New Orleans, Louisiana-- Get your summer tuxedo out the closet or grab your favorite evening gown and get ready to attend the 30^th Anniversary of the Chase Zoo-To-Do, Friday, May 4, 2007, benefiting Audubon Zoo’s restoration of the Odenheimer Sea Lion Pool.   According to the Audubon Nature Institute, “the Chase Zoo-To-Do is the largest single night non-medical fundraiser in the country and typically generates more than $1,000,000 for the Audubon Nature Institute, in which all proceeds go directly to the care of Audubon’s animal collection.” 

            “Celebrating 30 years of the Chase Zoo-To-Do is an incredible milestone for Audubon Nature Institute.  Because of this community event, we have been able to make many improvements and create innovative exhibits that help to keep the zoo ranked among the top in the country,” said Audubon Nature Institute CEO Ron Forman.  “This year’s event will help us bring our sea lions home, which is a symbol of our great city’s recovery.”

Some improvements, over the past decade, that were funded through the Chase Zoo-To-Do include Jaguar Jungle, the Komodo Dragon exhibit, the Gottesman Endangered Species Carousel, and the veterinary hospital.   Sushi, Lily, Katie, Cinnamon, and Porter, the Audubon Nature Institute sea lions, took a Hurricane Katrina evacuation trip to Galveston, Texas in Moody Gardens, where they have been living since the storm.  Needless to say, locals are looking forward to the restoration of the Odenhemier Sea Lion pool, which was donated in 1924 by cotton tycoon Sigmund Odenheimer, and bringing its fun loving occupants back home.  

“Chase is pleased to support Audubon Nature Institute as part of our community partnership program and we are particularly pleased that our Zoo-To-Do gift is targeted toward the Zoo’s education programs,” said Chase President John Kallenborn.  “The Zoo has done an amazing job coming back from Katrina and we look forward to helping it continue to offer educational programs for the benefit of everyone in the community.”

The Chase Zoo-To-Do is not only known for its fabulous fundraising, but also for opening the summer party season in New Orleans. This gala is one that both young and old mark their calendars for every year, the first Friday in May.  The chairwoman organizing this year’s extravaganza is Mrs. George Rives Cary III, along with many volunteers and businesses throughout the city that donate their services to support the Audubon Nature Institute and create an unforgettable evening full of top notch entertainment, food, and spirits.  This year The Spinners will be taking guests back to the days when Motown ruled with their hits like “Making My Way Back To You,” “I’ll Be Around,” “It’s A Shame,” and “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” along with other Zoo-To-Do performers including Vivaz, Matt Scoggin & The Zooties, and Atlanta Rhythm & Groove.  There will also be a silent auction featuring antiques, home furnishings, and vacations.  Some veteran restaurants and businesses that are on everyone’s favorite list for spirits and bites during the gala include Brennan’s, Arnaud’s, Byblos, Clancy’s, Table One, Zoe’s, Flaming Torch, Feelings Café, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, Muriel’s Jackson Square, Nirvana Indian Cuisine, P.F. Chang’s, VooDoo BBQ, 7 on Fulton, Begue’s, Bon Temp Café, Cannon’s, Juan’s Flying Burrito, Whole Foods, Saltwater Grill & Oyster Bar, and La Cote Brasserie.   This years’ signature Chase Zoo-To-Do Cocktail is the “Aquatini,” a ginger cosmopolitan that martini lovers in this city are looking forward to tasting.          

Now don’t just think adults have all the fun, clear your families calendar for Friday, April 27, 2007, cause it’s the date of this year’s Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Humana, and chaired by Mrs. Patrick Calhoun.  Dress the kids up in their Sunday best and bring them to their own kiddie style gala with delicious food, crafts, face painting, arcade games, a rock wall, inflatables, the Saints Experience, and pint-sized entertainment.  Radio Disney will be rocking out the zoo along with other entertainers that include Uncle Chris from Tulane University, Audio Jacks, Papillion and South Sound Music Together. Some veteran businesses that have donated their services to help make this years Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Humana is a great success include Zapp’s Potato Chips, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Hubig’s Pies, Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Wendy’s, Rolly Poly, Messina’s Restaurant, Smilie’s, Papa John’s Pizza, WOW Wingery and Café, The Cookie Lady, Dorignac’s, Coldstone Creamery, Zea Rotisserie, Slim Goodies, ICEE Company, Theo’s Pizza, Angelo Brocato, Creole Creamery, Café Rani, and the Nectar Soda Company. 

            Admission costs for both events include refreshments and entertainment.  Chase Zoo-To-Do 8:30 p.m. admission for each person is: $110.00 for ages under 30, $155 for an Audubon Institute Member, and $195.00 Non-Member.  The Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Humana 6:30 p.m. Admission for each person is $16.00 for an Audubon Institute Member, $20.00 Non-Member, and $35.00 for 5:30 p.m. Early Admittance.  For more information about the Audubon Nature Institute Chase Zoo-To-Do, Zoo-To-Do-for Kids presented by Humana, along with information on Audubon Nature Institute facilities and events, visit www.auduboninstitute.org or call 504-861-6160.

By Sheri M. B. McKee.   Ms. McKee is a contributing writer for Bayoubuzz and her articles appear in various publications.

Bayoubuzz is sponsoring Friday Buzz: Putting On The Glitz at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans.  The Event starts at 5:00 p.m. as a “happy hour” and proceeds throughout the night featuring incredible talent such as Jeremy Davenport, Marva Wright, Armand St. Martin. 

 SUZAUNE YEE McKAMEY will start the very GLITZY performance from 5:30 to 9:00 in the On Tois Lounge. There is no charge, but, there is a cash bar and magnificent restaurant.  It is a great opportunity to get out, meet people, enjoy a beautiful atmosphere and ambiance, dance and obviously, do business of all kinds.  The location is the Ritz Carlton, Third Floor on Canal Street.  Music ends at 1 a.m.  Start planning now and tell your friends.