The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's Beastly Ball 2018, LA

@LAZoo

Affair: The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's Beastly Ball 2018

When: Saturday, May 19, 2018 @ 5:30 PM

Hot Spot: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Los Angeles, CA

Deets: Showcasing the enormous impact the Zoo has on animal conservation both locally and internationally, this year's signature fundraiser takes place on the heels of national Endangered Species Day to underscore the Zoo’s commitment to saving animals from extinction. The Ball honors animal expert/conservationist Jack Hanna and features a rare after-hours stroll through the Zoo with special animal experiences, including animal feedings, keeper chats and up close interactions; the debut of a conservation mural by artist/Beautify Earth Co-Founder Ruben Rojas; bountiful fare from some of L.A.'s most popular restaurants; a mobile-bidding silent auction and more. Guests are invited to dress in "safari casual" attire. Honorary Chair Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, is joined by Honorary Committee members Slash, Lance Bass, Jackie Chan, Heather Mycoskie and Pauley Perrette. Beastly Ball Chair is GLAZA Trustee Tyler Kelley.

Hanna receives the prestigious Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award, joining previous honorees the National Geographic Society (2017), actor/environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. (2016), entertainer/philanthropist Lance Bass (2015), entertainment industry attorney Ken Ziffren (2014), actresses Pauley Perrette (2013) and Sarah Michelle Gellar (2012) and Slash, a GLAZA Trustee (2011). Hanna’s hands-on approach has won him widespread acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds, conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer. Recognized around the country as America’s favorite zookeeper, he is host of TV’s Emmy award winning Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild and Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown. The award he'll receive was established in memory of former GLAZA Chairman Tom Mankiewicz, a beloved and highly regarded film and television writer and director. Mankiewicz, who passed away in 2010, was associated with such films as Superman, Diamonds Are Forever and Live and Let Die, and the Hart to Hart television series, among many others. He championed the cause of saving and protecting wildlife and the environment through education and on-the-ground conservation. He also promoted the Zoo's universal appeal and its accessibility as a gathering place for all in Los Angeles' diverse communities.

Featured muralist Ruben Rojas, whose animal conservation mural will be debuted at the Beastly Ball, is an artist, social impact entrepreneur, and co-founder of Beautify Earth who is influenced by media and the urban landscape. A native Angeleno, Rojas has painted in New York, Los Angeles, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, France, and for many private clients. He has received commissions from brands such as Zappos, American Express, Heineken, Lululemon, Reebok, Westfield Malls and GT Kombucha as well as from the cities of Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Los Angeles.

The mobile-bidding silent auction – also open to those who can't attend in person -- is comprised of hundreds of remarkable items, and Auctioneer Billy Harris leads a live auction with one-of-a-kind opportunities. Among the silent and live auction items are an original painting created for the Zoo by Ruben Rojas, combined with an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Elephants of Asia; a fabulous vacation stay in the treehouse room at Playa Viva, a luxury environmentally-conscious resort, located near Zihuatanejo, Mexico; an LAPD Air Support ride-along; sports experiences in L.A. Clippers and L.A. Dodgers suites; VIP tickets to tapings of "America’s Funniest Home Videos" and "Jeopardy!"; and much more.

Among the iconic restaurants donating their services for dinner are Antonio’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, Barrel & Ashes, Bottlefish, Celestino Ristorante, Delicious Arts, El Cholo - Los Angeles, El Coyote Mexican Café, The Federal Bar, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Malbec Argentinian Cuisine, Milk and Eggs, Momed, Red O, Simmzy's, Smoke House Restaurant, Sugar Babies Cupcakery, Taix French Restaurant, Taste Of The Wild Catering at the Los Angeles Zoo and Thug Kitchen.

Who You May Spot: Nancy Wilson, Liv Warfield, Slash, Robert Rudolph, L.A. All-Star Band

Hint For The Average Socialite: Beastly Ball tickets are $1,500 per person, with individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities at higher levels also available. Free parking is available. For tickets, information about mobile bidding and additional information, call (323) 644-9105.

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