Event Chair

Former First Lady Frances Owens to Serve as Zoo’s Do At The Zoo Gala Chair - Denver Zoo’s Largest Fundraiser Takes Form Under Owens’ Leadership

Former Colorado First Lady Frances W. Owens is supporting Denver Zoo by serving as steering committee co-chair for Do At The Zoo, the zoo’s largest fundraising gala set for June 19, 2008. Resident Asian elephants Mimi and Dolly join Owens to co-chair the event, which will raise funds for Asian Tropics, a 10-acre exhibit devoted to highly-endangered Asian species including elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs.

“The committee for this year’s Do at the Zoo has really come together to make this even better than past years. With proceeds supporting such a worthy cause, we are all energized to help build Mimi and Dolly their new home, Asian Tropics,” says Owens. 

Many experienced and dedicated fundraisers will join Owens on the Do at the Zoo committee including:

• Keith Trammel, Co-Chair – Corporate
• Ginnie Kontnik, Co-Chair – Corporate
• Kay Ray, Co-Chair – Décor/Image
• Sylvia Atencio, Co-Chair – Décor/Image
• Martha Kelce, Co-Chair – Entertainment
• Holly Kylberg, Co-Chair – Entertainment
• Maureen Brooks, Advisor – Entertainment
• Christina Brickley, Chair – Publicity
• Judy Todd, Chair – Raffle
• Sue Aaronson, Chair – Restaurants
• Mel Master, Advisor – Restaurants
• Jennifer Kandel, Co-Chair – Tickets
• Jenni Haselden, Co-Chair – Tickets

Do At The Zoo has been Denver’s most popular summer fundraising gala for 18 years raising funds for improving animal habitats and worldwide conservation. This year’s event themed Silk & Spice: a night of celebration, preservation and jubilation benefiting Asian elephants, will be bigger and better than ever before! Guests can dine on exotic dishes from around the city while toasting spirits from around the world. Attire is tropical chic (cocktail attire with a tropical twist) and tickets can be purchased online at www.denverzoo.org.

Denver Zoo plans to announce its headlining act for Do at the Zoo soon! Although not public knowledge yet, the music performers party planners are tapping has been described as “out of this world.”

Anticipated to raise more than $500,000 for Asian Tropics, all funds raised at Do at the Zoo will be matched dollar for dollar by Zoo Improvement Bond funds thereby doubling the effect of each ticket sold and contribution made.

About Frances W. Owens:
A veteran fundraiser, Frances W. Owens continues to actively raise funds in the Denver community for numerous worthy causes. Owens served as First Lady of Colorado from 1999-2007. As first lady, Owens volunteered her time to many charitable organizations and projects throughout the State of Colorado benefiting children. She also oversaw the privately-funded long-term project of renovating and restoring the Governor’s Executive Residence which was originally constructed in 1908. The Owens have three children: Monica (25), Mark (22), and Brett (17).