Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo hosted Karamu XXII, the nonprofit zoo’s largest annual fund-raiser—named for the Swahili word for “party”—for 300 people on Saturday night in the zoo's Safari Lodge. The 22nd annual black-tie event met its goal for sponsorship dollars nearly a month in advance and secured an additional presenting sponsor.
"For the last decade, Karamu has had one presenting sponsor in Regions Bank," said zoo public relations director Rachel Nelson. "This year we are welcoming two presenting sponsors, Regions and AT&T."
Nelson added the event had 23 sponsors in all, the same as in 2009, and met its goal of exceeding last year's net revenue of $180,000 by 3 percent despite reducing individual ticket prices from $275 to $225. The money will be used for animal care and educational programs at the park.
The South Pacific-themed night began with a 90-minute reception with up-close animal encounters on the outdoor plaza and a silent auction in the nearby Reilly’s Reserve. Guests then proceeded into the Safari Lodge for dinner, a live auction, and a raffle amid tropical flowers and foliage. Organizers incorporated images of the South Pacific into the decor with Polynesian statues and water and fire imagery like tiki torches, light projections, fire pits, and waterfalls.
The night's entertainment included performances from Polynesian musicians and dancers.
