“It’s a funny way to engage the audience while also teaching them about all of these animals that we raise money for,” said zoo special event coordinator Elizabeth Rodriguez. Additional entertainment included fire dancers from Flowing Arts Movement, live music from Jon Saxx Entertainment and Leo Casino and the Dynamic Duo, and additional music from Liquid DJs.
The party took place at the home of Irene Korge, co-chair of Feast with the Beasts, with most of it set up around the pool and lakeside backyard. Seven restaurants provided tastings, including beef tortellini with pink sauce from Caffe Abbracci and filet mignon from Smith & Wollensky. Desserts included the Office Cake’s chocolate chip cake and 2 Girls and a Cupcake’s assorted mini cupcakes.
At the end of the evening, guests took home goodie bags filled with items Rodriguez said were intended to convey “thanks for coming to dinner, now enjoy breakfast on us.” The bags included Starbucks coffee, doughnuts from Mandarin Gourmet Donut Shoppe, and a copy of The Miami New Times.
In addition to ticket sales, the party raised funds with a silent auction that included more than 40 items. Organizers would not disclose the amount of money raised from this event, but say they expect the total from this event and the Feast with the Beasts to be at least $300,000, the amount raised in 2010.
