are glad they’re here, too!

Thank you to Beacon Bank, our presenting sponsor. We are proud to partner with them every day, not just at Zoobilee.

Last, but not least, I applaud and thank the Zoobilee Ambassadors, along with the incomparable RWPZoo team – staff and volunteers – who make this evening happen. You are all truly the best!

Cheers!

Stacey Johnson Rhode Island Zoological Society, Executive Director

Dear Guests, Welcome to the 34th annual Zoobilee – Party with a Purpose!

Thank you for joining us for an unforgettable evening where exceptional food, live entertainment, and extraordinary wildlife come together in support of Roger Williams Park Zoo. Zoobilee is one of Rhode Island’s premier fundraising events, bringing together local restaurants, beverage partners, sponsors, and supporters to celebrate our shared commitment to conservation, education, and animal care.

Tonight marks the culmination of months of planning and the debut of our new Event Pavilion for VIP guests. As you explore the Zoo, you’ll encounter our talented four-legged friends from Canines for Conservation, meet some of our animal ambassadors, and enjoy an evening of music and dancing with the talented local band, GQ and the Lady.

The future of your Zoo is bright. Thanks to supporters like you, the new Conservation Learning Center is nearing completion and will soon become a hub for learning, exploration, and discovery. This fall, the Center will welcome its first family programs, and next summer it will serve as a home base for over 2000 Zoo Camp participants. This exciting new space will provide innovative environmental education opportunities and inspire learners of all ages to become the next generation of conservation leaders.

Your generosity tonight helps provide outstanding care for the animals who call the Zoo home, create meaningful educational experiences for our community, and advance conservation efforts both here in Rhode Island and around the world. Every ticket purchased, auction bid placed, and donation made tonight helps advance the Zoo’s mission.

Events like Zoobilee are only possible because of the dedication of many individuals.

On behalf of the Development Committee, I extend my sincere gratitude to our Zoobilee Ambassadors, Zoo staff, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors for making tonight possible.

Thank you for supporting Roger Williams Park Zoo. I hope you enjoy this special evening and celebrate knowing that your participation helps ensure a thriving future for wildlife and our community.

See you on the dance floor!

Warm regards,

Claire Carrabba Claire Carrabba, Esq.

Chair, Development Committee Trustee, Rhode Island Zoological Society

Program Of Events 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

VIP Early Admission & Welcome Reception Admissions Plaza VIPS & Sponsors enjoy a complimentary welcome pour of prosecco. (New for 2026) Event Pavilion Tent (New for 2026) Be among the first to experience the Zoo’s new Event Pavilion while enjoying: • Live music by the Fisher Jazz Trio • Delicious bites from the Zoo’s exclusive caterer, SSA • Opening remarks by Stacey Johnson, Executive Director

7:00 p.m.

General Admission Opens

Events Not To Be Missed!

6:00 – 7:45 p.m.

Animal Encounters Meet fascinating ambassador animals throughout the Lower & Upper Zoo.

6:00 – 7:45 p.m.

Canine Champions for Conservation Meet & Greet (New for 2026) Visit Penguin Point to meet our high-flying canine performers and their trainers.

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Main Stage Entertainment 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Welcome: Tony Petrarca – WPRI Chief Meteorologist GQ & The Lady Enjoy a vibrant mix of music and dancing under the tent.

9:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Dance Party Continues with GQ & The Lady Keep the celebration going with more great music and dancing.

9:15 p.m.

Last Call at Main Bar (soft drinks and water served from 9:30 – 10:00 p.m.)

Botanical Wall Photo Experience Capture a ‘gram-worthy photo near the Main Bar, courtesy of LeCru Rentals.

6:00 – 9:45 p.m. (or until sold out) Fork Pull (New for 2026) Try your luck for a chance to win incredible prizes.

Quantities are limited!

6:45 – 7:45 p.m.

Up-Close Animal Encounters Get face-to-face with extraordinary animals on the Faces of the Rainforest Plaza.

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Presenting Sponsor

Elephant Entourage

Snow Leopard League Janci Foundation Dominic Ruscetta Family Trust

Sponsor listing as of 6/23/26

Bison Brigade Domenic & Sandy Coletta Betsey Kilmartin Joanne M. Quinn S

Tree Kangaroo Crew Arthur & Catch

Dimeo Construction Company

Bank Newport

First Hartford Realty Corp.

The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company

Parsons Capital Management, Inc.

Cherry & Scott Chun

Wave Federal Credit Union

Coastline Trust Company

The Philmoney Trust

Gibbon Gang Del’s Lemonade / Anthony DePalma

The Mayforth Group

Delta Dental of Rhode Island

Miles River Direct

Sarah Denby

Narragansett Brewing Company

Fast Signs

Page & Parlour

The Glocker Family

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP

Happy Birthday Mom! (Take 2)

Tortoise Troop Nancy J. Allen

North-Eastern Tree Service, Inc.

Anchor Forensic Pathology

Pier Fish Company

Bally’s Twin River Lincoln

Ann Potter

Bock Foundation

Karen & Stephen Prest

Jessica & Peter Chaffee

The Raytas

Eastern Ice

Paige Robinson & Chris Buttermelon

Ferestien Feed & Farm Supply, Inc.

