Zoo To Do Gala Benefits Dallas Zoo

By Cynthia Smoot         Photography by Thomas Garza

THE SETTING; This year’s Zoo To Do fundraiser, presented by The Eugene McDermott Foundation, was a wild success, raising over 1.3 million dollars for animal conservation. With pandemic protocol in place, guests were welcomed by Robyn and Chris Chauvin, the event co-chairs, as well as Dallas Zoo animal ambassadors that included flamingos, a sloth, porcupine, and penguins as a reminder of why Zoo To Do is so important. Honorary Chairs Diane Brierley, Mary McDermott Cook, and Ruth O’Donnell Mutch socialized with guests as the evening progressed.

THE STYLE: Honorary Chef Chair Dan Landsberg of Ellie’s Restaurant & Lounge at HALL Arts Hotel, along with Chef Wrangler Brett Krafft from the Hilton Lincoln Centre joined guests at the award-winning Giants of the Savanna exhibit. Throughout the strolling dinner, the chefs mingled with guests among the 24 restaurant stations representing the finest restaurants in Dallas. Following dinner, guests moved to the Wilds of Africa Plaza for a live auction, and afterward, a dance party ended the evening with live music from Manhattan.

THE PURPOSE: Proceeds from the event help support the Dallas Zoo’s dedication to providing the best animal care, delivering unique educational offerings, and strengthening its wildlife conservation efforts.