On the Town: Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn. presents 46th annual Beastly Ball
Close to 1,000 supporters of the Los Angeles Zoo, including Burbank residents and businesses, got pretty darn wild at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn.’s 46th annual Beastly Ball on June 11.
This over-the-top party gives supporters, many who dress in safari-inspired attire, the opportunity to stroll through the zoo after hours observing animals, watching feedings, chatting with keepers, and getting up-close-and-personal with some of the zoo’s “residents.”
The evening also includes entertainment, dancing, dining on bountiful fare provided by popular dining establishments including Burbank’s Simmzey’s and Yummy Cupcakes, bidding on live and silent auction items, and the honoring of those who help in making the zoo’s work possible.
This year’s honorees, longtime association supporters Patricia and Stanley Silver and actor/environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. mixed and mingled with attendees during the evening’s preceremony festivities.
During the evening’s main event, the Silvers were honored for their support of key capital projects at the zoo such as the Children’s Discovery Center, Campo Gorilla Reserve, Elephants of Asia, Red Ape Rain Forest and the Rainforest of the Americas.
Begley was presented with the Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award, which recognizes entertainment industry professionals for outstanding leadership in local or global wildlife and environmental conservation, or for efforts to promote civic pride and harmony in the community.
He is the sixth recipient of the award, joining singer/philanthropist Lance Bass, entertainment industry attorney Ken Ziffren, actresses Pauley Perrette and Sarah Michelle Gellar, and rock icon Slash, who is a zoo association trustee. The award was established in memory of former association Chairman Tom Mankiewicz, a highly regarded film and television writer and director who passed away in 2010.
Burbank was once again well-represented at this year’s ball by numerous residents including U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, actress Carolyn Hennesy, who plays attorney Diane Miller on “General Hospital,” and Jacqueline Lewis, who is the president of the Burbank-based Jacqueline Lewis Productions.
The Beastly Ball raises more than $1 million annually for animal conservation, education and community outreach programs of the landmark zoo and botanical gardens that draws 1.75 million visitors each year.
The home of a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered, the L.A. Zoo is accredited by the Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums, whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare.
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DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
