Funds raised from Zoo Ball will be applied to the Women’s Board’s leadership commitment to support Lincoln Park Zoo as it continues to transform its physical landscape, providing state-of-the-art exhibits that inspire connection.

As part of this mission, the zoo welcomes more than a dozen endangered African penguins to the Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove this fall. The innovative exhibit will give visitors an up-close view of the colony while helping to conserve the species.

The beauty of a South Africa sunset over Boulders Beach--African penguins' native habitat--is brought to life.

Guests are greeted with global melodies by Ugochi and the Afro Soul Ensemble.

The silent auction showcases alluring offerings including Broadway in Chicago’s Hamilton tickets, an on-field experience with the Chicago Cubs, earrings from Bochíc, and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa donated by Jet Set Travel Inc.

Raffle tickets also provid guests with the opportunity to win exquisite prizes such as an 18k rose gold pendent Pomellato necklace, a weekend stay in a luxury suite at the Waldorf Astoria, and a Ralph Lauren Ricky bag plus $2,500 Ralph Lauren gift certificate.

Auction item display.

A long view of the silent auction area.

Jewell Events Catering prepares a flavorful three-course meal to complement the evening.

Here, hors d'oeuvre to start the night.

A pretty appetizer array on edible spoons.

Nice bites.

Everyone's favorite: crab claws.

Refreshing drinks on a tray.

Frost Chicago and Jewell Events Catering and Production work closely together to create decor that sweeps guests into a colorful vision of warm ombré tones of burnt orange, red and yellow.

Wooden chairs add a rustic touch.

A place setting close-up.

A clear dining tent allowed guests to enjoy the striking natural setting of one of Chicago’s greatest landmarks--the Lincoln Park Zoo.

The wine display.

Premium wines and champagne were provided by Breakthru Beverage Illinois.

For the first course, guests enjoy a salad with a goat cheese soufflé, complete with a "penguin."

For the entree, guests enjoy table-side service with a choice of herb-crusted beef tenderloin, roasted halibut, or vegetable galette and quinoa. 

Here, the halibut entree.

Here, the beef entree.

Servers present the charming dessert course ...

... and dessert is accompanied by a little light-up penguin.

A video features the Women’s Board President and co-chairs thanking the supporters who made the event possible:

Presenting Sponsor: PowerShares QQQ.

In addition to generous support from this year’s sponsors and partners: Robert and Mayari Pritzker Family Foundation and Tawani Foundation, Lathrop & Gage LLP, Bank of America, Dover, PNC, Neiman Marcus Chicago, and United Airlines.

Media Partners for this year’s event were Make it Better and Michigan Avenue.

Distinguished Chicago guests of the ball consisted of: Lincoln Park Zoo President and CEO, Kevin Bell; Chairman of the Lincoln Park Zoo Board of Trustees, John Ettelson; Board of Trustees Corporate Chair, C. John Mostofi; Charlie and Caroline Huebner; Dave and Jane Casper; Michael and Tanya Plosky; Loleta Didrikson; Mayari Pritzker and Women’s Board President, Kim Theiss.

The event was co-chaired by Lisa Genesen and Christine Tierney.

After the video, guests take the floor to enjoy the music of the Chicago Catz.

Guests take to the dance floor.

Guests can take a break between numbers to relax and retreat in the lounge area, which features dreamy, draped cabanas.

Those still hungry can visit the chef-prepared s’mores bar with marshmallows roasting over tabletop fire pits. 

And for the guests who were still hungry, the Firecakes Donuts truck rode in to provide a final sweet treat for the ride home.

Just one more!