It’s not a ball, although you always have one. It’s not a safari, although at times it seems like one. You run into beasts, but on your terms. It’s one of my favorite parties. I try to never miss. It’s the Beastly Ball.
More than 900 guests were on hand for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s (GLAZA) Beastly Ball, called “one of L.A.’s biggest and most popular fund-raisers” by FOX News on Saturday, June 20, under the stars at the zoo. The 39th annual event honored philanthropist and GLAZA trustee, Laura Z. Wasserman, and celebrated the theme “For the Love of Animals.”
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.
Chairing the Beastly Ball were leading entertainment attorney, Kenneth Ziffren, and GLAZA trustees Nancy Dennis (a Los Angeles attorney, Kathy Nelson (president, Film Music, Universal Pictures) and Dana Walden (president, Twentieth Century Fox Television). KNBC-TV’s Fritz Coleman served as celebrity auctioneer.
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. There were animal feedings and “animal walkabouts.” Bountiful delicious fare was provided by some of L.A.’s most popular restaurants, all donating their services. Entertainment by world music groups and dancing to a live band were also part of the fun.
Kudos to GLAZA president, Connie Morgan (La Canada), with whom I chatted and discovered it’s her sixth term as head of GLAZA.
