BEASTLY BASH 2020 A VIRTUAL EVENT
September 12, 2020 7:30–8 pm MNZoo.org/beastlybash
Impossible. When we invest in our communities, we help turn impossible challenges into possible solutions. By sharing, growing, and encouraging, we can create a “can-do” spirit for our communities. Minnesota Zoo Foundation, we proudly celebrate the success of your commitment and service to the community. wellsfargo.com/donations
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Dear Friends, Thank you for joining us for the Minnesota Zoo Foundation’s first virtual Beastly Bash! The Bash is a fun, festive, outdoor event at the Zoo with great food, live music, and lots of animals. Many of you have joined us over the years and together we’ve raised millions to support the Zoo’s amazing and award-winning wildlife programs. While our goals for supporting the Zoo haven’t changed, this year is different for so many reasons, foremost of which is the need to keep our friends, neighbors, and in the Zoo’s case, animals safe by meeting virtually. It is our hope that Saturday night’s program, while different in format, will show you why we love and support our Minnesota Zoo. Although the Zoo was closed for more than three months due to the pandemic, the needs of the animals remained, and our intrepid keepers continued to care for them. The Zoo is a way for people of all ages to connect with the natural world, learn about conservation, and develop empathy for how our actions can impact animals and environments around the world. It is a critical component in instilling children’s interest in science, education, and the environment. Your support is vital to ensure all families in Minnesota will continue to have access to these programs and this amazing zoo. Together, there’s nothing we can’t do. Together, we can build strong connections between people and the natural world, bettering the lives of animals and humans alike. We invite you to join us in keeping the Minnesota Zoo as a natural refuge for generations to come. Join us in being a true Force For Nature. Yours truly,
Charlene Jundt Beastly Bash Chair
John Frawley Zoo Director and Foundation President
BEASTLY BASH 2020—A VIRTUAL EVENT —Be A Force For Nature
BE A FORCE FOR NATURE #TheZooNeedsYou
The Minnesota Zoo offers a window into other worlds. From tree-canopied trails to crisp fresh air and majestic animals, the Zoo has always offered an escape from the routine and fuel for the imagination. Never has that been more important than right now. With smart distancing measures in place, the Minnesota Zoo is a uniquely safe space for people to embrace the wonder of nature. The Minnesota Zoo closed for more than three months and is now able to welcome guests at approximately 25% capacity. The needs of the Minnesota Zoo’s 5,000 animals continue at 100%. To help sustain our cherished Minnesota Zoo, we are turning to you. Will you join us in becoming a Force for Nature through a donation to the Zoo Foundation? This effort is aimed at doubling philanthropic support for the Minnesota Zoo to offset losses due to COVID-19. Your gift will serve to stabilize Zoo operations, ensuring our animals and staff have the resources they need, while continuing to provide an exceptional experience for guests. A generous challenge grant will match new and increased gifts up to $250,000, including your gift during the Beastly Bash. Your gift tonight will have double the impact! Your Zoo needs you. Together, we can protect this amazing Minnesota resource. Will you help keep the Minnesota Zoo a natural wonder for future generations? Join us in being a Force For Nature.
Saving Wildlife, Close To Home
Your investment in the Minnesota Zoo helps reintroduce endangered and threatened Minnesota species back into their native habitats throughout the state. This summer, Zoo conservation biologists have reared Poweshiek skipperlings, Dakota skipper butterflies, wood turtles, and freshwater mussels on site at the Zoo, all of which have been or will be released into the wild this year. As a Zoo supporter, you’re helping give these animals a stronger start to life, which will ultimately help sustain their wild populations. This year, researchers were able to confirm for the first time that Dakota skipper individuals are successfully breeding in the wild—a testament to the importance of this work.
Access for All Minnesotans
Your support during the Beastly Bash will help make the Zoo accessible to all Minnesotans, at a time when we all need to feel a strong connection with nature. While the Zoo experience may be a bit different these days, the awe of staring into a tiger’s eyes and joy of watching a romping bison calf will never change. Magical moments like these are made available free of charge to Minnesotans enrolled in qualifying assistance programs through the Zoo’s Free to Explore initiative, removing economic barriers for more than 100,000 people each year and inspiring them to become Forces For Nature.
BEASTLY BASH 2020—A VIRTUAL EVENT —Be A Force For Nature
SUPPORTING WILDLIFE PRESERVATION The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux C ommunity (SMSC) is a proud sponsor of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation. M aking it a top pri orit y to plan seven generations ahead, the SMSC is c ommitted to suppor ting environmental initiatives and wildlife preser vation effor ts.
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to charitable donations, community partnerships, a healthy environment, and a strong economy.
#SMSCGIVES
2330 Sioux Trail NW, Prior Lake, MN For more on the SMSC, visit shakopeedakota.org
Exceptional Animal Care Animal care never stops. Regardless of the uncertainties of the outside world, Minnesota Zoo staff have continued providing exceptional care to the 5,000 animals that call the Zoo home. Your gifts help supply staff with the necessary tools and resources needed to address unique healthcare needs. This spring, Marais the moose developed ulcers on her feet, so staff worked with an equine farrier to apply specialized metal shoes that helped provide comfort for Marais and supported her healing. Once her gait improved, the shoes were able to be removed. Recent Zoo births include three bison calves, two sets of twin pronghorns, three Asian wild horses, a horn shark, and of course many Farm babies. These births are a testament to the excellent care zookeepers are able to provide, thanks to your support.
