Minnesota Zoo Celebrates 26 Years of The Beastly Ball

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Apple Valley, MINN – April 18, 2014 – The Minnesota Zoo will host the 26^th annual Beastly Ball  “Round and Round, Up and Down” on Saturday, April 26, 2014.  The Beastly Ball is the largest fund-raising gala for the Zoo, which has raised more than $6 million since its inception and supports the Zoo’s award-winning conservation and education programs.

The theme for this year’s Beastly Ball is “Round and Round, Up and Down,” in celebration of the Zoo’s new Conservation Carousel, opening this summer. This year’s wild event is chaired by Minnesota Zoo Trustee Aimée Dayhoff, a Shareholder at Winthrop & Weinstine.  WCCO TV celebrity Jason DeRusha will emcee the Ball which will honor Michael M. Parish and his fiancé Kori Ann Sondreal, who are serving as the Honorary Chairs.

The Beastly Ball black-tie or 60s’ retro gala’ event includes a live and silent auction featuring unique items, including one-of-a-kind Zoo experiences, theatre and sports tickets, children’s baskets, and dining certificates. Guests also may purchase $20 tickets to win a 2014 Toyota Prius, donated by your Twin Cities Toyota Dealers.  Tickets for the car also are available at the Zoo’s Guest Services counter throughout the summer.  The winning ticket will be drawn on August 29.  Only 2,500 tickets will be sold. The 2014 Beastly Ball also includes a reception, gourmet dinner, and dancing to The High and Mighty Band. Valet parking for the event is available.

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. Open year round, the Zoo is one of the State’s premier cultural attractions serving 1.3 million visitors annually. With a mission to connect people, animals and the natural world, the Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Learn more at mnzoo.org or by calling 952.431.9500.