Don your hula skirts and Hawaiian shirts and join the Birmingham Zoo for a wildly fun evening you can enjoy with your friends, family or on your own from the comfort of your home! ZooRendezvous Luau is a free virtual event presented by iBERIABANK and hosted by the Birmingham Zoo on Thursday, September 10, 2020. The fundraiser celebrates the Zoo’s 65th Anniversary and aims to raise $400,000 for its Emergency Animal Fund.
ZooRendezvous Luau
The Birmingham Zoo’s annual ZooGala is a long-standing event held at the Zoo since 2001. On Thursday, September 10, 2020, the 11th annual event takes on a whole new meaning with the ZooRendezvous Luau presented by iBERIABANK. This highly-anticipated free event will be virtual for everyone to watch in the comfort of their own homes. Tune in solo, make it a fun family time or host friends for your own watch party. Regardless of where you are, you will not want you to miss this spectacular night!
The ZooRendezvous Luau is free to watch on the Birmingham Zoo’s YouTube channel @BhamZoo and kicks off with a pre-show at 6:45 p.m. followed by the main event from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Viewers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the virtual festivities by dressing in Hawaiian attire and preparing a signature luau cocktail. Viewers will delight in animal encounters, behind the scenes views, Zoo bloopers, appearances by community leaders and personalities, as well as greetings from supporters and friends, staff, volunteers, and the Zoo’s animal family.
The luau will be hosted by Honorary Chairs Wally Nall III and Lisa & Craft O’Neal, to commemorate past and present volunteer leadership for the Zoo's 65th anniversary. For the health and safety of Zoo staff, guests, and animals, ZooRendezvous Chairs Bronwyne Chapman, Ann Blair Gribbin, and Candice McKinney have created a unique virtual experience for supporters and the community to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. ZooRendezvous Advisors Jayna Goedecke, Amanda Hawkins, Stewart Jones, and Monica Drake designed the luau-themed event to be fun and engaging, complete with Pacific Island-dancing lessons by Mahealani’s Polynesian Entertainment and numerous musical performances by Electric Avenue.
Dinner & Wine Packages
Viewers can pre-order delectable meals, wine and swag to be delivered right to your door on September 10! Packages include a meal for two from FoodBar, a charcuterie board by Savor Style, and a wine-only package provided by Alabama Crown. All orders can be pre-purchased when you RSVP on the ZooRendezvous event website.
Online Auction
Join the party and support the Zoo by bidding on a range of terrific auction items. The ZooRendezvous online auction will launch on Thursday, September 3 with eclectic artwork, jewelry, fine wine, exclusive dining, and unique Zoo experiences. Bidders can register for the auction online at luau.givesmart.com and bid by texting the word “LUAU” to 76278. The ZooRendezvous online auction will close at 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 12.
RSVP & SWAG BAG
Sign up to attend ZooRendezvous for free at the ZooRendezvous RSVP link. Every guest who registers to attend ZooRendezvous will receive a free virtual swag bag!
The Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Its mission is Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World. Approximately 550 animals of 180 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos, and endangered species from six continents. The Birmingham Zoo is the only AZA accredited zoo in the state of Alabama.
The Emergency Animal Fund
iBERIABANK ZooRendezvous Luau proceeds benefit the Birmingham Zoo’s Emergency Animal Fund. Operational costs average $30,000 a day to provide food and vital care to over 550 animals representing many endangered species. Without charitable donations from generous supporters, the Birmingham Zoo anticipates a $2.6 million loss at 2020 year end. Your tax-deductible gift to the Zoo will make a tremendous difference in all aspects of animal care and operations.
Get Social
Join the ZooRendezvous fun with the Birmingham Zoo on Facebook @BirminghamZoo, Twitter @BirminghamZoo, and Instagram @bhamzoo. Share your pictures and wild times using the hashtags #BhamZoo, #BirminghamZoo, #ZooRendezvous2020, and #BhamZooLuau.
More Information
Find out more about ZooRendezvous at www.birminghamzoo.com/zoorendezvous.
Learn about the Emergency Animal Fund at www.birminghamzoo.com/donate.
Follow the Birmingham Zoo on YouTube at www.youtube.com/c/bhamzoo.
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