The Stars Come Out in Support of Wildlife Conservation with Special Musical Performances by Weezer, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, Slash with Def Leppard’s Phil Collen and Stone Temple Pilot’s Robert DeLeo; Celebrity Cameos by Chris Rock, Vince Neil, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Among Others; Animal Moments; Online Auction; and More
GREATER LOS ANGELES ZOO ASSOCIATION’S BEASTLY BALL HAPPENING VIRTUALLY ON SATURDAY, JUNE 5 AT 6 P.M.
The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) will host its preeminent annual fundraiser, Beastly Ball (#BeastlyBall), virtually on Saturday June 5 at 6 p.m. Lauded as “one of the most important fundraisers” by the Los Angeles Times, this long-running event, now in its 51st year, started as a glitzy Hollywood gala and has evolved into a virtual global celebration that welcomes viewers from around the world to tune in and support the Los Angeles Zoo. This star-studded event will be hosted by actor, comedian, and TV host Joel McHale and honors the philanthropic work of Actors Jackie Chan and Leila George, and will be filled with inspiring conservation stories; special celebrity guests; animal moments; an online auction; and musical performances by Weezer, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, Slash with Def Leppard’s Phil Collen and Stone Temple Pilot’s Robert DeLeo; and Poet Christopher Simms reading a poem he wrote called “The Return of the Earth/She;” and much more. Guests can watch the live event and/or participate in the silent auction at lazoo.org/beastlyball. Tax-deductible patron packages start at $1,500. Patron package donors at the $10,000 and higher level will receive a hand-delivered Zoo-themed goodie bag with Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits, John Kelly Chocolates, and Imagery Wine Estate wines along with a multi-course meal provided by Chefs Keith Corbin and Daniel Patterson of Alta Adams, which serves a distinct interpretation of soul food that blends traditional West African food and California cuisine. To learn more, and to purchase patron packages, please visit lazoo.org/beastlyball.
“Last year more than 21,000 people from around the globe joined the celebration, making it our biggest and wildest party to date,” states Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association President Tom Jacobson. “And with Joel McHale returning to host the event, it is guaranteed to be a laughter-filled evening of philanthropy, fun, favorite animals, and fabulous celebrity friends,” Jacobson goes on to say.
Action hero Jackie Chan’s high-flying stunts have made him a worldwide sensation, but it’s his off-screen work that embodies the actor’s spirit of generosity and humility that makes him a true hero. Named as one of the top 10 most charitable celebrities by Forbes magazine, Chan crisscrosses the globe to lend support for a myriad of causes, including wildlife conservation, and is a supporter and ambassador of Save China’s Tigers, which aims to save the endangered South China tiger through breeding and reintroduction into the wild.
Australian-American actress Leila George, who’s a rising star currently on TNT’s Animal Kingdom, and seen previously in Mortal Engines and The Kid, has built a sizable reputation off screen for her philanthropic work. Working alongside her husband, Sean Penn, and his nonprofit relief organization CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), George has been active in setting up COVID-19 testing sites in New Orleans, Atlanta, Navajo Nation, NYC, Chicago and California. Last year, George raised funds for the conservation of wildlife, land, and communities when she produced and hosted the Australian Wildfire Relief Event at the L.A. Zoo.
“This year’s conservation honorees hail from different parts of the world and represent the diverse voices creating social awareness for the need to protect native species and wildlife habitat around the globe,” Jacobson states. “And with conservation at the core of what we do, this fundraiser supports GLAZA’s efforts to fund a myriad of programs including conservation, animal care, animal health, and education programs at the Los Angeles Zoo,” Jacobson goes on to say.
The Beastly Ball will bring together legendary musical talent, including Southern California rock band Weezer performing Toto’s chart-topping song “Africa”; REO Speedwagon’s iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin performing two of the band’s biggest hits acoustically; and Zoo Trustee and veteran guitarist Slash with Def Leppard’s Phil Collen and Stone Temple Pilot’s Robert DeLeo collaborating on what’s sure to be an unforgettable performance.
Guests can contribute to the evening’s success by participating in the Ball’s online auction, which will feature a mix of one-of-a-kind experiences, travel packages, art, and more. Hundreds of items will be available to bid on, including:
- A Hawaiian getaway that includes a 5-night Optimal Wellness Program at Sensei Lana’i, A Four Seasons Resort and a 4-night stay at Four Seasons Lana’i
- A relaxing three-night stay at the Four Seasons Resort in Tamarindo, Mexico. Includes breakfast.
- Play the ultimate game of softball on the field at Dodger Stadium. Two teams of 15 players each will sit in the home and away dugouts.
- Get rocking with two VIP tickets to The Stadium Tour featuring Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts; meet Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil prior to the SoFi Stadium Tour Show (September 4th) and receive a $500 gift card to www.h2ncloudshop.com.
For the first time ever, the Beastly Ball will have a dedicated art auction featuring an eclectic mix of celebrity, local, and international artists, who contributed over 65 unique and original pieces of art ranging from sculpture and paintings to prints and photographs. The theme of this year’s art auction is nature, wildlife, climate change and our blue planet and will include works by actor and comedian Mike Myers and the late American poet and writer Allen Ginsberg; as well as Los Angeles-based artists Narb Avedissian, Juan Bastos, Javiera Estrada, Peter Liashkov, Dan McCleary, Michael Microulis, Ramone Munoz, Melora Walters, and more; and international artists Peggy H. Lee, Kat Serediuk, Kevin Sloan, and Hannah Ward, among others.
To RSVP, preview the auction, make a tax-deductible donation, view and select patron packages, or watch live, please visit: lazoo.org/beastlyball.
The Beastly Ball is generously supported by: Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Alta Adams, City National Bank, Imagery Estate Winery, John Kelly Chocolates, Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits, and Welk Resorts.