WILD About Wandering Gala Fundraiser

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 24, 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 24, 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].

Info: VIP Up close experience to feed the majestic giraffes with specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Info: Learn about special animals with a special up close encounter hour.

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 !

Info: Spend time at the end of our event networking and socializing, sharing all that the parks have to offer.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Africa Event Center, 4850 West Olentangy Street, Powell, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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