Roxanne Beretta - RE/MAX

Meg Ferguson

SDS Disposal, Inc.

General Environmental Services

Ted & Sue Seager

Jim & Lexy Hager

Althea & Bailey Shaheen

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Signature Printing

Pam & Bill Heffernan

Elizabeth Taylor-Samos

KPMG LLP

Zachary & Abigail Trayers

Lahlaf Geotechnical Consulting, Inc.

Michelle Viveiros & Brian Chaignot

Patrick T. LeBeau

Thomas Watson & Carlo Oddo

Liberty Cedar, Inc.

David & Jill Wolff

Mark & Chris

Woodlawn Gardens

The Nedder Family

Special Thank You Rhode Island Zoological Society Staff Roger Williams Park Zoo Staff

Sponsor listing as of 6/23/26

!

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.

Your Generous Support Makes a Difference!

• engaging and educating the public • • bringing the wonder of wildlife to the community • • saving threatened and endangered species •

PLAZA

Thanks to these fabulous food and beverage providers!

Admissions Plaza

(serving 6:00 - 7:00pm) Gooseneck Vineyards Polar Beverages

VIP Pavilion Tent

(serving 6:00 - 7:00pm) The SSA Group at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Lower Zoo / Africa

(serving time 6:00 - 8:30pm) CHOP Hangry Kitchen Indian Restaurant Group Chaska, Kabob & Curry, Rasa, Rasoi Narragansett Brewery NAVAD Bakers Polar Beverages Ten Prime Seafood Terrazza Restaurant The Catering Gourmet The Original Italian Bakery The SSA Group at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Beverage Providers Douglas Wine & Spirits Eastern Ice Pepsi Bottling Company

Upper Zoo / Rainforest Plaza / Dessert Tent (serving time 6:00-9:30pm) 13 Stars Hot Sauce Casa Azul Taqueria Corner Market Café Crumbl Cranston Del’s Lemonade Edible Arrangements Flatbread Company Providence Gather Café Gregg’s Restaurants Hill’s Home Market Ice Cream Emergency JA Patty Le Petit Pouf Legal Sea Foods Mare Rooftop Martucci Group McBride’s Pub Sarcastic Sweets Shake Shack Starbucks Coffee Company The Elliotte Events & Catering Two Ten Oyster Bar & Grill

Drink Tickets - $4 each 1 ticket 2 tickets 3 tickets

Soda/Bottled Water Beer/Wine/Mocktails Zootinis & Mixed Drinks

Don’t miss out!

Bid on these exciting items!

The online auction is open for bidding until Monday, June 29, 12:30 p.m.

Visit biddingforgood.com/rwpzooauction

Sports

Boston Bruins Autographed Hockey Puck - Priceless

Patriots VIP Game Day Experience for Four - $1,200.00 Estimated Value

New England Revolution Club Level Experience for Six $790.00 Estimated Value

Four Tickets to a 2026 RIFC Home Match $120.00 Estimated Value

Zoo VIP Experiences

A Behind the Scenes VIP Bison Encounter Priceless

A Behind the Scenes VIP Giraffe Encounter - Priceless

A Behind-the-Scenes VIP Penguin Encounter at Penguin Point - Priceless

Ultimate VIP Zoo Director’s Tour & Lunch Experience for Four Priceless

Get-Aways

A Wicked Getaway to Historic Salem - $700.00 Estimated Value

Block Island Ferry & Dinner Package $91.00 Estimated Value

Don’t miss out!

Bid on these exciting items!

Get-Aways

Luxury Adults-Only Escape to Antigua - $5,700.00 Estimated Value

One Night Stay at Weekapaug Inn with Breakfast $750.00 Estimated Value

Entertainment

An Evening of Theatre at Trinity Rep $135.00 Estimated Value

Los Lonely Boys Live + Main Street Coffee & Cocktails $165.00 Estimated Value

Two Tickets to a Summer Musical at Theatre By The Sea $192.00 Estimated Value

A Night on Broadway at PPAC for 2 $170.00 Estimated Value

What you need to know: WINE & BEER FORK PULL Help support the Zoo and purchase a wine bottle or a pack of beer with a mystery gift certificate valued at $25 or more

There’s still time to bid!

The online auction is open for bidding until Monday, June 29, 12:30 p.m. Visit biddingforgood.com/ rwpzooauction

Take a selfie with the Zoo’s 250th parade float!

Don’t forget to save room for desserts near the gift shop

Last Call is at 9:15pm

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.

2026 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.

Andino’s Restaurant

Cindy Ko Photography

GourmetGiftBaskets.com

Apponaug Brewing Company

Cocktail Hour Essentials

Hartford Yard Goats

Coffee Exchange

Harvard Museums of Science and Culture

Audubon Society of Rhode Island Avon Cinema

Cumulus Media Daniel Doke Photography Dash Bicycle

Cathy Azzoli Bayside Resort Hotel Big Man Kitchen Black Oak Restaurant Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum Bloom Patisserie The Block Island Ferry Boston Professional Hockey Association

Dave & Buster’s of Providence Del’s Lemonade & Refreshments, Inc. Samir Dhamija Douglas Wine & Spirits EcoTarium Edible Arrangements Elizabeth’s Portofino Endicott Dance

Bromley Mountain Button Hole Short Course & Teaching Center Cabot Creamery Cooperative

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat The Farmer’s Daughter Fish Co.

