Thanks for a great 2023! Save the date for 2024: Saturday, September 7
Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 5PM – 11PM
About the Night
Join us for Racine's premier black-tie event, Zoo Debut, a fundraising gala. Indulge in an open bar, gourmet dinner, live entertainment by The Eddie Butts Band, live and silent auctions, and more! This dazzling event celebrating our 100th anniversary will be a night to remember! Funds raised will benefit essential veterinary and daily animal care, education programs, conservation efforts, and so much more. Your support is the key to our continued success of providing positive wildlife experiences for guests of all ages.
Attire
Attire is black tie
Auctions
The Silent Auction will be held online through the GiveSmart website. The Live Auction will be in-person at the event. See the sidebar to participate or for FAQs. Anyone 18+ can participate in the auctions even if you don't attend the event! You must be 21 years and older to bid on any alcohol-related auction packages. Silent auction items can be picked up at the end of the event at the auction table. If you are unable to attend the event, we will contact you for pickup.
Silent Auction (online):
- Starts Tuesday, September 5 at 4PM (CT)
- Ends Saturday, September 9 at 9PM (CT)
Live Auction (in-person):
- Starts Saturday, September 9 at 7PM (CT)
- Ends Saturday, September 9 at 8PM (CT)
If you would like to participate in the Live Auction but are unable to attend Zoo Debut, please email Marketing Manager, Kristen Humphrey, at kristen@racinezoo.org with the item number(s) of the Live Auction item(s) you would like to bid on along with your maximum bid(s) NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, SEPT. 8 at 3PM. We will then bid for you during the event on Sept. 9. You will be notified after the event if you won.
Tickets:
$175 per person through Tuesday, August 15, 2023
$200 per person starting Wednesday, August 16, 2023
MUST RSVP by Thursday, August 31, 2023. Scroll down to save your spot!
Please Note:
- Pre-registration required! Tickets not available at the door.
- ALL PURCHASES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
- There are no physical tickets for this event. Your name will be put on a list at the entrance of the event. Please bring your ID.
- Only purchase tickets through the Racine Zoo website or in person at the Zoo. All other places tickets may be sold are a scam.
Please fill out the application below, including the first name and last name of all guests who will be attending to make sure everyone in your party will be seated together. If you are purchasing for a business or organization, please include the name of your company along with all attendees.
If you are purchasing an entire table (Entire table: 10 people for $1,750). Please check the box, then make sure to list your full name as the first guest followed by the rest of your party's first and last names.
If you are purchasing individual tickets, please select the number of tickets from the drop-down box. List your full name as the first guest followed by the rest of your party's first and last names.
If you are in need of a specialized table group (more than 10 and less than 19) for your group, please email Beth Heidorn at bheidorn@racinezoo.org.
Note**If you or one of your guests require a vegetarian meal, please indicate that in "Name" text field.
Example:
3) Guest Name
John Smith / Vegetarian meal
