Como Friends is the nonprofi t partner of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. We work to inspire community generosity to advance Como Park Zoo and Conservatory as a destination where people from all walks of life can gather, learn and enjoy the natural world. Since forming in 1999, Como Friends has invested more than $40 million to enhance facilities, preserve architecture and develop programs at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Como Friends is dedicated to making this free-admission treasure thrive. AUCTION catalog and EVENT program COMO FRIENDS’ ANNUAL SUMMER BENEFIT FOR COMO PARK ZOO AND CONSERVATORY THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019 5:30 PM — 10:00 PM 651.487.8229 | comofriends.org SUPPORT BY: 1225 Estabrook Drive | Saint Paul, MN 55103 TITLE SPONSOR SUNSET AFFAIR: Kaleidoscope SPECIAL GIVING OPPORTUNITY • PRESENTING SPONSOR TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR Diversity of Nature and • An imaginative “research Lively Connections submarine” that will invite young visitors to dive into an aquatic world The Sunset A air Special Giving and get right up-close to a giant Opportunity is helping to fund an Pacifi c octopus. exciting “home make-over” of CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS Como’s historic Aquatic Animals • A bubble window that will Building to improve the experience allow children to feel as though for Como Zoo’s visitors. they’re underwater with Como’s penguins. This exciting fl oor-to-ceiling renovation will turn the Aquatic • Pop-up viewing tanks that Animals Building into an immersive encourage kids to crawl into the marine experience with engaging center of a 360-degree shark or habitats designed to bring young ray habitat. visitors face-to-face with pu ns, penguins and even a giant Pacifi c Micro-environments made to refl ect octopus, and inviting new • a Hawaiian reef and a mangrove spaces for families and school forest, teaching visitors about the groups to learn more about the variety of life in the earth’s oceans. connections between humans, CATERING BY: MARKETING BY: PRINTING BY: oceans and animals. • An amphibian conservation station • to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at Como’s species conservation Please support these projects to protect endangered innovative features, designed frogs and toads. to create more face-to-face encounters that can • Ocean-inspired design with spark curiosity and sea-colored fl ooring, water-themed TRAVEL PARTNERS a life-long commitment ceiling treatments, and a wide open to conservation. fl oor plan for better viewing. Visit comofriends.org/sunsetaffairgiving to make an online contribution. SUPER SILENT SUPER SILENT SPARKLING HANDBAG DIAMOND EARRINGS NAME COMO ZOO’S SNOW LEOPARD CUB VALUE: $4,000 VALUE: Priceless auction highlight auction highlight DONOR: DONOR: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory YOU’LL BE ON A FIRST-NAME BASIS WITH ONE OF THE MOST ELUSIVE ANIMALS ON THE PLANET IF YOU WIN THE CHANCE TO NAME COMO ZOO’S CUTEST NEW CUB, THE FIRST SNOW LEOPARD BORN TO MOTHER ALYA AND FATHER MOUTIG. Part of an international zoo effort to protect, breed and conserve this extraordinary and endangered species, Como’s newest arrival was born in April, and she has been melting hearts ever since. SPECIAL FOR SUNSET AFFAIR: KALEIDOSCOPE, THESE BRILLIANT A LONG-TIME LEADER IN LARGE CAT BREEDING, COMO ZOO IS DIAMOND “HAND BAG” EARRINGS CAN CARRY ANY OUTFIT. Elevate COMMITTED TO PRESERVING THE ESTIMATED 7,000 ENDANGERED SNOW any look with these dazzling adornments, set in stunning 14 karat LEOPARDS LEFT IN THE WILD. As part of this once-in-a-lifetime animal white gold. With a full carat of multifaceted goodness, these unique naming opportunity, you’ll get the chance to learn more about these earrings make an impactful statement. mysterious “ghosts of the mountain” from Zookeeper Hans Jorgensen, who recently journeyed to Kyrgyzstan to take part in critical fi eld A balance of symmetry and light, these captivating earrings are a research and tracking e orts for the snow leopard as part of Como perfect gift for a loved one’s special birthday, anniversary, or special Friends’ Conservation Champions program. milestone—or a fashionable way to splurge on you! SUPER SILENT SUPER SILENT DISCOVER BOSTON! LAND OF FIRE AND ICE VALUE: Priceless VALUE: $7,500 auction highlight auction highlight DONORS: Sage Hospitality, Franklin Park Zoo, FlexPerks DONORS: Travel One, FlexPerks and the Como Friends Board of Trustees and the Como Friends Board of Trustees GOING “UP NORTH” WILL HAVE A WHOLE NEW MEANING TO YOU AFTER THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIP TO REYKJAVIK, ICELAND, THE WORLD’S NORTHERNMOST CAPITAL CITY. EXPERIENCE THE CITY OF BOSTON—CRADLE OF LIBERTY, THE HOME BASE FOR YOUR FIVE-DAY ADVENTURE IS THE ICELANDAIR ATHENS OF AMERICA—LIKE A TRUE BEANTOWN NATIVE with a HOTEL REYKJAVIK MARINA, a stylish