Detroit Zoo's posh Sunset at the Zoo benefit set for Friday

Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·2 min read
An array of food will be offered at the Detroit Zoo's annual Sunset at the Zoo event.
An array of food will be offered at the Detroit Zoo's annual Sunset at the Zoo event.

The Detroit Zoological Society's (DZS) annual Sunset at the Zoo evening gala event returns Friday. This year, “Leap into Conservation” is the message for the annual fundraising event.

Sunset at the Zoo event chairs are Kelly and Clifford Houseman and the 21-and-older event is presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions.

Detroit Zoo's Sunset at the Zoo gala benefits is Friday, June 23.
Detroit Zoo's Sunset at the Zoo gala benefits is Friday, June 23.

The event gives guests a chance to stroll the zoo grounds while enjoying cuisine from metro Detroit restaurants, food trucks, and the Detroit Zoo’s on-site caterer, SSA Group as well as drinks, live auctions, and entertainment. Throughout the evening guests will experience access to many of the Detroit Zoo's animal habitats.This year the VIP portion of the event is set to feature cuisine from several metro Detroit well-known chefs.

Participating chefs are:

Chef-owner James Rigato pauses at the bar of his new Hazel Park restaurant, Mabel Gray.
Chef-owner James Rigato pauses at the bar of his new Hazel Park restaurant, Mabel Gray.

  • James Rigato – Mabel Gray

  • Anthony Lombardo – SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

  • Joe Giacomino – Grey Ghost

  • Andy Hollyday – Selden Standard

Anthony Lombardo is the chef and owner of SheWolf Pastificio & Bar in Detroit on February 23, 2021.
Anthony Lombardo is the chef and owner of SheWolf Pastificio & Bar in Detroit on February 23, 2021.

Sunset at the Zoo has been taking place for more than 25 years. The evening annual fundraiser, said zoo senior event manager Megan Gregg, draws nearly 2,000 people to enjoy food and the zoo grounds that cover 125 acres.

An array of food will be offered at the Detroit Zoo's annual Sunset at the Zoo event.
An array of food will be offered at the Detroit Zoo's annual Sunset at the Zoo event.

Funds raised benefit many Detroit Zoo efforts and programs. One program is “Day at the Zoo” free admission program, which provides kids access to attend the zoo along with educational experiences.

Other programs that benefit from the fundraiser include helping with animal care staff, running daily operations, and feeding the animals.

“The fund also benefits our conservation efforts both near and far,” Gregg said.

All tickets include full access to the zoo until sunset.

The VIP ticket includes the exclusive chef experience along with an exclusive live auction. Items to bid on include a trip to Paris and a Detroit Tiger first pitch.

General admission tickets feature a strolling dinner, dessert reception, beverage stations, and nearly 40 food trucks spread throughout the zoo grounds. Alcoholic beverages are included in ticket prices.

Throughout the zoo grounds, there will be music entertainment, including the Jerry Ross band on the main stage. There will be individual performers throughout the rest of the zoo’s footprint.

VIP tickets are $600 per person and $250 per person for general admission. For tickets and information visit detroitzoo.org.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Zoo annual Sunset at the Zoo benefit set for Friday