Join us to celebrate our mission and honor Anne Duncan, Director Emeritus, for her exemplary contributions to the growth of the Houston Zoo. Together, we will make a meaningful impact on animals and habitats—from our Zoo to the African savanna.
Saturday, November 7
6:00 p.m. to midnight
Houston Zoo – Masihara Pavilion
Kristy and Chris Bradshaw
Chairs
Anne Duncan Honoree
Julie Longoria Chen Auction Chair
Ronda Ross
After Party Chair
Southern White Rhinos
A Conservation Success Story
The iconic southern white rhino is a conservation success story. A century ago, fewer than 100 of these special creatures remained. Today, thanks to the efforts of zoos and dedicated field conservationists, more than 17,000 rhinos roam Africa’s savanna landscapes. At Zoo Ball 2026 – Sunset on the Savanna, we will come together to help write the next conservation success story!
Rhinos Closer than Ever
Reimagining our Rhino Habitat
In early 2027, we will complete a comprehensive renovation of our rhino habitat to support expanded species care and long-term habitat health. The expanded space will make room for zebras and an additional rhino. More shade for animals and guests, including a covered viewing shelter, will allow visitors to get even closer to our rhinos and zebras.
Two premium tables set for ten each with private waitstaff at Zoo Ball 2026
Premium wine and champagne service at your tables
Special place cards for your table guests
Lunch and private tour with Lisa Peterson, 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 – $5,806
Lion Pride - $50,000
One prominent table set for ten with private waitstaff at Zoo Ball 2026
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 – $3,736
Giraffe Journey - $25,000
One prime table set for ten at Zoo Ball 2026
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 Silver Level membership in the Zoo’s Asante Society
Fair Market Value – $2,382
Zebra Dazzle - $15,000 (Limited Availability)
One premier table set for ten at Zoo Ball 2026
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 – $2,100
Leopard Prowl- $1,500 (Single Ticket)
One reserved seat at Zoo Ball 2026
Name recognition in all Zoo Ball materials and on Zoo website
Fair Market Value – $200
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 – $8,709
After Party Sponsorship - $25,000 (Sold!)
Logo and listing as Presenting Sponsor 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 – $400
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 – $400
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 – $400
Silent Auction Sponsorship - $15,000
Name recognition as Silent Auction Sponsor on frames at Zoo Ball and in Zoo Ball materials
Two (2) tickets to Zoo Ball
Benefit Value – $400
Centerpiece Sponsorship - $15,000
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 – $400
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 – $400
Hand Fans Sponsorship - $10,000
Name recognition as Hand Fan Sponsor on fans at each place setting at Zoo Ball and in Zoo Ball materials
Zoo Ball Bag Sponsorship - $10,000
Name recognition as Zoo Ball Bag Sponsor on sustainable bag for all Zoo Ball guests and in Zoo Ball materials
Live Auction Sponsorship - $10,000
Name recognition as Live Auction Sponsor in Zoo Ball Program and shout-out by auctioneer
Shoe Valet Sponsorship - $10,000
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
Sana Ahmad and Mustafa Ali
Vanessa and Chuck Ames
