Essex County Turtle Back Zoo to hold 60th Anniversary Gala

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and The Zoological Society of New Jersey will host the 60th Anniversary Gala of Essex County Turtle Back Zoo on Tuesday, May 2nd at The Park Savoy in Florham Park. The organization’s largest fundraiser of the year typically attracts more than 300 corporate, civic and philanthropic leaders. This year’s honorees are Tammy Murphy, First Lady of New Jersey; Ralph A. LaRossa, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer, PSE&G; Mark Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health; and Charles F. Lowrey, Chairman and CEO, Prudential Financial.

This year’s theme, “Reaching New Heights,” celebrates the transformation of Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and the Zoological Society of New Jersey’s commitment to planting 12,000 trees in high need areas both locally and abroad. The evening begins at 6:00pm with a reception featuring up-close animal encounters and photo opportunities with many of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. The awards program and silent auction will follow the cocktail reception.

Keeping with the evening’s “Reaching New Heights” theme, the décor of trees and plants will be available for purchase. All donations from the gala support the Zoo by providing necessary funds for the revitalization of the on-grounds Barry H. Ostrowsky Animal Wellness Center. Its unique design will transform the hospital into the ultimate teaching tool, enabling visitors to watch animals receive medical treatments and undergo procedures. This will help Turtle Back Zoo raise awareness about the extreme efforts it takes to protect its animal family and demonstrate its commitment to providing the highest level of care.

The silent auction will feature one-of-a-kind experiences including a private dinner for up to 12 guests featuring classic and traditional Italian food from David De Lucia. Chef De Lucia is from Pietrasanta, in the province of Lucca (Tuscany). After studying at the Istituto Alberghiero “G. Minuto” in Marina di Massa, De Lucia trained professionally in various restaurants along the Versilia coast. The most critical and intense experience was De Lucia’s 10 years at La Magnolia of the Hotel Byron in Forte Dei Marmi, which culminated with a Michelin Star in 2012. In 2016, De Lucia started working at Casa Lever for Sant Ambroeus Hospitality Group serving as executive chef for five years. During this time, he placed on the top 10 at the James Beard Awards for the “Pastificio di Martino” Pasta competition. Now a private chef in Manhattan, Chef David De Lucia has returned to the kitchen and personally prepares everything that is served at the table.

Additional items highlighted in the silent auction include sports memorabilia, tickets to PNC Arts Center and Paper Mill Playhouse, a foursome at Forest Hill Field Club, behind the scenes tour of Jenkinson's Aquarium and a "Family of 5" package to Jenkinson's Boardwalk.

Sponsorships and tickets are available. For more information, call 862.253.1093 or email acaserta@zoologicalsocietyofnj.org or visit zoologicalsocietyofnj.org/gala/