ZooFari Returns to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

April 30, 2013 - PRLog -- Tickets are now on sale for ZooFari—D.C.’s most exotic food tasting event that drives diners wild. Lovers of fine food are invited to unleash their taste buds and sample delicious dishes from more than 100 of the area’s best restaurants and wineries, while supporting the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s conservation programs. ZooFari, hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), will be held May 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

In addition to crave-worthy fare, ZooFari features great entertainment. Celebrity chefs Todd Gray from Equinox and Michel Richard from Central will engage guests throughout the night and judge teams of pastry artists as they create zoo-themed cakes for the Capital One Bank® Sweet Eats Challenge. Graffiato’s Mike Isabella, a Top Chef contestant, will also participate in the festivities. Between tastings, guests will enjoy a silent auction, cooking demonstrations, musical performances and animal encounters.

Tickets for this important fundraiser are available on the Zoo’s website (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebration...) or at the FONZ Membership Office in the Zoo’s Visitor Center. This annual event is very popular, so tickets sell quickly. Prices are $150 for FONZ members (memberships available here (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/JoinFonz/Join/)) and $200 for non-members.

Group tables in the Rainforest Oasis (https://org.salsalabs.com/o/1483/shop/shop.jsp?storefront...) also are available. Table packages include tickets for the group, valet parking passes, tour opportunities, and access to the Rainforest Oasis table area and the LivingSocial Lion Lounge.

ZooFari supports Zoo conservation initiatives, such as animal husbandry, new and improved exhibits and research programs dedicated to the survival of species ranging from Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers, to Panamanian golden frogs and brown kiwis.

The ZooFari Online Auction (http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=186537421) also supports the Zoo’s programs and will run through Sunday, May 12. There are hundreds of fantastic items to bid on and each winning bid supports the National Zoo's animal care, science, education, and sustainability programs. Auction items include vacation getaways, exclusive Zoo tours, delicious restaurant experiences, sports tickets and memorabilia, animal art, and much more.

ZooFari sponsors include Capital One Bank®, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast, GEICO, LivingSocial, Manhattan Auto of Bethesda, Md., Rosenthal Jaguar/Land Rover of Tysons Corner and Chantilly, Va., MIX 107.3, NBC4, Washingtonian Magazine, and WMAL.

Please like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfTheNationalZoo and tweet using #ZooFari and @FONZNationalZoo (http://www.twitter.com/FONZNationalZoo).

Media Contacts:
Tiane Harrison, tianeh@hotmail.com
Mark Phillips, phillipsmr@si.edu, (202) 633-4333