grown, and we now have more than 25 of the beloved marsupials. When Conrad learned that the Zoo was looking for a lead gift to build a new complex for Australian animals, he was intrigued. As he reminds us, “You know that quote, ‘I’ve never met an animal I didn’t like’? I’ve always had that feeling. There’s just something about bonding with animals.” On May 22, Conrad and his partner, Debbie Turner, will attend the first of several exhibit openings. A portal flanked with Aboriginal-inspired pillars will welcome Zoo guests and members to the Conrad Prebys Australian Outback. Then animal sculptures, graphics, and artifacts will lead you to the heart of the complex, where a Queenslander-style koala care center sits amid a eucalyptus grove the koalas will call home. While Conrad is proud to have his name associated with the San Diego Zoo, he sees some wonderful things coming with his gifts to renovate older exhibits, especially guests enjoying the new areas and other donors joining his philanthropic example. “I can’t think of a more fun thing to do than helping those in your community: it’s so rewarding, and it’s therapeutic.” With a life philosophy like this, it’s no wonder that Conrad’s humble beginnings have led to incredible personal and professional success, making him the standard bearer for generosity and philanthropic spirit in the zoo world. n
Rend ez vous In The Zoo
R• I • T•Z 2013 30TH Anniversary
Saturday, June 15, 2013 6:30 p.m. until midnight Honorary Chairs:
Audrey S. Geisel and Dragon & Don Sherman
Co-Chairs:
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
These individuals represent the past, present, and future of the Zoological Society of San Diego. Their spirit of generosity has and will sustain our mission. Because of this exceptional support, we are honored to include them in our Circle of Friends.
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE DIAMOND Thomas and Alba Tull
You can help secure the future for wildlife!
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE GOLD
Jane Fetter, JJ Fetter, and Margi Fetter Graham
Tickets:
$450 per guest $900 per guest for R•I•T•Z Circle seating For tickets, please contact Marilyn Neumann, R•I•T•Z reservation chair, at 619-287-5435 or sdzooritz@gmail.com.
Harry and Judith Collins Tom and Berit Durler Don and Dragon Sherman
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE SILVER
Mary Jane and Robert G. Engman
COLLEAGUE’S CIRCLE
Jerry M. Harrington Dick and Pam Jackson Richard and Carol Sullivan
TRUSTEE’S CIRCLE
Nan C. and Gery S. Katona Joseph and Suzanne Oliver Brian and Joy Place Charles and Beverly Rikel
BENEFACTOR’S CIRCLE
Marian Frank John and Jill Gartman
To reach a Circle of Friends representative, please call 619-231-1515, option 2, ext. 4421.
Heritage Guild By creating a Charitable Gift Annuity or leaving the Zoological Society of San Diego in your will or trust, you can help protect wildlife. To receive more information, please call 619-744-3352 or visit our website at
www.zoolegacy.org.
R•I•T•Z 2013 Challenge For every dollar donated, our honorary chairs will match it 3 for 1, up to $1.5 million to benefit lemurs and the Zoo’s new Madagascar exhibit.
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