BEASTLY BASH 2020—A VIRTUAL EVENT —Be A Force For Nature
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Proud to sponsor: Beastly Bash 2020 Wings Financial World of Birds Show (currently closed, but hope to see you soon!)
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2020 Beastly Bash Committee Emcee
Heather Brown
Event Committee Chair Charlene Jundt
Committee
Anna Boroff Grace Chou Janis Clay Erin Doth Mike Erlandson Tammie Follett Eric Galler Lee Herum Jonathan Herum Dawn Larsen Susan MaCaulay Muffy MacMillan Peter Maritz Katy Marvin Kirchner Mary Ann McNeil Susan Milteer Luke Motschenbacher Sam Capen Muldoon John Neibert Quannah Parker-McGowan Paul Reppenhagen Kyle Roggenbuck Morgan Saliny Jacqui Sharpee Nicole Tentinger
Ex Officio
Aimée Dayhoff John Frawley
We extend our appreciation to the following donors who committed their support in advance of the Beastly Bash at the $500 VIP level and above— thank you! Irene Andersen Bill Bednarczyk Judy & Bob Blumquist Erin & Bob Boerschel Alyssa Browne Juliann Brown-Price & Mark Price Maegan Buckler & Tim Hannagan Al & Toni Cady Jim & Carmen Campbell Kelcia & Patrick Cannon The Cargill Foundation Wenlan Cheng & Peter Lee Grace Chou & Jason Suss Tammy Cohen Kathy & Kip Colwell Ellie Crosby Ken & Linda Cutler Edward & Sherry Ann Dayton Marc & Nicole Dockter Chet & Sharon Ellingson Dale, Kiki, Paloma, & Tessa Erickson Dawn & Mike Erlandson Sarah & Jason Feipel Dave Frazier Jennifer & Stephen Frenz Brenda & Jon Furlow Vicki & Phil Gaarder Eric & Tammy Galler Susan Gerstner & Dan Carlsen Blake & Lori Grams Virginia & Alan Grant AJ Griffith Marian & Ray Gritche Debby & Joel Hendrickson Nicole & Shannon Henry Lee & Jonathan Herum Debra Hoffmann & Wiley Sharp Kelly Holcomb Barbara Jackson Julia & Justin Jenkins LJ & Judy Johnson Mark Johnson, Corriann Huston, & Rochelle Kuechle Elizabeth & Eric Jolly Charlene Jundt & Peter Maritz
BEASTLY BASH 2020—A VIRTUAL EVENT —Be A Force For Nature
Katie Jundt Mai-Anh Kapanke John & Paula Kelly James & Michelle King Chuck & Jill Koosmann Dave & Ann Koppe Ross Kramer Matthew Kreilich Michael Kuenster Julie Kunkel & Thomas Hall Mark & Dawn Larsen Mary Ann McNeil & David Higgins Susan & Richard Milteer Tim Mulcahy & Cate Curry Christopher & Amanda Mulfinger Dave & Nancy Nordmeyer David & Billie Novy Emily Odland Quannah Parker-McGowan & Conor Green Kent Peterson & Kristina Villones Kosal Prum Scott & Denise Ramsdale Sarah Ray & Jean Sweeney Andrew Reichow Bob & Celeste Rekieta Jeannine Rivet & Warren Herreid Clint & Lisa Roberts Katie & Kyle Roggenbuck Dan & Kari Rominski Sandra Scherb Kelly & Pete Shelquist Cally & Chris Swanson Nancy Sweet Jean Taylor Brenda & Mark Teats Teresa & Patrick Tebbe John & Sarah Thomason Elizabeth & Manuel Villafana Alyssa & Ryan Vink John & Deborah Wagner Thomas Webster & Zachary Hardin Patrick & Heidi Wight
Thanks To This Year’s Beastly Bash Sponsors…
BEASTLY BASH 2020 A VIRTUAL EVENT Become A Force For Nature
Minnesota Zoo Board Chair
Minnesota Zoo Foundation Board Chair
Vice Chair
Vice Chair
Board Members
Board Members
Charlene Briner Eric Galler
Anna Boroff Al Cady Grace Chou Ken Cutler Mike Erlandson Randall Flick Robert Freeman Ryan Gage Kerry Hanifl Leigh “LJ” Johnson Chuck Koosmann Rahul Koranne Rob Marlotte D. Scott McGurl Luke Motschenbacher Quannah Parker-McGowan Kent Peterson Heather Rein Richard S. Vogel Chang Wang Todd Watchmaker Frank Weidner
Ex-officio John Frawley, Zoo Director
Aimée D. Dayhoff Joe Ravens
Ellie Crosby Chad Dayton Louis Doth Chet Ellingson Suzanne Gappa John Geisler Blake Grams Bill Gray Ed Heffernan Charlene Jundt Joe Kalkman Mark Larsen Lori Marco Mark Mortenson Timothy Mulcahy Samantha Capen Muldoon Paul Reppenhagen David Schmidt Jennifer Shomenta Maki Jean Taylor
Ex-officio
John Frawley, Foundation President