A Gala and Fund-a-Need Live Auction. Your invitation to support Preservation Parks of Delaware County.About this Event
Please join The Preservation Parks Foundation at the Columbus Zoo Africa Event Center for the "Wild About Wandering" Gala Fundraiser !
Tickets include up close animal encounters and zoo entrance at 4pm though the event center. VIP tickets enjoy feeding majestic giraffes. We look forward to seeing everyone for a Wild Wandering fun filled evening! Your support will make a significant impact on Delaware County’s greatest natural resource – our parks.
Don’t miss a wild celebration for a great cause!
- Welcome from Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo.
- Savor a night of cocktails, dining, and animal encounters.
- An exclusive VIP experience.
- Fund-a-Need live auction to support the future Eagle Ridge Park.
- Hear about exciting projects happening in the parks.
- Hear from local author Jarod Anderson about how his experiences in Preservation Parks impacted his well-being.
- Dress in cocktail "WILD about Wandering" attire, optional.
About our Fund-a-Need Live Auction
Lace up your hiking boots as we set off to wander through the future Eagle Ridge Park. A bridge over Lazarus Run is the key to connecting those who wander from the main entrance on Winter Road, through Seymour Woods State Nature Preserve, and north into a Preservation Parks’ easement through Camp Lazarus, over Lazarus Run, and into another 190 acres of parkland.
The bridge is a key component to connect these sections of property and create over 6 miles of trails to wander.
Ticket descriptions:
SINGLE TICKET AND COUPLE TICKET
Sales end on June 15, 2026
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Your evening includes delicious food and drinks, animal encounters, friends, and inspiring you to wander in the parks.
BONUS: Enjoy the entire zoo beginning at 4pm by entering through the Africa Event Center!
VIP TICKET AND VIP COUPLE TICKET
Sales end on June 15, 2026
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm VIP Experience Feed the majestic giraffes while enjoying specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Your evening includes delicious food and drinks, animal encounters, friends, and inspiring you to wander in the parks.
BONUS: Enjoy the entire zoo beginning at 4pm by entering through the Africa Event Center!
All ticket holders will receive a parking pass for the Africa Center for June 25, 2026.
For additional information on sponsorship levels or to purchase a full table ($1,250 for a table of 8; $2,500 for a VIP table of 8) with the Preservation Parks Foundation at the Gala, please contact Carol Zimmerman at [email protected].
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM
VIP Event with VIP ticket
Info: VIP Up close experience to feed the majestic giraffes with specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
🕑: 06:30 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 06:45 PM - 07:15 PM
Animal Encounter and Cocktail Hour
Info: Learn about special animals with a special up close encounter hour.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:45 PM
Delicious food , cocktails and Wild about Wandering exploration!
Info: Savor delicious food, beer, wine, signature drinks, soda, great music and exclusive insights in the hidden gems of our parks with a fun-filled program !
🕑: 08:45 PM - 09:30 PM
Social Networking
Info: Spend time at the end of our event networking and socializing, sharing all that the parks have to offer.
Event Venue
Africa Event Center, 4850 West Olentangy Street, Powell, United States
USD 135.23 to USD 508.71