Carina and Brooks Antweil
Meg and George Basu
Judy and Mark Blanchard
Dolly Brenneman
Lindsey Brown and Chris Shepherd
Kristen and Scott Browning
Whitney Casas
Nancy Chafe
Cathy and Joe Cleary
Anne and John Clutterbuck
Claudia and Roberto Contreras
Trang and Alan Cormack
Heather and Daniel Crowder
Dr. Tammye Curtis-Jones
Mindy and Josh Davidson
Jillian and Christopher Day
Aditi and Chris Deal
Debra and Mike Dishberger
Jimmy Dunne
Carrie Engerrand and Bill Kost
Elaine Finger
Robin and Sammy Fleschler
Rachel and Brian Foley
Cheryl Fossler
Harriet Foster
Kerry Galvin
Kathy and Marty Goossen
Annie and Bob Graham
Anna Gryska
Courtney and Zac Harmon
Dr. Geri Maria Harris
Linda and Tracy Hester
Jackie and Jon Hodges
Hayden Hrncir and Ben Ackerley
Kelly and Ryan Ingraham
Monica Karuturi
Kelli Orr
Carey Kirkpatrick and Neil Hershey
Eric Kristiansen
Jennifer and Chris Laporte
Cheyanne and Brandt Leibe
In Memory of Tessa Lesley
Stacey and Al Lindseth
Kelley and Stephen Lubanko
Christina Lyons
Karri and Joey Mahmoud
Lexi and Mike Marek
Meredith and Ben Marshall
Dr. Stephen McCauley and David Peavy
Jennifer and Ben McClure
April and Wells McGee
Anna and Kenneth Mermis
Dee Methvin in loving memory of Stacy
Nancy Moncrief
Denise Monteleone
Kathy Morin and Paul “Chip” Block
Judy and Kenneth Nadolny
Bobbie Nau
Summer Nijjer
Suzanne and Bob Nimocks
Jane-Page Crump
Sara and James Parr
Ludmila and Robert Paul
Lakshmi and Andrew Picoli
Beverly and Jim Postl
Tommye and David Powell
Nancy and David Pustka
Nina and Clint Rand
Renee Renfroe
Crystal and Ross Robin
Christopher Ruez
Carolyn and Jake Sabat
Ashley and Adam Scheele
Jordan and Dylan Seff
Sarah and Sabi Shull
Heidi and Marcus Smith
Courtney and Bas Solleveld
Charlotte Anders Strange
Lee-Taylor and Riley Sharman
Brian Thomas
Leticia and Steve Trauber
Mardi and Mark Turner
Chelsey Ullrich
Lisa Vannoy
Kelli and John Weinzierl
Laura and Mark White
Tamra and Mike Woods
Amanda and Robert Brock
Underwriters
As of April 13, 2026
Rhino Crash
Kristy and Chris Bradshaw/Bristow Group
Lion Pride
ExxonMobil
Bobbie Nau in Honor of Anne Duncan
Giraffe Journey
CenterPoint/Monica Karuturi
Debra and Mike Dishberger
Kerry Galvin
Jennifer and Chris Laporte
Dee Methvin, in Loving Memory of Stacy
Beverly and Jim Postl
Jordan and Dylan Seff
Charlotte Strange
In Memory of Tessa Lesley
Zebra Dazzle
Carina and Brooks Antweill
Ben Ackerley and Hayden Hrncir
Dolly Brenneman/Rachel and Brian Foley
Anne and John Clutterbuck/Mindy and Josh Davidson
Heather Crowder
Elaine Finger/Linda and Tracy Hester
Robin and Sammy Fleschler
Harriet Foster
Frost Bank
Annie and Bob Graham
Jackie and Jon Hodges
Carey Kirkpatrick and Neil Hershey
The Kristal Smith Charitable Trust
Karri and Joey Mahmoud
Jennifer and Ben McClure
Anna and Kenneth Mermis
Kathy Morin and Paul “Chip” Block/Kenneth and Judy Nadolny/Sharon Roark/Beverlee Steinberg/Mardi Turner/Pam and Greg Wellen/Lana Wynne
PNC
Nancy and David Pustka
Crystal and Ross Robin
Courtney and Bas Solleveld
Mark and Laura White
Julie and Stephen Chen
Leopard Prowl
Judy and Mark Blanchard
Whitney Casas
Roberto and Claudia Contreras, in Honor of Kristy and Chris Bradshaw
Trang and Alan Cormack
Jillian and Christopher Day
Colin Dunatov
Jimmy Dunne
Jane-Page Crump
Ludmila and Robert Paul
Ashley and Adam Scheele
Tamara and Mike Woods
Event Sponsors
After Party Presenting Sponsor
Entertainment
Kelley and Stephen Lubanko/Kelli and John Weinzierl
