Skip to Content
May 23-25: The Zoo is staying open with extended hours until 10pm, with last entry at 8:30pm. Read More
Calendar

Zoo Ball 2025

At Zoo Ball 2025 - Enchanted Forests, we will celebrate forest animals in Texas and around the world and recognize Lee Ehmke, President & CEO, for his extraordinary leadership of our Zoo following nearly a decade of service.

Saturday, October 25, 6:00 p.m.-Midnight

Purchase a table or sponsorship

Honoring

Lee Ehmke

Zoo Ball Co-Chairs

The Goossen Family
Kathy & Marty Goossen
Lacey & Matthew Goossen

Catherine & Jay Goossen

Auction Chairs  

Courtney and Bas Solleveld

After Party Chair

Anna Gryska

Tables & Tickets

Mountain Gorilla - $100,000

  • Two premium tables set for ten each with private waitstaff at Zoo Ball 2025
  • Premium wine and champagne service at your tables
  • Special place cards for your table guests
  • Lunch and private tour with Lee Ehmke, Houston Zoo President & CEO, and Kevin Hodge, VP of Animal Programs
  • Logo/name recognition in all Zoo Ball materials, on website and in emails promoting Zoo Ball
  • Special gift from an Ambassador Animal at each place setting for you and your guests
  • Name listing in the Zoo’s annual report
  • One Platinum Level membership in the Zoo’s Asante Society

Fair Market Value – $4,760

Asian Elephant - $50,000

  • One prominent table set for ten with private waitstaff at Zoo Ball 2025
  • Premium wine and champagne service at your table
  • Special place cards for your table guests
  • Logo/name recognition in all Zoo Ball materials, on website and in emails promoting Zoo Ball
  • Special gift from an Ambassador Animal at each place setting for you and your guests
  • One behind-the-scenes tour for up to six people
  • Name listing in the Zoo’s annual report
  • One Gold Level membership in the Zoo’s Asante Society

Fair Market Value – $3,070

King Cobra - $25,000

  • One prime table set for ten at Zoo Ball 2025
  • Premium wine and champagne for your table
  • Special place cards for your table guests
  • Logo/name recognition in all Zoo Ball materials, on website and in emails promoting Zoo Ball
  • Name listing in the Zoo’s annual report
  • One Gold Level membership in the Zoo’s Asante Society

Fair Market Value – $2,050

Ring-tailed Lemur - $15,000 (Sold out!)

  • One premier table set for ten at Zoo Ball 2025
  • Name recognition in all Zoo Ball materials and on Zoo website
  • Name listing in the Zoo’s annual report
  • One Silver Level membership in the Zoo’s Asante Society

Fair Market Value – $1,860

Cotton-top Tamarin - $10,000 (Sold out!)

  • One preferred table set for ten at Zoo Ball 2025
  • Name recognition in all Zoo Ball materials and on Zoo website
  • Name listing in the Zoo’s annual report
  • One Bronze Level membership in the Zoo’s Asante Society

Fair Market Value – $1,720

Okapi- $1,250 (Single ticket) (Sold out!)

  • One reserved seat at Zoo Ball 2025
  • Name recognition in all Zoo Ball materials and on Zoo website

Fair Market Value – $162

Sponsorship Opportunities

Zoo Ball Presenting Sponsorship - $150,000

  • Recognition as Presenting Sponsor of the event, including logo placement on the invitation, website, program, and on all signage the evening of Zoo Ball
  • Two prominently placed tables of twelve at Zoo Ball
  • Private lunch with the CEO and behind-the-scenes tour at the Houston Zoo for eight guests
  • Recognition in the Houston Zoo annual report and on our website
  • Recognition as the Zoo Ball Presenting Sponsor in all news releases
  • Logo/name recognition in e-blasts promoting Zoo Ball
  • 25% discount on memberships to the Houston Zoo for all employees
  • Customized discount code for your employees to purchase general admission tickets ($5 off adult and children passes; may not be combined with venue rental)
  • 50 complimentary, one-time use passes to visit the Houston Zoo
  • Two Platinum Level memberships in the Zoo’s Asante Society
  • 20% discount on one event venue rental (does not include dates during Zoo Lights and subject to availability; excludes catering fees)

Benefit Value – $7,995

After Party Sponsorship - $25,000 (Sold!)

  • Logo and listing as Presenting Sponsorship on Zoo website and in emails promoting After Party
  • Name recognition when promoting the After Party on the Zoo’s social media channels.
  • Reserved seating for sixteen (16) at After Party
  • Sixteen (16) tickets to After Party
  • On-grounds signage at event space the night of After Party
  • A creative collaboration with your company on a signature cocktail to serve at the After Party

Benefit Value – $1,500

Entertainment Sponsorship - $15,000 (Sold!)

  • Name recognition as Entertainment Sponsor on Zoo website and in emails promoting After Party
  • Name recognition when promoting the After Party and entertainment on the Zoo’s social media channels
  • Two (2) tickets to Zoo Ball
  • On-grounds signage at event space the night of After Party

Benefit Value – $324

Valet Sponsorship - $15,000

  • Name recognition as Valet Sponsor at Valet and in Zoo Ball digital program
  • Two (2) tickets to Zoo Ball

Benefit Value – $324

Golf Cart Sponsorship - $15,000 (Sold!)

