“Whitney Zoo-To-Do,” the annual adults-only black-tie gala, celebrated its 38th annual fundraiser to help underwrite a new orangutan exhibit in Asian Domain scheduled to open later this year. This year’s chairwoman was Catherine Freeman, and this event combined with the “Zoo-To-Do for Kids” raised more than $1.1 million for the project.
Prior to the main event, the Sponsor Party guests received exclusive admission to the Audubon Tea Room, Garden Tent and Patron Lounge. Patrons received admission to the Patron Lounge and the new Patron Patio where sponsors and patrons got to mingle while enjoying a private view of the main stage.
Auction items included a pair of ruby earrings from Friend & Company Fine Jewelry, vacation trips to St. Lucia and Puerto Rico from Corporate Travel and a painting entitled “Banana Blossom” by featured artist Tim Trapolin.
There were more than 70 local restaurants and 40 specialty and full-service bars. The signature drink was a Sumatran Swing with Malibu Red.
The headline entertainment on the Capital One Stage was Downtown Fever. Other performers included Bill Malchow and the Go-Cup All Stars, Heather and the Monkey King and Eastern Sunrise.
Fun fact: The 2015 Zoo-To-Do Luxury Vehicle Raffle awarded a 2015 Lexus NX200t worth $36,060, generously donated by LEXUS of New Orleans.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Whitney Zoo-To-Do” benefiting the Audubon Nature Institute
When: Friday, May 1
Where: Audubon Zoo
