The Celebration: Returning for the 18th year, the Zoofari gala fundraiser hosted around 350 guests who were treated like royalty with the theme, “Hot Egyptian Nights!”  The best party in Orange County celebrated the night under the stars at the Santa Ana Zoo.   with each guest.

The Cause: The event netted almost $100,000 to help contribute to the much needed animal commissary and Zoo improvements.

The Sponsors: This year attendees enjoyed free valet parking sponsored by Villa Ford along with a hosted bar by Foster’s Wine Estates Americas, appetizers and then an exquisite gourmet dinner prepared by Parties by Panache.

The Credentials: Guests were greeted with a special drink appropriately named, “Cleopatra’s Kiss”.  Attendees  enjoyed a large silent auction area as well special visits with the animals; however, the highlight of the evening proved to be the camels!  Brought in for the summer, Noah and Kaleb posed for a special keep sake photo with each guest.  An extraordinary live auction and dancing to the lively tunes of the “Class of 69” followed.  Back this year by popular demand were the evenings co hosts; KOCE’s Ed Arnold and philanthropist Sandy Segerstrom Daniels with Chuck Dreyer returning as auctioneer.  Frank Mickedeit, from the OC Register was honored for his work promoting the zoo while “living in a cage”.