  • Name recognition as Golf Cart Sponsor at guest pick-up location and in Zoo Ball digital program
  • Two (2) tickets to Zoo Ball

Benefit Value – $324

Silent Auction Sponsorship - $15,000

  • Name recognition as Silent Auction Sponsor on auction frames at Zoo Ball and in Zoo Ball materials
  • Two (2) tickets to Zoo Ball

Benefit Value – $324

Centerpiece Sponsorship - $15,000 (Sold!)

  • Name recognition as Centerpiece Sponsor on menu cards at each place setting at Zoo Ball and in Zoo Ball materials
  • Two (2) tickets to Zoo Ball

Benefit Value – $324

Bar and Beverage Napkin Sponsorship - $15,000

  • Name recognition as Bar and Beverage Napkin Sponsor on bar signage and beverage napkins at Zoo Ball and in Zoo Ball materials
  • Two (2) tickets to Zoo Ball

Benefit Value – $324

Hand Fans Sponsorship - $10,000 (Sold!)

  • Name recognition as Hand Fan Sponsor on fans at each place setting at Zoo Ball and in Zoo Ball materialsa

Zoo Ball Bag Sponsorship - $10,000 (Sold!)

  • Name recognition as Zoo Ball Bag Sponsor on sustainable bag for all Zoo Ball guests and in Zoo Ball materials

Live Auction Sponsorship - $7,500

  • Name recognition as Live Auction Sponsor in Zoo Ball Program and shout-out by auctioneer

Shoe Valet Sponsorship - $5,000

  • Name recognition as Shoe Valet Sponsor at Zoo Ball and in Zoo Ball materials

Enrichment Wall Sponsorship - $5,000 (Sold!)

  • Name recognition as Enrichment Wall Sponsor on Enrichment Wall at Zoo Ball and in Zoo Ball materials

Photo Booth at After Party Sponsorship - $5,000

  • Name recognition as Photo Booth Sponsor on digital photo frames at Zoo Ball After Party

Purchase A TABLE

Become a Sponsor

To commit to Zoo Ball with a pledge, please reach out to Ginger Moon at gmoon@houstonzoo.org.

If you wish to make a pledge payment, please contact development@houstonzoo.org.

Host Committee

Shirin and Saied Alavi
Vanessa and Chuck Ames
Julie and Darrell Antrich
Carina and Brooks Antweil
Decie Autin and Liz Williams
Denise and Philip Bahr
Tiffany and Kenneth Baird
Sarah and Sabi Balkanyi
Rick Barongi
Shekinah Bass
Meg and George Basu
Carole and Bruce Bilger
Judy and Mark Blanchard
Polly and Murry Bowden
Christy Brown
Will Brown
Bill Butzner
Jennie and Richard Buxbaum
Deborah M. Cannon
Kristen J. Cannon
Cody Carpenter
Dr. Julie Longoria Chen and Dr. Stephen Chen
Sue Chin
Anne and John Clutterbuck
Cindi and Bob Colvin
Claudia and Roberto Contreras
Trang and Alan Cormack
Christan Corona-Isbell
Jacquelyn and Collin Cox
Molly and Jim Crownover
Jane-Page Crump
Emily and Steve Dalicandro
Stacey and Peter DallePezze
Mindy and Josh Davidson
Aditi and Chris Deal
Susie and Joe Dilg
Debra and Mike Dishberger
Anne Duncan
Jimmy C. Dunne
Jenny Elkins
Carrie Engerrand and William Kost
Domenica F. Farmer
Elaine W. Finger
Robin and Sammy Fleschler
Ann and Peter Fluor
Lily and Charles C. Foster
Harriet Foster
Ann and Randy Fowler
Kevin J. Foyle
Elizabeth Galante
Kat Gallagher
Amy and Thomas Galloway
Kerry Galvin
Jennie and Doug Getten
Barbara Goldfield
Alex and Daniel Gottschalk
Annie and Bob Graham
MaryJane Hancock
Courtney and Zac Harmon
Linda and Tracy Hester
Kelly Hickman
Sheila and Ron Hulme
Cameron and Frances Jones
Elsa and Mark Kathman
Eamon Kelly and Kimberly Reiff
Diane and Donald Kendall
Dana and Daryl Kenningham
Ashley and Paul Kilday
Emily Kirby and Ben Ackerley
Carey Kirkpatrick
PEGGY KOSTIAL
Allison and Geoff Leach
Amanda and Eric Lodge
Kelley and Stephen Lubanko
Christina Lyons
Martha and James Madget
Karri and Joey Mahmoud
Lexi Sakowitz Marek and Mike Marek
Debbie Markey
April and Wells McGee
Audra and Sean McNicholas
Denise Monteleone
Anna and Kenneth Mermis
Dee Methvin
In Loving memory of Stacy
Kelly and John Mooz
Cara and Tanner Moran
Kathy Morin and Paul “Chip” Block
Rekha Muddarj and Dr. Neil Badlani
Paul B. Murphy, Jr.
Cullen and Robert Muse
Judy and Ken Nadolny
Suzanne and Bob Nimocks
Tammy Norman
Kelly and Randy O’Donnell
Stacy O’Malley
Kathy and John Orton
Sara and Randy Ortwein
David Peavy and Dr. Stephen McCauley
Beverly and Jim Postl
Tommye and David Powell
Alie and David Pruner
Nancy and David Pustka
Demi and Ron Rand
Macey and Harry Reasoner
Renee Renfroe
Crystal and Ross Robin
Carolyn and Jake Sabat
Mona and Andrew Sarofim
Leslie and Shannon Sasser
Sally Anne Schmidt and Marc Tabolsky
Anna and Charlie Schwartzel
Cindi and Richard Scruggs
Tracee Seals
Jordan and Dylan Seff
Cathryn and Doug Selman
Jeri and Marc Shapiro
Lee-Taylor and Riley Sharman
Maggie and Greg Sheridan
Aleeza Sinclair and Archie Stamp
Courtney and Bas Solleveld
Archie Stamp
Bev Steinberg
Macey and Bob Stokes
Charlotte and Terry Strange
Bill Stubbs and Kurt Grether
Jessica and Nik Svihlik
Brian J. Thomas
Lauren and Christopher Thomas
Mattie and Craig Thompson
Leticia and Steve Trauber
Stephanie and Frank Tsuru
Mardi and Mark Turner
Lisa Vannoy
Victoria Villarreal and Jaime Herrero
Elizabeth and Peter Wareing
Randa and K. C. Weiner
Kelli and John Weinzierl
Pam and Greg Wellen
Karla and Nicholas Wiedemann
Randa and Charlie Williams
Cynthia Wolff
Lana Wynne

