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  1. Venues & Destinations
  2. United States
  3. Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo Ball Gets Hollywood Theme, Electronic Bidding

Jenny Berg
July 12, 2011

Hosting an alfresco event presents its own set of challenges, as planners of the Lincoln Park Zoo Ball have learned. "Rain is the only unwelcome guest at the ball, and heat is a close second," said Erin Dahl, senior manager of events, before Friday's benefit. "We are really hopeful for a clear and cool night." Planners got their wish, and the skies stayed blue for the 1,000-guest function on zoo grounds. 

This year, the event got a Hollywood-inspired vibe replete with mock paparazzi, a red carpet entrance, and a star-filled Walk of Fame leading to the zoo gates. "We charge the gala chairs with selecting a creative theme that will not only be fun to develop a party around, but weaves in the animal element that is so important to the Lincoln Park Zoo," Dahl said. "The 'Hollywood and Vines' theme was the chairs' brainchild, representing not only one of the most famous street corners in the world, but the intersection of Hollywood and a jungle beat."

After the theme had been chosen, "we select our vendors through an R.F.P. process, gaining a minimum of three bids in each major area of the event: catering, decor, AV, and tenting," Dahl said. "The zoo is not your average ballroom, so vendors are asked to be creative while staying within budget and maintaining the integrity of zoo grounds."

Food for Thought handled catering, and developed a menu with courses inspired by the Rat Pack era. Passed hors d'oeuvres included deviled eggs and mini Monte Cristo sandwiches, and the main course was surf and turf. Inspired by the lyrics of Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon," the dessert came garnished with a vanilla star. Heffernan Morgan Ronsley's decor gave and old-fashioned supper club look to the area under HDO's tent, and  Frost handled the audiovisual production.

For the first time this year, planners used BidPal to manage the silent auction. "Guests will have the opportunity to view and bid on items right from the comfort of their own chairs. We hope they find this new technology as cool and user-friendly as we do," said Dahl. Between sponsorships and live and silent auctions, the event ultimately raised more than $1 million.

E20946standalone
Photo: Paul Strabbing
A red carpet entrance underscored the Hollywood theme. BMW, one of the lead sponsors, had a vehicle on site.
A red carpet entrance underscored the Hollywood theme. BMW, one of the lead sponsors, had a vehicle on site.
Photo: John Reilly Photography
The cocktail area had a 'Flamingo Lounge' theme and overlooked the Kovler Lion House.
The cocktail area had a "Flamingo Lounge" theme and overlooked the Kovler Lion House.
Photo: John Reilly Photography
In keeping with the flamingo theme, seating areas had pink and black accents.
In keeping with the flamingo theme, seating areas had pink and black accents.
Photo: John Reilly Photography
The cocktail lounge also held silent-auction tables.
The cocktail lounge also held silent-auction tables.
Photo: John Reilly Photography
Professional ballroom dancers entertained guests in the dinner tent.
Professional ballroom dancers entertained guests in the dinner tent.
Photo: John Reilly Photography
A zebra-inspired dance floor stretched down the center of the tent.
A zebra-inspired dance floor stretched down the center of the tent.
Photo: Paul Strabbing
Tabletop decor included white feathers, palm leaves, and crystal candelabras.
Tabletop decor included white feathers, palm leaves, and crystal candelabras.
Photo: Paul Strabbing
The dinner started with Bloody Mary gazpacho and salmon with farm chevre pizzette and dill.
The dinner started with Bloody Mary gazpacho and salmon with farm chevre pizzette and dill.
Photo: Paul Strabbing
Heffernan Morgan Ronsley handled decor.
Heffernan Morgan Ronsley handled decor.
Photo: John Reilly Photography
Frost designed the lighting scheme.
Frost designed the lighting scheme.
Photo: Paul Strabbing
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