Roundup No. 35 did extremely well for the Emporia Friends of the Zoo and the David Traylor Zoo.
The auction fundraiser generated just under $70,000, and many items brought in a lot of money. The annual sponsorship of Flint the mountain lion set the pace at $4,100, followed by a zookeeper sponsorship for an upcoming conference at $2,600 and the annual lemur sponsorship at $1,700. The baking experience with longtime community volunteer Evora Wheeler and the chance to flip the ceremonial switch at the zoo’s Happy Holidaze lighting ceremony each brought in $1,000.
EFOZ Board Chair Sharon Tidwell says she was proud of the night. She tells KVOE News events like the one Friday night point out just how wide-ranging the support is for the zoo.
Tidwell also said the recent buzz triggered by the Oasis capital campaign as it shifts from fundraising to construction helped to set the tone for the auction. Construction could begin by early April, and Tidwell said the renovations and new buildings will be “very impressive” once everything is done in the next two years.
There’s no downtime for anybody associated with the zoo as the annual Spring Forward event is coming from 1-3 pm Sunday. Outreach Coordinator Dehlia Sutton says it’s a good way to learn more about amphibians and their role in the environment.
Activities will be in the Zoo Education Center, including crafts, games, a toad abode, a scavenger hunt, artifacts and at least one amphibian expert docent providing information.
More information about the David Traylor Zoo and Emporia Friends of the Zoo is available by calling 341-4365 or by going online to www.emporiazoo.org.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
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