Apr. 17, 2025 7:30p
(WGTD)---Supporters of the Racine Zoo with the financial wherewithal will be heading to Milwaukee Sept. 5, 2026 for a night they probably won't soon forget.
They'll be participating in a gala to benefit the zoo that'll be held in the new rooftop Baird Ballroom in Milwaukee's downtown convention center.
Use of the stylish space, meals for up to 500 guests and all of the trappings will be donated to the zoo by the operators of the center. It's all because the zoo beat out 122 applicants in the annual Baird Center Gala Giveaway to benefit non-profits. The cash value of the package is $63,000.
"We are beyond excited to be the winners of the Baird Center Gala Giveaway," Racine Zoo Executive Director Beth Heidorn said in a news release. "This amazing surprise gives us an incredible head start on our new capital campaign to fund two new important resources at the Racine Zoo," she said.
The zoo is planning a new vet center and an educational center.
For an idea of just how much money can be generated, the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin raised over $360,000 in the first Gala Giveaway that was held last year.
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