On August 23, 700 spirited Santa Barbara Zoo supporters celebrated the cosmos and the Zoo at an Out of This World-themed Zoofari Ball. The annual mega fundraiser, held on the Zoo’s scenic hilltop, grossed an estimated $700,000.
Guests heeded the invitation’s bid to dress in space cadet casual, starlight chic, or even extraterrestrial avant-garde for a night under the stars. An extended reception at sunset featured Spaceport Grazing Stations with gourmet appetizers, space-themed cocktails, and seemingly endless silent auction offerings. Guests then strolled up the hill a bit further for dinner under the stars and myriad colorful celestial objects installed by Tyler Speier Events. Dancing to tunes by LA-based Collective Music rounded out the fun evening.
This was the first Zoofari Ball with Charles Hopper as President/CEO. He assumed the post in January, upon Rich Block’s retirement after 26 years. In an interview, Hopper shared that with a fantastic team, engaged board, and community support unlike he has ever experienced, he is loving every minute on the job. Hopper was most recently the COO at the Scripps Institution’s Birch Aquarium in San Diego and before that, in management positions at the Seattle Aquarium…