2016 Beastly Feast Presented by Ford Motor Company Fund

ATLANTA, GA -- One of Atlanta’s most anticipated black-tie galas returns on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at The Beastly Feast to benefit Zoo Atlanta. Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, serves as the event’s Presenting Sponsor, marking 31 years of consecutive support from the company.

The Beastly Feast, which has raised millions in operating funds for Zoo Atlanta’s conservation and education programs, is the Zoo’s most significant fundraiser of the year. The 2016 theme is Elegant Elephants: A Night to Never Forget, highlighting the majesty of Earth’s largest living land mammal, the African elephant, and the future of elephant care and conservation that is a focus of the Zoo’s “Grand New View: Elephants, Events and Expansion” campaign.

“The Beastly Feast is the most important fundraiser of the year for Zoo Atlanta, and this year’s event is more important than ever before. The proceeds and awareness raised on this single evening have the potential to ensure the Zoo’s place in a new category of leadership, stewardship and excellence in animal care, conservation and education,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “We’re very grateful to our friends at Ford Motor Company for their astounding record of longtime support for this event.”

Gigi Rouland serves as the 2016 Beastly Feast Chair. Beastly Feast Executive Committee members are Décor Chair Tony Brewer; Hospitality Co-Chair Beth Kytle Chandler; Patron Chair Sandra Edwards; Hospitality Co-Chair Matthew Simon; and local Ford Motor Company representative Mark A. Street.

“The long-term partnership between Ford Motor Company and Zoo Atlanta has not only brought the people of Atlanta wildlife discovery destinations such as the Zoo’s Ford African Rain Forest and Living Treehouse, but it has supported sponsored admissions for thousands of underserved children,” said Mark A. Street, who also serves on the Zoo’s Board of Directors. “I encourage our city’s corporate and community leaders to lend their support to an event that creates possibilities, not just for Zoo Atlanta but for the people of Atlanta and Georgia.”

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from some of Atlanta’s finest restaurants and an evening stroll of the Zoo, followed by a seated dinner and dancing in the Zoo’s Ford Pavilion, which will be themed by the creative talents of Tony Brewer & Company. A notable highlight of the event is its silent auction, featuring art, jewelry, antiques, home décor, travel opportunities, boxes at sporting and cultural events, exclusive Zoo experiences and much more.