hotel in the heart of four-night stay for two at the Hotel Commonwealth with a Reykjavik with harbor views, a unique character and never a superb Back Bay location in the heart of Kenmore Square–just dull moment. Sleep and wake in fun, colorful Icelandic modern around the corner from Fenway Park. designed surroundings with friendly staff to serve and assist you, and with daily breakfast service. WITH OUTSTANDING VIEWS OF THE ICONIC STADIUM AND WITHIN SPEND YOUR DAYS TOURING THE CITY’S MANY AMAZING DESTINATIONS, STROLLING DISTANCE OF PUBLIC GARDENS AND FABULOUS NEWBURY including a trip to the famed Blue Lagoon (including entrance, towel STREET SHOPS, the moment you step out of your door, urban and drink), a guided walking tour of the Reykjavík City Centre, a excitement, American history and outstanding restaurants and Northern Lights Super Jeep Excursion, and a guided small group nightlife surround you. bus tour of the Golden Circle. Your full-service experience includes one transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík, a return transfer from THIS UNFORGETTABLE NEW ENGLAND GET-AWAY FOR TWO includes Reykjavik to/from the Blue Lagoon, and one semi-private transfer admission tickets and a behind-the-scenes tour at the Franklin Park from Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport on departure. A Nordic Visitor’s Zoo, your choice of a tour of Fenway or whale watching cruise, and Iceland Travel Guide, a map of Reykjavík, a detailed personal itinerary, 60,000 FlexPerk points for airfare, worth $900 in award travel. 24/7 helpline, and taxes and service fees are all included. For airfare, this package includes 160,000 FlexPerks points, worth $2,400 in award travel. WELCOME TO SUNSET AFFAIR: KALEIDOSCOPE COMO FRIENDS' ANNUAL SUMMER BENEFIT FOR COMO PARK ZOO AND CONSERVATORY 1 WELCOME TO SUNSET AFFAIR: KALEIDOSCOPE TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letter from Honorary Chair .....................................................................2 Dear Friends, Evening Festivities / Agenda ....................................................................................4 I am delighted to be serving as the Honorary Chair of Sunset Affair: Kaleidoscope. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory holds a special Dinner Menu ................................................................................................................5 place in my heart. I bring my grandkids to Como and love to see how excited and engaged they are when they encounter the giraffes and Ways to Support..........................................................................................................7 gorillas up close or see the cool bromeliads in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Most important is the time we spend together and the Auction Overview .......................................................................................................9 cherished memories being made. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is like nowhere else. We are so lucky to have this unique, free-admission How to Bid and Auction Rules ............................................................................... 10 oasis right here in our backyard. Silent Auction Tonight, I encourage you to experience the kaleidoscope of people, plants and animals that make Como Park Zoo and Conservatory an Premium ..................................................................................................... 11 ever-changing destination. Talk with a zookeeper or gardener, visit with the Nature Walk teen conservation volunteers, interact with the animal Only Como ................................................................................................ 16 ambassadors —and stroll to see orangutans, flamingos, and the Como Harbor construction progress. Arts & Culture ........................................................................................... 21 Your generous gifts toward our Special Giving Opportunity will support Bags & Specs ............................................................................................ 30 a home-makeover for the Aquatic Animals Building and your bids on silent auction items will help provide our two million annual visitors Be Pampered ............................................................................................ 34 multifaceted education programs, animal encounters and amazing gardens—all for free, every day of the year. Children's ................................................................................................... 44 Enjoy Sunset Affair! Getaways ................................................................................................... 55 Home & Garden. ...................................................................................... 59 Sports & Recreation ................................................................................. 66 Diana