More
than 900 guests were on hand for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association
(GLAZA) Beastly Ball, on Saturday, June 20, 2009, under the stars at
the Zoo. The 39th annual event, which raised $1,226,000, celebrated the
theme "For the Love of Animals" and honored philanthropist
and GLAZA trustee Laura Z. Wasserman. Long-time GLAZA trustee Betty White
and GLAZA president Connie Morgan presented Wasserman with a crystal
mother-elephant-and-calf sculpture in recognition of her commitment to
animals. Former President Bill Clinton "appeared" in a video
tribute to Wasserman, and she was also lauded from the stage by Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa; Zoo director John Lewis; GLAZA chairman Tom Mankiewicz,
City Council President Eric Garcetti and City Councilmembers Tom LaBonge,
Grieg Smith and Wendy Greuel; and Congressman Adam B. Schiff.
Among those celebrating with Wasserman were her husband, Casey Wasserman, and their two children, Emmet and Stella, leading entertainment attorney Kenneth Ziffren (Laura Wasserman's father and event co-chair), GLAZA trustee Nancy Dennis (event co-chair), GLAZA trustee Kathy Nelson (president, Film Music, Universal Pictures, and event co-chair), GLAZA trustee Dana Walden (president, Twentieth Century Fox Television and event co-chair), celebrity auctioneer Fritz Coleman (KNBC TV weathercaster), director Anne Fletcher (of Betty White's new film, The Proposal), film composers David Newman and Hans Zimmer, former Dodgers pitcher Jim Gott, former Lakers star Elgin Baylor, FOX TV entertainment reporter Lauren Sanchez and FOX TV reporter Phil Shuman, among many, many others.
The fund-raiser marks more than 45 years of GLAZA's success in supporting the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden's work as an educational resource for the citizens of Los Angeles, and as an international center for the conservation of endangered wildlife.
Known as "one of the best parties in Los Angeles" (KCAL TV News), the Beastly Ball was a festive evening for guests, who came dressed in casual and safari attire, as they strolled through the grounds after hours to view Zoo inhabitants. The evening's route allowed viewings of black bears, hippos, a rhino, Sumatran tigers, mountain tapirs, and many other Zoo inhabitants, including Billy, one of its most famous. There were animal feedings and "animal walkabouts," which included chats with keepers and the chance to observe small animals up close. Bountiful, delicious fare was provided by some of L.A.'s most popular restaurants, all donating their services, including Bar Celona, Celestino Ristorante, El Cholo, Fabiolus Café, Green Street Restaurant, Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana, La Poubelle, Maison Akira, Malo, Pink's Famous Hot Dogs, Parkway Grill, Arroyo Chop House, Cafe 140 South, Smitty's Grill, Spitfire Saloon, Smoke House Restaurant, Typhoon, Villa Sorriso and Yamashiro. Entertainment by world music groups and dancing to a live band were also part of the fun.
