ZOO MIAMI’s Feast with the Beasts 2023
The Foundation’s legendary fundraiser raised $300,000 to support Zoo Miami's mission of education and conservation.
More than 1,000 guests enjoyed delectable delights from fine South Florida establishments, wild animal encounters, cocktails courtesy of Bacardí, live entertainment, a new Land to Sea lounge, and more at Feast with the Beasts (FWTB) at Zoo Miami. After a three-year hiatus, the party-goers raised significant funds to support Zoo Miami Foundation’s mission of supporting Zoo Miami in education and conservation. The land to sea theme for 2023 celebrated Zoo Miami’s commitment to caring for and protecting wildlife across the globe, from sea turtles to Sumatran tigers.
Guests dined on delicious food from more than 40 restaurants and breweries including: Bayshore Club, Cerveceria La Tropical, Crumbl Cookies, Glass & Vine, Lincoln’s Beard Brewery, Mi’talia, Night Owl Cookies, Pubbelly Sushi, Root & Bone, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Tacos and Tattoos Shake Shack and many more.
“We’re thankful for the sponsors, the restaurants, the volunteers and staff that donated their time, fare and funds to the 25th annual Feast with the Beasts,” said Bill Moore, outgoing Zoo Miami Foundation (ZMF) President and CEO. “Without their support and the leadership in Miami-Dade County including Zoo Director Will Elgar, Zoo Miami Foundation could not fulfill its responsibilities of financial support to Zoo Miami.”
Special dignitaries at the wild fundraiser included: Commissioners Kevin Marino Cabrera, Kionne McGhee, Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Eileen Higgins and Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez. Honored guests and zoo supporters in attendance included: Norma Jean Abraham, Lori Bean, Alex Binelo, James Carenza, Charlene Esserman, Tina and Robert Furniss-Roe, Pamela Garrison, Maggie Gonzalez, Dr. James A. Kushlan, Dan Licciardi, Sharon MacIvor-DeMaria and Joe DeMaria, Ron Magill, Dr. Mireya Mayor, Ana & Cecil Milton, Erik Myers, Ariel Penzer Milgroom, Ann Pope, Anthony & Beth Ann Morgenthau, Jose Romano, Josie Romano-Brown, and Tab Verdeja.
“We’re thrilled that our guests enjoyed the silent auction, the encounters with exotic animals, the live band, the DJ, live artists, live mermaids, viking drummers, the after-party at the Land to Sea Lounge and more! With continued support, the ZMF can provide world-class exhibits, wildlife conservation programs and education programs to the more than one million Zoo visitors annually,” said Jose Felix Diaz, ZMF Chairman.
Platinum Sponsors
Anthony Abraham Foundation; FP&L; and United Property Management.
Gold Sponsors
Ernst & Young LLP; Greenberg Traurig and The Penzer Family
Silver Sponsors
Ann Pope Consulting; Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera; MC Flooring; NewsLink Corp; Shutts; and Tequila Ocho Single Estate
Bronze Sponsors
Mary Barley; BDO; Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins; Commissioner Eileen Higgins; ELM Arch; Miami-Dade County Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez; ParrotFish Studio; Pelican Harbor Seabird Station; Josie Romano-Brown & Dr. Mark Brown; US Century Bank; Verdeja, De Armas, Trujillo, Alvarez; and World
Underwriters
Bacardi; BCC Engineering; Bean Automotive Group; Casino Miami Jai Alai; City National Bank; Commissioner Kionne McGhee; The Dickenson Family; The Herrera Family; Office of the Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; PepsiCo; SSA Group; TruckMax; and Uber
In Kind Sponsors
Alibaba Events; Bacardi; L&M Engraving; Miami’s Community Newspapers; PepsiCo, RNDC; SOBE Promos; SSA Group; Tinez Farms and Viña Concha y Toro
