Zoological Society of Florida’s Feast With The Beasts presented by Ryder Charitable Foundation
The legendary fundraiser benefits education and conservation programs at Zoo Miami
More than 1,300 guests enjoyed delectable delights from 40 fine South Florida restaurants, wild animal encounters, festive animal lights by Brandano Displays, open bars, live entertainment, and more at Feast with the Beasts (FWTB) presented by Ryder Charitable Foundation on March 2, 2012 at Zoo Miami. Together the party-goers, dressed in safari-chic cocktail attire, raised significant funds for the Zoo’s education and conservation programs.
Guests dined on everything including Bonefish Grill’s ahi tuna sashimi, Nikki Beach & Pearl’s firecracker shrimp and ceviche, Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s lamb lolli-pops with sweet potatoes, Asia de Cuba’s wild salmon ceviche and salted avocado ice-cream, China Grill’s fried rice, lamb spareribs and cucumber salad, Shake Shack’s signature burgers, Shula’s 347 Grill’s filet of rib eye over wild mushroom salad, Herbeque BBQ Catering’s Hawaiian roasted pig and many more.
“We’re thankful for the sponsors, our partners in Miami-Dade County and the state, the volunteers and staff that donated their time and funds to the 19th annual Feast With The Beasts,” said Benjamin H. Pingree, Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) President and CEO. “Without their support, the Zoological Society of Florida could not fulfill its mission of wildlife conservation and education and its responsibilities of financial support to Zoo Miami, volunteer and member programs, and marketing and public relations efforts.”
Special dignitaries at the wild fundraiser included Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Commissioners Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Sally Heyman and Dennis Moss. Honored guests and zoo supporters in attendance included Ron Esserman, R. Kirk Landon & Pamela Garrison, Anthony & Beth Ann Morgenthau and Dr. James A. Kushlan, world-renowned expert on wading birds and Everglades ecology and major benefactor of Zoo Miami’s forthcoming Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit. Media personalities in attendance included NBC-6’s Pam Gigante & Roxanne Vargas, Big 105 FM’s Paul Castronovo & Kelly Craig, 790 The Ticket Radio’s Dan LeBatard, Kiss Country’s Darlene Evans, and WPLG-Ch. 10’s Jacey Birch.
“We’re thrilled that our guests enjoyed everything including the silent auction, the encounters with exotic animals, Adrienne Arsht Center’s Flamenco Festival dancers, Roberto Perera & Jorge Alfano, Fushu Daiko Japanese drummers , Jon Saxx on the Saxophone, Belly Motions’ belly dancers, the Moroccan party area by Caidal Events, and Ron Magill’s Spectacular Dance Party. With continued support, the ZSF can provide world-class exhibits, wildlife conservation programs and education programs to more than 840,000 people annually,” said Norma Jean Abraham and Irene Korge, 2012 FWTB Co-Chairs.
