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SEEN: Pittsburgh Zoo gala raises $300,000
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Kristin and Rick Kalson. -
Steve and board chair Bev Elliott. -
Luk Pellerin and Leslie Merrill. -
Becky and Tom McGough and zoo director Barbara Baker. -
Pat Loughney with his daughter-in-laws Rebecca, left, and Jessica. -
Bud and Sue Sloan. -
Doug Branson and Betsy Hurtt. -
Paul and Krissy Scragg. -
Terrance Krysinski has a carrot for Mel, a 5-year-old Masi giraffe. -
Deb Bergren with Tasha and Willie Theison, elephant manager, in the background. -
Laurie Machen holds a great horned owl for the crowd.
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The adventure began for the staff of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium early on Friday, when torrential rains threatened to drown the zoo's annual gala. But nerves of steel prevailed, and the call was made to keep much of the party outside, where the 700 guests could catch a glimpse of something wild as they strolled from the Village cocktail area to the Plaza for more serious dining. "The Adventure Begins," as the benefit was titled, ended at the PNC Pavilion with dancing to DJ Ravi Drums and sweet treats inside Water's Edge. Brisk temperatures were an acceptable substitute for the rain that never came -- the zoo has been lucky that way -- and the cold made for a real sense of adventure.
Chairing the gala sponsored by UPMC were Rick and Kristin Kalson, with Jeff and Stefania Romoff as honorary chairs (who were unable to attend). Representing UPMC were Tom and Becky McGough and Leslie Merrill (with Luk Pellerin), joining zoo director Barbara Baker and guests such as board chair Bev Elliott with Steve, Raimee and Jeff Gordon, Cara and Douglas Stirling, Annie and Gus Engel, state Rep. Dan and Debbie Frankel, Peggy McKnight and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald with Cathy. That great band during drinks was Johnny B. & The Accelerators, helping to bring the grand total to $300,000.
First Published June 5, 2012 12:00 am
