Banana Ball to Benefit Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

Feel like a little monkeying around for a good cause?

The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary will be holding its Annual Banana Ball on Oct. 6 to raise money for a new medical resource center (read more here).  

The medical resource center will have many features that would benefit the community, including-

• Lecture Hall available for public use
• Teaching Classrooms for veterinary students
• Full-time veterinary clinic that will be open to the public 
• Ecology library
• Gift shop
• Hurricane shelter

The Banana Ball will be held at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater and will include dinner with a live and silent auction. Organizers say you're welcome to wear your prettiest jungle attire. The theme is tropical, and costumes are encouraged, but optional.   

Here's what you need to know-

• Saturday, Oct. 6
• Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, (727) 791-7400
• Silent Auction & Cash Bar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 
• Dinner & Live Auction at 7:45 p.m.
• $50 per person. Tickets are available on the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary website.
• Special VIP packages available

The Palm Harbor-based Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is run by an all-volunteer staff who take in and care for exotic animals that no longer have appropriate homes. More than 70 animals live there including chimpanzees, orangutans, monkeys, reptiles, tropical birds, and more.

The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is located at 4600 Alt. 19, Palm Harbor (727) 943-5897.