CITY SEEN: Lincoln Park Zoo Ball

The Cause: The Women’s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo presented its annual Zoo Ball, this year themed “Birds of Paradise.” This black-tie event, the zoo’s largest fundraiser, raised over $1.5 million to help support animal care, community outreach, and conservation initiatives. A Chicago institution since 1868, the zoo provides science-based animal care for the nearly 200 species in its care, while also contributing to conservation initiatives across the globe.  

The Setting: Nearly 700 guests enjoyed an evening inspired by one of the zoo’s inhabitants, the Puerto Rican parrot. Lincoln Park Zoo is the only place outside Puerto Rico that’s home to this unique parrot, an endangered bird brought back from the brink of extinction, thanks to zoo scientists and partners. The event featured lush, tropical decor as well as music provided by the Gentleman of Leisure. 

The Scene: Co-chaired by Brigid Najarian and Amy Olshansky, this year’s tropical-themed event was sponsored, in part, by Emily and John Alexander, Deborah and Bruce Crown, Abby Funk, Caroline Huebner, Charlotte Monhart, Mary Pearlman, Peggy White, Holly and Peter Geraci, Katie and Brent Gledhill, Roger Gettys Hill II and Eva Wassermann, Patrick and Shirley Welsh Ryan, John Ettelson and others. A historic Chicago landmark, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year.  (Photos by Kyle Flubacker)