 On the evening of June 19, all eyes - animal and human - were on longtime Zoo
pal Betty White at the 40th annual Beastly Ball. More than eight hundred
guests were on hand to support the Zoo and recognize the 88-year-old
actress's astounding 46-year involvement with the institution.
"I don't know what [I'd] do without animals," commented Betty. "That's why
I've worked with the Zoo for so long and with other animal organizations." Besides her critter f ans, many of whom got to stay out past bedtime for the
occasion, Betty drew an impressive crowd of City Hall pack-leaders and
Hollywood party animals, including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa,
City Council Member Tom LaBonge, and NCIS star Pauley Perrette, who emceed
the ceremony.
Guests enjoyed live entertainment, animal encounters, fine dining catered by
local restaurants, as well as silent and live auctions*the latter manned by
local weathercaster Fritz Coleman and comedian Jimmy Pardo.
Fun aside, the partiers did not forget the reason for the fundraiser.
Altogether, the event raised more than $1,205,000 to benefit the Zoo. "I'd
like to thank everyone for all their hard work in preparing for this year's
Ball," says Director of Special Events Patti Glover. "It was truly a joint
effort by GLAZA, the City, and Service America. Everyone came together to
make it a success."
As the evening wound down, the spotlight turned back to the night's honoree.
GLAZA President Connie Morgan, Chairman Tom Mankiewicz, and Zoo Director
John Lewis presented the Golden Girl with a gift - a hand-cast,
diamond-encrusted elephant pin donated by Jim Vernon of Frank Vernon
Jewelers. City and state officials, as well as celebrity Ball Co-Chairs
including Jay Leno, Craig Ferguson, Jane Goodall, and Alex Trebek, via video
also delivered tributes and proclamations in appreciation of Betty's
dedicated service. "I remember some of the early Beastly Balls when Jimmy
Stewart would ride in on the elephant," Betty reminisced. "And it's still a
great party every year."
The Beastly Ball usually garners media attention, but given the buzz
surrounding this year's honoree, longtime Zoo friend Betty White, last
Saturday's festivities generated a tidal wave of coverage including a slew
of Los Angeles-area media (Los Angeles Times, Fox TV News, KNBC TV News,
KABC TV News, KTLA TV News, LAIst and Glendale News Press, among others) and
national coverage from Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, E!
Entertainment, ABC TV's On the Red Carpet, Variety, the Hollywood Reporter,
People Magazine, and more.
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