Saint Louis Zoo’s A ZOO ADO 2014

The Saint Louis Zoo attracted over 2,500 party-goers to Paint the Town for the painted dogs, celebrating the Purina Painted Dog Preserve, one of the latest additions to River’s Edge, A Zoo Ado 2014, presented by Wells Fargo Advisors, honored these enchanting, yet endangered, dogs at its biennial fundraiser.

On Friday, June 20, from 7:00 PM to Midnight, guests dodged the storms and then sipped, savored, and swung in their their wildest, most colorful wears. A Zoo Ado 2014 grossed more than $500,000 which will benefit the Zoo in its efforts to save endangered species at home and around the world.

Upon the guests’ arrival, the thunderstorms dampened the early proceedings but not the crowd’s spirit. Once the sky cleared, they grazed among savory food stations and buffets offered by Mane Event Catering, the Saint Louis Zoo’s caterer. Selections included African chicken satays with fruited rice and bissara sauce (split pea sauce with a North African twist); Brisket and portobello sliders with pickled red onion and mango chipotle BBQ sauce; Greek salad with tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, onion, feta cheese and olives, seasoned with oregano and olive oil dressing; Chicken spiedini (breadcrumb encrusted chicken breast with mushrooms, prosciutto, provel and a white wine lemon butter sauce); Baked lemon herb cod with roasted tomatoes and olives; Mediterranean orzo with roasted vegetables including zucchini, yellow squash, fennel, red onion, sweet potato, carrot and red and green pepper in olive oil and Herb de Provence seasoned dressing; Steamed green beans with a caramelized shallot and dijon mustard glaze; Bread: rustic asiago, multigrain, Portuguese corn; and Dessert featuring painted dog sugar cookies and assorted cupcakes. Thirsty? No worries there with “watering holes” available throughout the area.

This year’s A Zoo Ado spotlighted some premier entertainment. Jo Dee Messina, the headliner, made her 1996 debut with the hit single Heads Carolina, Tales California, Subsequently, she charted 9 number one singles, 16 Top 40 singles, and sold more than 5 million records worldwide. With its title ME chosen by fans, Jo Dee’s newest album – released March 18, 2014 – marked the forward-thinking country star’s most personal album to date, and her rousing performance at A Zoo Ado did not disappoint the guests. Other main stage performers comprised the Tyler Filmore Band and DJ GriesLightning. The Supporting Stages showcased GalaxyRed, DJ Crucial, and DJ Greasy.

Special activities also provided other diversions for the attendees with some fun prizes available to win. Games consisted of Painted Dog Paint-By-Number, Bean Bag Toss, and Jumbo Connect Four, all held within different zone locations.

For those seeking “shopping opportunities”, they had to look no further than the silent auction. Bidding  remained frantic on some incredible items, including various zoo experiences, travel packages to Napa Valley, Tanzania and other exotic places, St. Louis Cardinals tickets, golf outings, and a Wine and Dine Pull.

Matt Geekie and Lisa Nouss served as co-chairs of A Zoo Ado 2014. Presenting sponsor represented Wells Fargo Advisors. Underwriters included Mid-America Chevy Dealers, U.S. Bank; Ameren Corporation, AT&T Missouri, Edward Jones, First Bank, Monsanto, Novus International, Inc., and Thompson Coburn,LLP. Fifth Third Bank sponsored the entertainment and Albarre’ Jewelry the Silent Auction.