Oct. 15, 2014

Rendez-Zoo

: Lynda Adams and Ed Fox

: Raun Alosi

: Up close with a Zoo Ambassador

: Charles and Jennifer Sands, chairs

: A Zoo Ambassador owl

: Dancing under the stars to the music of Raun Alosi

: Chef Eddie Matney, Brett Barker and Heidi Berger

: Richard and Elaine Morrison, honorary chairs

: Dining under beautifully lit trees

: Beautiful tables: Note the edible centerpiece

: Bert Castro, Rich Sartor, Todd Woolsoncroft and Matt Schindler

: The silent auction

: Yvonne Anderson and Steve Betts

: Pat and Pete Fauer

: Guests circle the silent auction tables

: Brett Barker, Heidi Berger, Janice Castro and Bert Castro

: Chris McNichol, Mary Alexander and Bert Castro

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Phoenix Zoo’s major fundraising dinner draws 600 to enjoy an outdoor evening under the stars

The perfect-temperature evening combined with the colorful ambience of beautifully lit trees and fanciful outlines of animals to create a festive atmosphere for the fifth annual Rendez-Zoo on Oct. 11. The 600 Valley philanthropists and supporters of Phoenix Zoo who turned out for the occasion – many dressed in animal-print – were welcomed by the Phoenix Boys Choir and Zoo Animal Ambassadors and their keepers, Valley restaurants and caterers provided hors d’oeuvres, and Arizona wineries and beverage distributors provided cocktails for guests to enjoy during the silent auction.

Then guests moved lakeside for dinner, prepared by Chef Eddie Matney. Topping the tables were beautiful centerpieces of edible flowers, vegetables and fruits. These would become treats for Zoo residents the following day. The bidding was lively in the after-dinner auction as guests vied for Dinner Under the Stars with Chef Eddie Matney, a San Antonio Getaway, a Private Yacht Tour of Catalina Island and a VIP tour of Freeport-McMoRan’s Morenci Mine in southeastern Arizona, one of the largest copper mines in the world.

Jennifer and Charles Sands chaired the evening, and Elaine and Richard Morrison were honorary chairs. Proceeds benefit the Zoo’s conservation efforts both in the state and around the globe.

Save the date for Rendez-Zoo 2015 on Oct. 10.

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Rendez-Zoo

: Bill and Shaun Morris

: Skip and Chantal Hause

: Tom and Alice Ambrose

: Nichole and Adam Thomas

: Mark Naufel and Melanie Lehnhardt

: Jennifer Sands, Adrienne Schiffner and Bert Castro

: JoEllen and Phil Doornbus

: Judd and Billie Jo Herberger and Bert Castro

: Harry and Rose Papp, Janice and Bert Castro

: Charles and Adrienne Schiffner

: Betty Vandenburgh and Jennifer Sands

: Bert and Janice Castro, Janet Callaghan and Manny Molina

The crisp, clear evening of Oct. 12 was the perfect backdrop to showcase the Zoo's setting, with many of the Zoolights already in place, small fireplaces with seating by the lake and a gorgeous lakeside dinner arrangement.

As the nearly 600 guests arrived for Rendez-Zoo, the fundraiser to support Phoenix Zoo, they were greeted by a steel drum band and photo opportunities by a lighted peacock, zebra, lion and an Aabian Oryx. They were also greeted by some of the Zoo’s smaller residents and their handlers, who eagerly shared information on the particular species they were holding.

Various bars were set up along the paths, some for complimentary drinks, others for tastings from some of Arizona’s wineries. But the biggest coup of the evening was the ability to use the new C.W. & Modene Neely Education and Event Center for an appetizer extravaganza, with some of the area’s finest restaurants providing the delectables. The Center was also the site of the silent auction. Excellent lighting and spacious displays made bidding via iPads or smart phones easy.

Dinner was prepared by Chef Skip Hause of Fabulous Food and included three courses with a choice of entrée. Centerpieces, as in the past couple of years, were completely edible for zoo animals to enjoy the next day. Following dinner, specialty coffee and late-night desserts were served. Dancing to the sounds of Rawn Alosi concluded the evening.

Adrienne Schiffner chaired the successful evening that grossed $500,000 , and Jennifer E. Sands, who was her vice chair, will chair the 2014 Rendez-Zoo. Ardie and Steve Evans were the honorary chairs for the evening.

Remaining silent auction items will be available on the Zoo’s website Oct. 29 through Nov. 10. All proceeds will directly benefit the Zoo's conservation efforts and the more than 1,400 animals who call Phoenix Zoo home.

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Rendez-Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo lit up the night on Oct. 13 to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and raise funds with Rendez-Zoo, an Evening of Conservation and Cuisine. The 650 guests were greeted in style with a glass of sangria or sparkling water as they entered the grounds of the zoo, which were transformed for an evening of elegant celebration. Sparkling lights wrapped around trees, some hanging in shapes of animals, and a bright blue and white ball seemingly floating on the lake provided a glistening aura as guests entered the C.W. & Modene Neely Education and Event Center for the start of the evening. Fine wines and cocktails along with amuse bouche were offered while attendees perused the silent auction items.

The highlight of the evening was a three-course meal prepared by Chef Eddie Matney, which included an organic salad with oven cured tomatoes, apple wood bacon, onion relish, blue cheese dressing and a balsamic drizzle. Dinner continued with braised beef short ribs, brown sugar chili cured shrimp, poblano cheesy grits, with green top carrots and asparagus. Dessert options ranged from the chef’s chocolate cake, to liquor infused ice cream and cappuccinos provided by various Valley vendors.

The live auction offered up items such as weeklong trips to La Casaccia, Italy and Martha’s Vineyard, as well as a personally catered multi-course dinner paired with wines by Chef Eddie. In a fine form, Chef Eddie sweetened the deal by adding a catered breakfast to the package, and doubled down by offering it to two lucky bidders.

Silent and live auction items helped raise money for the new Entry Oasis that transports guests from the urban setting of the Valley to a world of natural wonder. Every dollar was matched by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

Article by Leigh Havins

Photos provided by Phoenix Zoo

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Rendez-Zoo

About 700 guests enjoyed monkeying around at the Phoenix Zoo on Oct. 15 at the zoo’s major fundraiser, Rendez-Zoo.

The evening included wine tastings hosted by Arizona wineries and appetizers provided by Valley chefs. Chef Eddie Matney prepared the lakeside dinner. Late-night treats were also available to enjoy as guests relaxed after dinner or danced to the music of the band Affinity.

One-of-a-kind centerpieces were the inspiration of Michelle Clarke, the event chair. Local farms provided fresh produce the morning of the event, and design students created edible centerpieces to be enjoyed by zoo animals the following day.

The zoo grounds were beautifully lit with twinkle lights of many colors in the trees overhead. Animal lovers wandered the paths during the cocktail and silent auction hour, with an opportunity to visit the newly opened orangutan habitat or catch a glimpse of giraffes eating an early-evening dinner.

The nearly $300,000 in net proceeds from the evening benefit the zoo’s mission to provide experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. Phoenix Zoo is the largest privately funded nonprofit zoo in the United States.