Thank You to Our Underwriters

As of April 28, 2025

MOUNTAIN GORILLA

Cathy and Joe Cleary

ASIAN ELEPHANT

ExxonMobil | Ann and Peter Fluor/Randa and K.C. Weiner | The Goossen Family | John P. McGovern Foundation

KING COBRA

CenterPoint Energy and Monica Karuturi | Anne Duncan | Ann and Randy Fowler | Group 1 Automotive | Diane and Daryl Kenningham | Peggy Kostial | MAREK | Dee Methvin, in Loving Memory of Stacy | Sara and Randy Ortwein | Beverly and Jim Postl | Jordan and Dylan Seff | Courtney and Bas Solleveld/CIBC | SSA Group | Macey and Bob Stokes/Macey and Harry Reasoner | In Memory of Tessa Lesley

RING-TAILED LEMUR

Decie Autin and Liz Williams | Polly and Murry Bowden/Jeri and Marc Shapiro | Molly and Jim Crownover | Mindy and Josh Davidson/Anne and John Clutterbuck | Debra and Mike Dishberger | Kerry Galvin | Annie and Bob Graham | Courtney and Zac Harmon | Carey Kirkpatrick/Sally Anne Schmidt and Marc Tabolsky | Kathy and Chip Morin/Ken and Judy Nadolny/Cindi Scruggs/Bev Steinberg/Mardi Turner/Pam and Greg Wellen/Lana Wynne | Paul Murphy Family | Suzanne and Bob Nimocks | O’Donnell/Snider Construction | Anita O’Shaughnessy and Chris Laquer/Alie and Dave Pruner | Nancy and David Pustka | Crystal and Ross Robin | Ananth Shankar | Charlotte and Terry Strange | Waste Management | Randa and Charlie Williams/Margaret Alkek Williams

COTTON-TOP TAMARIN

Ben Ackerley and Emily Kirby | Julie and Darrell Antrich | Carina and Brooks Antweil | Meg and George Basu | Bilger/Hulme | Ginger Blanton/Renee Renfroe | Trang and Alan Cormack | Elizabeth Cosgrove and Cameron Smith/Diane and Donald Kendall | Peter and Stacey DallePezze/Christina Lyons | Hillary and Jason Danzinger | Robin and Sammy Fleschler | Frost Bank | Kat Gallagher | Amy and Thomas Galloway/Amanda and Eric Lodge/Mona and Andrew Sarofim/Mattie and Craig Thompson/Karla and Nicholas Wiedemann | J.P. Morgan Private Bank/Anna and Charlie Schwartzel | Jennifer and Chris Laporte | Karri and Joey Mahmoud | PNC | UTHealth Houston | The Kristal Smith Charitable Trust

OKAPI

Judy and Mark Blanchard | Claudia and Roberto Contreras | Carrie Engerrand and William Kost | Anna and Kenneth Mermis | Cullen and Robert Muse | David Peavy and Dr. Stephen McCauley | Tommye and David Powell | Ginny and LE Simmons

Thank you to our event sponsors

AFTER PARTY

GOLF CARTS

Joan and Stanford Alexander Family

ENTERTAINMENT

Kelley and Stephen Lubanko
Kelli and John Weinzierl

CENTERPIECES

Buffalo Bayou Holdings, LLC

ENRICHMENT WALL

April and Wells McGee