For the first time in eight years, the Zoological Society of Florida decided to hold its annual fund-raising gala, Ball of the Wild, away from the Miami Metrozoo. However, the society still wanted the 330 supporters at this $500-a-seat, black-tie event to feel as if they were at the zoo, so the zoological society's event planner Karlyn Lang asked Antonio Pouparina of High Performance Designs to bring the zoo to the JW Marriott Hotel Miami under the banner "Downtown Gets Wild." And wild it was: "Everyone was just in awe of what they did," said Lang.Entering the ballroom, patrons heard wild animal calls, which were broadcast over the sound system. Zebras, giraffes, lions, and elephants made of hand-painted foam were displayed throughout. Several monkeys and a toucan or two hung from or perched on the chandeliers. Pouparina created a replica of a familiar landmark—the giant Metrozoo sign—and flanked it with two huge LED screens continuously rolling video of animals at the zoo. Animal heads, also made of foam, were placed in the centerpieces of vanda orchids, driftwood, and bromeliads at each dining table. And for a bit of humor, rocks with a miniature sign reading "Don't Feed the Animals" accentuated the centerpieces. A medley of real and hand-painted foam plants decorated the perimeter of the ballroom, and a colorful faux waterfall was displayed at the entrance.
The event raised $250,000. A silent auction was held before dinner in the reception area, as guests enjoyed cocktails, battered shrimp, and a jazz pianist. On sale were memorabilia such as an autographed Dwyane Wade jersey (which went for $3,500) and artwork by the likes of Picasso, Renoir, and Dalí. Pouparina placed more flat-screen TVs rolling footage of animals throughout the reception area. Live animals entertained patrons, too, as roaming snake and reptile handlers livened the mood.
The board of directors of the zoo chaired the ball, and Cynthia W. Knight was the honorary chairwoman this year. While guests dined on lobster and filet mignon, Ron McGill, director of communications for the zoo and M.C. for the evening, presented the Zoological Society's highly esteemed Wildlife Ambassador Award to Merrett R. Stierheim, former superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Between the presentations, Boca Raton's Fred Astaire Dancers warmed up the floor for the ballroom dancing that followed dinner. "We come every year, but this year was the best by far. What they've done is just marvelous," said guest Jane Goodman.
—Makkada B. Selah
The landmark Metroozoo sign was recreated and flanked with two large LED screens that showed continuously rolling footage of animals at the zoo.
The tables were covered in a satin-like fabric and featured centerpieces of vanda orchids, driftwood, and bromeliads topped with whimsical animal heads made of foam.
Live animals were brought in as well. Here, a snake handler entertains a guest.
The ballroom's central chandelier was embellished with a colorful toucan and several monkeys.
The entire room was draped in a sheer material lined with miniature white lights that contributed to the exotic ambiance.
A faux waterfall decorated the entrance area, setting the mood for arriving guests.
