The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s (GLAZA) Beastly Ball returns on Saturday, June 3, at the Los Angeles Zoo.
While the Los Angeles Zoo is famous for its menagerie of animals for tourists and locals alike to marvel at, behind the scenes, GLAZA tirelessly works for both the preservation and conservation of some of the world’s most rare and vulnerable species. In order to continue their mission, the zoo holds their annual Beastly Ball to raise funds and further awareness of their cause. This year’s fundraiser, hosted again by comedian Joel McHale, promises to be a wild night of entertainment, education and naturally, some animal encounters
This year, the Beastly Ball will honor GLAZA trustee Diann Kim and posthumously honor City Councilmember “Mr. Los Angeles” Tom LaBonge with the Betty White Conservation Hero award.
LaBonge’s contributions include leading the effort to bring Reggie the alligator to the zoo after being captured in Harbor City’s Lake Machado; building institutional support for the vast, state-of-the-art Elephants of Asia habitat; and playing a pivotal role in the creation of L.A. Zoo Lights, now an annual tradition for Los Angeles’ diverse communities. During his tenure, he also expanded Griffith Park by 500 acres, helping preserve precious wildlife habitat.
As a lawyer and former managing partner at Scheper Kim & Harris LLP, Kim has brought decades of legal expertise and knowledge to her role, helping create GLAZA’s strategic plan. In addition, she has made significant financial contributions through animal naming gifts and a leadership donation that spurred fundraising for the planned Angela Collier Garden at the Zoo.
Guests of the Beastly Ball will travel throughout the zoo, beginning “Down Under” in the Australian section before culminating their evening at the Zoo’s Treetops Terrace. Along the way, they will enjoy food, sweet treats and libations provided by Little Sister, Momed, Yakumi, Luminaries, El Cholo The Original, Pink’s Hot Dogs, and many more while sipping refreshing libations from Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktail Company, WhistlePig Whiskey Co., and Lalo Spirits.
Desserts will then be provided by McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Milk Jar Cookies, John Kelly Chocolates and Krispy Kreme. It’s a beastly feast!
Throughout the evening, guests will be delighted by unique animal feedings, keeper talks, live performances and music. To blend into the theme of the evening, guests are encouraged to wear black and white, with a pop of color!
There will also be a mobile-bidding silent auction with unique and one-of-a-kind items. Guests looking to support the ball can participate in the auction, donate items for auction prior to the ball, make a cash donation or buy tickets to the event!
Beastly Ball tickets are $1,500 per person with sponsorship opportunities available.
GLAZA’s Beastly Ball has raised millions over the years to support the Los Angeles Zoo’s local and global conservation and education initiatives with no signs of slowing down! It is a Los Angeles institution that is not only a staple of the community, but a crucial player in protecting the animals that call this planet home.
To learn more about the Beastly Ball, GLAZA and the various ways you can contribute to animal welfare, visit lazoo.org/beastlyball.
