There’s no question about it. This year’s Zoobilee was certainly the “wildest party in town” Thursday night. Hosted by the Frank Buck Zoological Society, the dinner and adventure took place in the Gainesville Civic Center with cocktails beginning at 6 p.m.
But before anyone actually made it inside, they were first greeted by two female camels. The smaller of the two, named Godiva for her dark brown color, was a favorite among the passersby.
This year’s theme was “On Safari with Frank Buck circa 1930.” Inside the civic center was transformed to resemble the African wilderness. Bamboo plants were perfectly placed against the walls, and assorted candlelight flickered on the tables, creating an exotic atmosphere as several female attendees mingled around the room in various animal prints.
To help make the room feel more authentic, Dave and Susan Kleven, with the help of their daughter Brenna, introduced the crowd to some special friends: a Burmese Pithon, a Finx Fox named Moulder and a European Barn Owl. Brenna said, while calmly holding the owl, that she is currently in training for Animal Edutainment, an animal education program ran by her parents.
Throughout the evening, the crowd bid on a wide variety of silent auction items including Texas Ranger baseball tickets, an original painting, jewelry and much more.
The crowd was also treated to a beef tenderloin dinner and once seated, an “African Safari with Frank Buck”play. The play featured the local talents of David Harper, Philip Smerick, Kelly Fiore, Robin McGee, Lisa Hassler and Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Director John Broyles. A mix of stage and in-crowd performance, the room was filled with laughter throughout the show.
Held annually, the Zoobilee is the largest fundraising event for the Frank Buck Zoo. Tickets were $75 per person and all proceeds from the night will go directly towards zoo exhibits. In particular, Zoological Society member Karen Cook said members were most excited to raise money towards a bear exhibit they have been trying to get for some time. Although the Zoobilee will not be able to fund the exhibit completely, Cook said with the help of grants and private donations, members hope to get the exhibit sometime soon.
Corporate Sponsors who helped make the night possible were the First State Bank, Alan and Charlene Ritchey, Merit Appraisal and Fox Consulting and Tommy and Kay James.
Zoological Society board members who helped with the event and were present last night included: Ruth Adams, Cathy Brown, Sharon Clements, Karen Cooke, Boogie Cullum, Sandra Currie, Mary Gill, Sue Goodwin, Larrie Grewing, George Grounds, Barbara Hoover, Kay King, Chick Koral, Bruce Maxwell, Raena Neal, Jenny Richardson, Charlene Ritchy, Joann Sessums, Kim Sewell, Susie Reed, Dave and Susan Kleven. Other crucial members to the event included Zoological Society president Nancy Moore and treasurer Susie Reed.
In case you missed the party or would like to join the Frank Buck Zoo for more fun, be sure to attend its non-scary, family friendly Halloween celebration “Zoo Boo” on Oct. 25. Held at the zoo from 6-8 p.m. everyone is invited to come dressed in their Halloween costumes for treat stations, carnival games and more. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children. For more information, please call (940) 668-4533.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Local talents shine (© Staff photo by Natalia Jones)
Guest Book
Thursday night's Zoobilee was 'wildest party in town'
- Local News
-
-
Randy Travis arrested in Sanger
SANGER — Country singer Randy Travis was arrested Monday morning in Sanger on a charge of suspicion of public intoxication.
-
In Memory of Andy
Gainesville Middle School designated Monday as Andy’s Lakers Day, in honor of Andy Sandoval, a GMS seventh-grader, who recently died of a brain aneurysm.
-
GHS students take top place finishes at academic meet
Several Gainesville High School students had top place finishes at the Ryan High School academic meet on Saturday.
Sophomores Mark Clark and Alexander “Alex” Huerta lead the leap of GHS leopards competing. -
Gainesville woman hit by car
THACKERVILLE, OKLA. — A road collision early Sunday morning near Thackerville injured one female pedestrian, a Gainesville resident whose identification has not been released by officials.
-
Gainesville native fights for justice
IDABEL, Okla. — An Idabel, Okla. police officer — reeling from the death of his friend and fellow officer — is trying to beef up his state’s negligent homicide laws.
-
As deadline approaches, election day unclear
As the Texas primary election approaches, a muddle continues locally and statewide as to exactly when election day arrives.
-
House District 68 candidates present platforms
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of a two-part report.
Texas House District 68 representative opponents stressed their intentions to mend local problems via “rural values” during Thursday’s candidate forum -
Cooke County emerges out of drought
For residents in Cooke County, one of the most severe droughts in Texas history is no longer a concern — for the time being, anyway.
-
Souper Bowl a super success
The aroma of some dozen different homemade soups filled the air Sunday in the lunchroom at the First Christian Church in Gainesville.
-
A mother's Love
VALLEY VIEW — She’s a crusader for special needs children and their parents, but Valley View resident Wendi Tipps doesn’t think of herself as a hero.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
