Over the past two years, the Emporia Friends of the Zoo’s annual Roundup Auction has generated more than $250,000 for zoo operations.
That included over $125,000 at Friday’s auction at the Fairgrounds Anderson Building, driven by huge live and silent auction lists and a sellout crowd. Zoo Director Lisa Keith was blown away.
One of the more anticipated live auction items came from Emporia native and former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman John Lohmeyer, who offered an autographed and framed Patrick Mahomes jersey. Lohmeyer says he still gets to the zoo every chance he gets.
Event co-chair Colleen Mitchell says she’s proud of EFOZ and its partnership with the zoo.
Proceeds benefit several operations at the zoo, including the Education Coordinator position recently filled by Kelli Proehl, events, literature and ongoing construction through the Oasis capital campaign.
