By NATALIA JONES
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.
