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 If The Zoological Society of Florida's "Ball of
the Wild" reflects any qualities of its chairperson, Jennifer
Getz, you're in for one memorable evening.
Jennifer, with her New York theatrical background and
flair for bringing things to another dimension, took off from the
original Miami Metrozoo "Feast With the Beasts" concept and
arrived at "Ball of the Wild", a newly-formatted event with
an innovative fund raising direction for the millennium. This year,
the goal is to raise sizeable funds, conserve and encourage an
appreciation of the world's wildlife and make an educational
difference at Miami's Metrozoo.
Pictured with Jennifer Getz, "Ball of the Wild" event chair,
is King George the Cheetah. King George will be one of the featured
animals
"We are already on the list of America's top ten
zoos,"Getz said. "Why shouldn't we be number one?"
Now, perhaps, we're going to the very top of the list.
Plans are underway for Dr. Wild's World, an air conditioned,
interactive educational court that will provide a high-tech backdrop
to learn about the zoo and its wildlife. There are also designs to
resurrect the famous aviary destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. So our very
own zoo does indeed have "numero uno" potential.
"I felt the impact of a zoo's importance when I
took my son Max to the Koala Exhibit," Getz explained. "He
is so nature-oriented, and the exhibition stimulated a talk about what
the word "endangered" meant. After our conversation, I could
see that he saw the world as a bigger place."
Jennifer had a similar experience after taking her
nephew Charlie to the zoo's bug exhibit, paying little heed to her
sister-in-law's warning about him "freaking out about bugs".
Charlie apparently overcame his fears and maintained a new perspective
after visiting "Big Bug Out", where he sampled chocolate
covered ants and touched buggy creatures.
"I worked on raising money for the zoo for over
two years," Getz said in an interview. "With all the
energies put forth by so many people, I felt like there could be more
sponsors, greater growth and change. Hopefully, with this new
direction, we will accomplish this."
For an entire year, Jennifer and her committees put
much time and effort into organizing the zoo fund raiser, and she
sincerely hopes that the change of format will be perceived
positively.
On March 4, 2000, get ready for a
stimulating, multi-sensory Asian experience with sounds, tastes and visuals
from the Orient.
"For the corporate table, there is a center, a place to meet and put
your purse down. But you are not a prisoner at your table; you can explore,
experience the wonders of the evening and meet new people."
"Seeing adults become little kids again is an element I personally
enjoy," Getz added.. And that they will, sampling earthly delights from
Gene's Catering, savoring cocktails in a rain forest setting, going on a
safari "of sorts" through the zoo, trying henna painting, watching
exotic dancers and participating in a silent auction that offers blimp
rides, fantasy cruises and of course, jewels. Better leave the rest to your
unearthly imagination.
With Lucent Technologies as the $50,000 presenting sponsor, long-time
supporter George Batchelor and former American Banker CEO, R. Kirk Landon as
honorees, the evening promises to truly delight all your senses as well as
heighten your awareness about a very important Miami institution - our very
own Miami Metrozoo.
Oh, we do hope you'll join us on this fabulous Asian adventure. And there's
only one requirement - wear your wildest black tie!
To find out more about "partying amongst the wild ones" at Miami
Metrozoo,12400 S.W. 152 Street, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight on March 4, 2000,
please call 305/255-5551, or visit The Zoological Society of Florida web
site: www.zsf.org. Thank you for your support!
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