Dust off those platform shoes and retro 70s clothes and join the Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society at its 18th annual Wines in the Wild fundraiser on Saturday, September 21. The evening, themed Staying Alive!, will be held in Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. Guests will sample more than 100 wines and champagnes from around the world amidst suspended shimmering disco balls and nightclub music.
Accompanying the wines, provided by the event’s purveyor Prestige Countryside Liquors, will be delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by the zoo’s talented culinary staff. Guests will also be able to purchase individual bottles or cases. Ten percent of all proceeds from wine purchases during the evening will be donated back to Brookfield Zoo.
During the groovy-filled evening, where shimmering disco balls will be suspended and nightclub music fills the air, there will be a raffle and silent auction featuring fabulous items to bid on. Some highlights include: two-day golf package with Cristie Kerr, former number one world LPGA golfer, in Scottsdale, Arizona; tickets to see Hugh Jackman at the United Center on October 11; four Chicago Cubs tickets in the 1914 Club during the 2020 season; a Kohler Spa package for two; a day of fun at Brookfield Zoo that includes a behind-the-scenes tour and lunch for six; a dinner for 12 or cocktail party for 20 at Brookfield Zoo, four Center Ice Club tickets at a Chicago Blackhawks game, and an exquisite piece of jewelry courtesy of A. Marek Fine Jewelry.
An individual DJ ticket is $120, which includes the tasting, zoo admission, parking, and a commemorative wine glass. Additionally, there will be a VIP reception from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. that will give wine enthusiasts the opportunity to sample exclusive wines not available during the main event, plus a chance to meet some of Brookfield Zoo’s ambassador animals. Choose from the $1,200 Disco Ball package for six tickets, the $500 Spotlight package for two tickets, or the $275 Boogie at the Zoo package for one ticket. Guest can come early and enjoy the entire zoo and its animal residents prior to the start of Wines in the Wild.
Proceeds from the evening fundraiser will benefit the Chicago Zoological Society’s animal programs, science education programs for children and teachers, community outreach events, annual scholarships, and local and international conservation programs. To register for Staying Alive! Wines in the Wild or for further information, visit CZS.org/Wines or call (708) 688-8393.
The Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society supports community outreach, scholarships, and provides financial assistance for animal care, conservation programs, and special projects. This Board has supported Brookfield Zoo since 1992, with approximately 75 members from across the entire Chicago area.