Auctions
Tickets
Payments
Event Website
Donations
Communications
Reports & Analytics
Raffles & Sales
Sponsorship
Mobile Apps
Each summer, the Alaska Zoo comes alive—not just with the calls of the wild, but with the sound of generosity in action. At the Champions of the Wild gala, supporters gathered not only to celebrate Alaska’s wildlife but to make a real difference for the animals who call this boreal haven home. Set against the scenic foothills of the Chugach Mountains, the evening wasn’t about glitz for its own sake. It was about heart, purpose, and helping a community of animals that rely on human care when nature takes a difficult turn.
What makes this gala truly special isn’t just the dinner or dancing—it’s the opportunity it offers guests to directly support urgent, life-saving work. The funds raised go straight to work—covering emergency veterinary care, specialized diets, and safe housing for orphaned or injured animals. Whether naming a baby muskox calf or walking alongside the zoo veterinarian on rounds, guests weren’t just bidding on fun. They were stepping into the mission with:
- a setting that can only be found in Alaska
- VIP access to polar bears and caviar
- exclusive experiences for dining and animal encounters
- raffle that elevates the mission
A Boreal Forest Like No Other
Since 1969, the Alaska Zoo has been dedicated to the conservation of Arctic, sub-Arctic, and like-climate species through education, research, and rescue. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit sits on 28 acres of boreal forest, where winding trails provide immersive, up-close experiences with wildlife.
Spring and summer are especially critical seasons. The zoo often takes in animals needing immediate care—such as orphaned cubs or injured rescues. Fundraisers like Champions of the Wild help cover the surge in seasonal expenses, ensuring these animals receive everything from medical attention to specialized nutrition.
VIP Access with Polar Bears and Caviar
Guests could purchase general tickets or tables, but the VIP Champions Ticket offered something extraordinary. Early access included a champagne-and-caviar reception at the polar bear habitat, where attendees witnessed animal enrichment activities in a private, intimate setting.
From the very beginning, this event set the tone: elegance with purpose, and celebration tied directly to impact.
Dining, Music, and Mission-Driven Moments
Dinner was catered by Wild Fork Catering, paired perfectly with wines from AK Wine Grotto, and served alongside cocktails from El Rodeo. Live music by Jared Woods set the mood, while emcee Heather Doncaster guided the evening. The live auction was led by Dan Newman of Alaska Premier Auctions, bringing high energy and heartfelt giving to the bidding floor.
Throughout the evening, guests were reminded how their generosity directly supports the animals they love—offsetting the zoo’s rising operational costs and enabling year-round care for residents old and new.
Wildly Exclusive Auction Experiences
What truly set this gala apart was the unforgettable lineup of one-of-a-kind, mission-driven auction items. These weren’t packages pulled from a prize closet—they were rare, behind-the-scenes experiences created by the zoo itself:
- Sips and Stripes A private encounter with Amur tiger Natasha, followed by appetizers and drinks on the Tiger Bridge. This package sold twice, bringing in $11,000 total.
- Muskox Naming Rights The winning bidder earned the honor of naming a newly rescued muskox calf, along with a private encounter. This item also closed at $11,000.
- Zoo Vet for a Day A two-person opportunity to join Dr. Chris Michetti and Curator Sam Lavin during their weekly animal care rounds—offering a rare look into the zoo’s veterinary work.
- Winter Wonderland at the Zoo An after-hours Zoo Lights experience for ten guests, with cocoa, cookies, and a professional holiday photo shoot in the greenhouse.
- Bourbon & Bears A private encounter with all three bear species, plus a seven-bottle whiskey collection donated by Executive Director Tristan Thon.
- Paint and Paws A creative, two-part workshop where guests created paw casts of real zoo animals and returned for a painting session with artist Gratia Kautek.
Even the raffle aligned with the zoo’s mission—offering naming rights for the baby muskox to one lucky ticket holder.
Every bid helped fund real outcomes—from daily animal care to long-term recovery for rescued wildlife. Watch the video below for a recap of the fundraising action.
Giving That Goes Beyond the Night
Fundraising at Champions of the Wild wasn’t just about raising dollars—it was about raising compassion, visibility, and long-term care. The funds raised help cover everything from emergency medical attention and rehabilitation to food, staffing, and enrichment.
These mission-aligned experiences gave donors a chance to participate in something deeply personal. Guests weren’t just attending an event—they were becoming a vital part of the zoo’s story.
Because generosity isn’t a transaction—it’s a relationship. And on this night, that relationship between people and wildlife grew stronger, one unforgettable moment at a time.
Special thanks to Mekenzie Pettit, Benefit Auctions Manager, and Dan Newman, Founder and lifelong Alaskan at Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals. Their incredibly engaging techniques make appeals that motivate donors to give big—and give often.
We help your donors feel the power and urgency of generosity. Making the ask count is a skill—and we’ve mastered it.
To see more of their impactful event work and behind-the-scenes moments:
A heartfelt thank-you to the dedicated team at the Alaska Zoo for sharing this inspiring story—and for the extraordinary care they provide to Alaska’s wildlife, every single day. Through rescue, rehabilitation, education, and enrichment, their work reminds us that conservation starts close to home.
You can support their mission or plan your visit by following along at: