A large white tent gleaming with multicolored lights in the midst of the expansive Lincon Park Zoo, surrounded by lions, tigers, was the scene for over 500 of Chicago’s young, fun and affluent. They arrived in Ubers, Hailos, Audis, Hondas and Range to attend the Lincoln Park Zoo Auxiliary Board’s fundraiser-ZooOlogie, co-chaired by Stephanie Eisel, Michelle Retzlaff and Dana Snodgrass, their largest fundraiser and a marquee event on the junior board social calendar.
The weather was quite cooperative compared to what it was few days prior leaving guests able to wear their choice of outfits which ranged from 3 piece suited gents to ball gowns to body con cocktail dresses, some of which made our Best Dressed On The Scene.
Upon entering guests could partake in the step and repeat and were greeted with different food stations from ZooOlogie participating restaurants such as Rockit Ranch’s Ay Chiwowa!
Down a walkway to the “main mall” the actual party was now in view with multi colored lights, a jamming band and a packed room lined with culinary experience from restaurants such as Wow Bao, Sunda, Two, Karyns, Seasons 52, Ruth’s Chris and Hubbard Inn. There were well placed bars serving your drink of choice as well as specialty cocktail stations from Milagro tequila and Hendricks Gin.
Tucked away up the stairs was the VIP lounge that featured a more robust bar, Balvenie scotch tastings as well as some makeup giveaways courtesy of Trish McEvoy.
Hannah Costigan, Chris Tinsley, Eliot Hellman
It was not all drinking and dancing as the night was a fundraiser to help continue sustaining the Lincoln Park Zoo which remains free 365/year to guests and welcomes about 3.5million visitors each year. The money raised by the Auxiliary Board is specifically designated to the zoo’s operating costs, which help feed the animals, maintain animal exhibits and continue education initiatives and world renowned conservation programs and research. Lucky guest Eliot Hellman was one of the raffle winners of the night.
In between the band Spoken Four playing and DJ Rock City the music had guests on the dancefloor all night.
Were you spotted on the scene at ZooOlogie? Check out our facebook page HERE for more photos.
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