PRESS ROOM

 

One lucky individual will be among the first to host a skating party at the Detroit Zoo’s future Polk Penguin Conservation Center.  Another will treat family and friends to a hard-hat tour of the construction site.  These “cool” experiences represent just two of a dozen extraordinary prizes to be offered in the live auction at the Detroit Zoological Society’s annual Sunset at the Zoo fundraiser.

Themed “Summer Chill” in celebration of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, Sunset at the Zoo takes place on Friday, June 12, from 7 to 11:30 p.m., rain or shine.  The Zoo closes at 1 p.m. that day in preparation for the festivities.

The live auction – sponsored by Ilitch Holdings, Inc. – includes other “zoonique” experiences as well.  Instead of “dancing with wolves”, the highest bidder and 11 guests will be dining with them at the Detroit Zoo’s new Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness, which opened June 8.  Also up for bid are dinner for 12 with the giraffes, lions or polar bears, and a birthday celebration and sleepover for 20 at the Zoo.  

Additional exciting live auction lots include a Fox Theatre or Joe Louis Arena suite and dinner at Vinsetta Garage for 15, a Detroit Red Wings road trip for two, the Detroit Tigers president’s suite for 18, a Detroit Lions suite for 12, a Rolex Sea-Dweller watch, a trip to Peru, and an Ikea living room and patio.

Presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions, Sunset at the Zoo offers a strolling supper with tastes of signature dishes from 45 of the area’s finest restaurants as well as desserts and zoo-themed drinks.  The event also features a silent auction, live entertainment, dancing under the stars and access to many of the Zoo’s award-winning animal habitats as the sun goes down.

Supporter tickets for the 21-and-older soiree are $175 per person.  Patron tickets are $300 and include a VIP reception, sponsored by DeMaria Wharton-Smith JV, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on June 12.  For information and tickets, visit www.detroitzoo.org/sunset.