Capital Genealogy Cardi’s Furniture Co. Casa Azul Taqueria Catering by Dave’s Marketplace

Flatbread Company Providence Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Foxwoods Resort Casino

Cedarland Amazement Center Charles Riverboat Company Chaska / Rasa / Rasoi / Kabob & Curry

Frances Fleet The Freedom Trail Foundation

Kathy Haronian Hawthorne Hotel Homewood Suites by Hilton Hot Club Hy-Line Cruises Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises Elisa Iacono-Mears Iggy’s In The Pink Inked Restaurant Group Institute of Contemporary Art Boston International Tennis Hall of Fame Jackson Ski Touring Foundation JA Patty Jayd Bun John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Jordan’s Jungle

Gamm Theatre

Kaplan Tutoring Services, Inc.

Gather Glass

Knead Doughnuts

George’s of Galilee

La Gondola Providence

The auction is open until Monday, June 29 at 12:30pm.

Visit biddingforgood.com/rwpzooauction to place your bid!

Launch Trampoline Park

Old Sturbridge Village

Southwick’s Zoo

Legal Sea Foods

Outback Steakhouse

Spectacle Live

Level 99

Pastiche Fine Desserts

Story Land

Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery

Patriot Place

Studio B Salon

Pats Peak

Swan Boats of Boston

Peabody Essex Museum

Sweenor’s Chocolates

Pepsi

Tandem Designworks, Inc.

Planning for Good

Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery

Luciano’s Dr. Francois I. Luks Macera’s Italian Restaurant Main Street Coffee Mare Rooftop

The Preservation Society of Newport County

Mary Originals

Providence Bruins

Theatre By The Sea

The Mark Twain House & Museum

Providence College

TLC Coffee Roasters

Providence Performing Arts Center

TopGolf

Massachusetts Audubon Society Mastery Martial Arts Meritage Restaurant

Providence River Boat Company Quonset Tavern on the Green

Mews Tavern Montaup Country Club Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

R1 Indoor Karting Rhed’s Hot Sauce Rhode Island Comic Con

Museum of Science

Rhode Island Football Club

My Place for Medical

Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Naples Zoo NBC 10 New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill New England Revolution Charitable Foundation New Harvest Coffee Roasters Newport Polo Newport Restaurant Group Newport Vineyards Normandy Farms Odeum Theater

Terrazza

Treetop Adventures Trinity Repertory Company University of Rhode Island - Department of Athletics Water Country Weekapaug Inn Whaler’s Brewing Company White Dog Distilling Wicked Tulips Willow Tree

RI Food Fights

Wonderworks Orlando

RISD Museum

Woodlawn Gardens Florist

Rock Spot Climbing Gym

Woodstock Inn & Resort

Salem Witch Museum

Worcester Red Sox

Salem Witch Village

WPRI 12 & Fox Providence

The Sandwich Hut

Wright’s Farm Restaurant

Save The Bay, Inc.

Yip Fitness

ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers, Inc.

Zoo Atlanta

Sheraton Boston Hotel Siena Restaurant

Zoo New England ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Dameian Slocum

The auction is open until Monday, June 29 at 12:30pm.

Visit biddingforgood.com/rwpzooauction to place your bid!

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 700,000 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.

2026 Zoobilee Ambassadors CHAIR Claire Carrabba, Esq.

Cathy Azzoli

Corrie Ignagni

Sara Beatrice

Stacey Johnson

Allison Carvalho

Judy Lockard

Sandra L. Coletta

Damaris Messina

Bob Conrad

John H. Mullen

Samir Dhamija

Jack Murray

Bayley Forshee

Ron Patalano

Jennifer Foster

Miguel Rodriguez

Elizabeth Grover

Vicki Scharfberg

Kathy Haronian

Dameian Slocum, Ed.D

Pamela W. Heffernan

Tempie Thompson

Elisa Iacono-Mears

Sara Walsh

Presented by

Saturday, June 29, 2024 Saturday, June 29, 2024

Zootini Cocktail Bar

Here’s your once-a-year chance to enjoy a Magical Monkey Margarita or a Sloth Sun Tea at the Zootini Bar! All proceeds from the Zootini bars benefit the Roger Williams Park Zoo. So, have a great time (responsibly) while helping out a worthy cause.

Donated by Douglas Wine & Spirits

Wine & Beer Fork Pull

Purchase a bottle of wine or a pack of beer for $45 and win a gift certificate guaranteed to be valued at $25. But most are worth much more! Do you want to win a gift certificate to area restaurants?

Then pick up a bottle or a pack (or two) to win!

Groove to the GQ & The Lady Saturday, June 29, 2024

Put on your boogie shoes and dance the night away with the Ultimate Party Band!

Presented by