What is Zoo II?
The mission of the San Francisco Zoo is to connect people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature, and advance conservation action. Zoo II is a social club of young professionals dedicated to expanding conservation, awareness, providing and encouraging financial support of the San Francisco Zoo while connecting to others in the community and enjoying a variety of social activities.
History
In 1987, Emeritus Board member Connie Lurie put together a committee of six young women to start a junior organization to raise funds and awareness for the Zoo. The original Zoo II organization held the first Lion House party in 1987 and it was a huge success. The party was planned in 8 weeks and everything was donated-invitations, beverages, food, band etc. Zoo II was able to contribute a good donation to the Zoo and the group continued to grow into a much larger host committee each year. Lisa Lenzo was President the first three years and the Lion House party continued as the main fundraiser. We held quarterly Membership Cocktail parties at retail stores and restaurants. It was a wonderful group of Zoo supporters. The Lion House parties continued with strong leadership and support from other Presidents and Board members thoughout the next several years. Names of other Presidents include: Rob Fisher, Michael Polenske, Michael Folk and Patrick Herning.
In 2006, a motley crew got together to reinvigorate the organization including Jeff McNulty, Ann Cheney and Sarah Gammill who are still members of today’s Zoo II Committee. As of September 2009, we have just completed our third annual Fur Ball and the committee has quadrupled in size. The 2009 Fur Ball tripled its revenue from the 2006 Fur Ball and all funds go straight to the Zoo.
Zoo II Contributions
Serving on the Zoo II Committee is a significant way to contribute to Zoo II, meet new friends and give back to our local community. Zoo II Committee members have a variety of personal and professional backgrounds and bring diverse skills and interests, which contribute to the success of our membership events and volunteer programs. In addition to enthusiasm and an overall willingness to give your time and energy to the Committee, we are also seeking candidates to participate in the following areas: Fur Ball Committee (This is the committee that supports Zoo II’s annual signature fundraising gala held at the San Francisco Zoo. The gala includes a silent auction in addition to a VIP reception for our membership.), Renew the Zoo (RTZ) (Zoo II meets at the San Francisco Zoo quarterly on a designated Saturday morning to help renew the Zoo. As a group, Zoo II provides hands-on support in cleaning up particular exhibits and working with the horticulture department on restoring the grounds.), and Urban Safari (Zoo II holds quarterly happy hours in bars/restaurants located near downtown to build greater visibility for Zoo II and the San Francisco Zoo and as a social networking opportunity. All Zoo II members get in free to these happy hours while other attendees pay a recommended entry donation. Funds from these events go straight to the Zoo.)
Please e-mail the president of the Zoo II Committee with your interests and/or questions (Include your name, e-mail address, phone number and the best time to reach you).
Zoo II Committee President: Ann Cheney: ann@sfzoo2.org
Committee
President
Ann Cheney
Vice President
Sarah Gammill
Members
| Evan Corley
Jen Cronan Kim Darin Harry Kenning Ye-Hui Lu Elizabeth Matzner Jeff McNulty
|
Vanessa Mendoza
Julia Murphy Bob Perun Amanda Sargisson Sarah Schoellkopf Samantha Sevekow Andy Volk |
