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 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].
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 & Nearby Stays
Africa Event Center, 4850 West Olentangy Street, Powell, United States
USD 135.23 to USD 508.71






