Governor, County Exec. to Host Turtle Back Zoo's 50th Anniversary Event

Gov. Christie and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. host the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Gold Tie 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which takes place Wednesday evening at West Orange's Pleasantdale Chateau.

As part of the celebration, a number of community business leaders will be honored for their support of the zoo: philanthropists Raymond G. Chambers and Ronald J. Mount, Investors Bank President and CEO Kevin Cummings, retired Prudential Insurance President and CEO Arthur F. Ryan, Appaloosa Management founder and Livingston resident David Tepper and Marc E. Berson, chairman of the Fidelco Group.

Gov. Christie is serving as the event's honorary chair;  Barnabas Health Chairman Barry Ostrowsky is chairing the dinner. All proceeds raised for Wednesday's gala dinner will be used to develop a new education and entrance building at Turtle Back Zoo.

The Pleasantdale Chateau is located at 757 Eagle Rock Ave. in West Orange. The event begins with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. The awards program and dinner follow at 7:30 p.m.