Chicago Zoological Soceity Hosts 34th Annual Whirl at Brookfield Zoo

Submitted by the Chicago Zoological Society. Photos 1 and 2 by Jim Schulz of Chicago Zoological Society. Photo 3 by Kelly Tone of Chicago Zoological Society, decor by Flower Firm.

The Women’s Board and Board of Trustees of the Chicago Zoological Society will be hosting the 34th annual Whirl at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, April 25.

This year’s theme is Wild Wild Whirl in celebration of the zoo’s new exciting exhibit: Hamill Family Wild Encounters, which is scheduled to open this summer. The gala’s co-chairs are Hinsdale residents Romana Malinowski and Sarah Opler and Women’s Board president Kay Guyette of Chicago.

The annual fundraiser will begin with a cocktail reception, during which guests will have the unique opportunity to get up close to and mingle with a variety of amazing exotic creatures, some that will be featured when the new exhibit opens, including a two-toed sloth, serval, wallaby, great horned owl, and Major Mitchell’s cockatoo. Animal care staff from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will be bringing some amazing critters as well.

A three-course dinner catered by Jewell Events Catering and dancing to the music of Maggie Speaks will follow in the Grand Tent, which will be spectacularly decorated by The Flower Firm.

During the evening, guests will be able to support the Society and its education, conservation, and research programs by participating in a paddle raise, raffle, and live auction featuring fabulous items to bid on. These items include a trip to South Africa; tickets to a Chicago Bears game and dinner in the underwater viewing area at Brookfield Zoo’s Great Bear Wilderness; a chance to name one of the zoo’s animals; and a pair Miseno “Sea Leaf” drop earrings in 18K white gold with diamonds totaling 1.60 carats, courtesy of one of the Whirl’s generous sponsors: A. Marek Fine Jewelry. The evening’s emcee will be Eric Ferguson of the Eric and Kathy Mornings show on The Mix 101.9 FM.

Proceeds from this year’s Whirl will support the animals at Brookfield Zoo, as well as the Chicago Zoological Society’s conservation and education programs.

The Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society supports community outreach such as school sponsorships and provides financial assistance for animal care, conservation programs, and special projects. This Board has supported Brookfield Zoo since 1992, and its membership of approximately 85 women represents the entire Chicago area.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for Brookfield Zoo’s innovative, naturalistic, multispecies exhibits and for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. For further information, visit www.CZS.org.

Photo 1: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Keepers with cheetah, Susan Crown and Chicago Zoological Society Chairman of the Board of Trustees William C. Kunkler III of Chicago

Photo 2: 2014 Whirl Chair Rosa Ebling of Chicago, Barbara Kowalski and Chairman of the Board and CEO of Tiffany & Co. Michael Kowalski of New York, Lou Ebling of Chicago

Photo 3: Grand Dinner tent of Around the Whirl in 80 Years

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