Rob Giardinelli
The Patrons had a “Wild” Time Surrounded By Plenty Of Animals On A Memorable Evening
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By Daniel Ortiz
THE SCENE: The Masihara Pavilion at the Houston Zoo served as the setting for an elegant, enchanting night of fun and fundraising that celebrated one of Space City’s most beloved organizations. Over 600 of the area’s most notable community leaders, animal lovers, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for Zoo Ball 2025. Benefiting the Houston Zoo, the night featured great food, conversation, and entertainment, resulting in a multi-million-dollar night for the organization.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd fully embraced the Enchanted Forests theme, donning a stunning array of formal attire. Glancing around Masihara Pavilion, one could spot patrons donning a mix of traditional black-tie fare while others embraced a variety of animal prints and bold colors. The result was a festive and welcoming environment for all the attendees.
The festivities kicked off with a lively cocktail hour where revelers grabbed their favorite spirit of choice and mingled with other guests. During the cocktail hour, partygoers had the opportunity to meet ambassador animals, including Clark the macaw. Others could be seen perusing an impressive lot of silent auction items, with the most successful being a Humboldt penguin encounter that went for $10,000.
Patrons then headed to the tented area on the Masihara Pavilion for dinner and the main program. The crowd was dazzled by the mix of continental and round tables with various color linens that beautifully complemented the votives, as well as white and pastel floral centerpieces that helped bring nature into the tent while also giving the space the regal feel of a ballroom.
As attendees dined on a delectable, multi-course meal courtesy of City Kitchen Catering, they were treated to words by event and organization leaders thanking them for being a part of such a memorable evening. During the program, Houston Zoo President & CEO Lisa Peterson took a moment to recognize the night honoree, former Houston Zoo President & CEO Lee Ehmke, who oversaw the Houston Zoo’s transformation into a world-class space during his decade-long tenure.
Next, Logan Thomas helmed a spirited live auction where bidders feverishly bid on a fantastic array of luxury packages and experiences. The most popular auction items included a four-night stay for 18 people in Puerto Vallarta, a Zoo Lights Party at the Houston Zoo’s new indoor event space, the John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Reflections Event Hall and Terrace, and the naming rights for the Houston Zoo’s okapi calf. Following that, a Paddles Up raised nearly $260,000 and also included a generous $110,000 match.
The fun continued well into the night as revelers left their seats and took to the dance floor for The After Party. Revelers enjoyed late-night bites and dancing to the tunes of The Drywater Band, capping off a fabulous evening of fun and fundraising.
THE NON-PROFIT: Zoo Ball 2025, chaired by Kathy and Marty Goossen, Lacey and Matthew Goossen, and Catherine and Jay Goossen, with Courtney and Bas Solleveld serving as silent auction chairs, with Anna Gryska serving as After Party chair, raised over $2.1 million for the Houston Zoo. Proceeds raised from the event will support the Houston Zoo’s animal care, education, and wildlife conservation efforts.
