Cat's Out of the Bag

The Party The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo hosted the 35th annual Zoo Ball, themed The Great Catsby and presented by Guggenheim.The Players Co-chaired by Suzanne Meder and Cynthia Ross Polayes, the Gatsby-style affair invited guests to spice up black-tie garb with polka dots, florals and light tones. More than $1 million was raised thanks to the 1,000 guests: among them, actress Joan Cusack; honorary chair Anne Pramaggiore; Kevin Bell, Lincoln Park Zoo president and CEO; John Alexander, chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Abby Zanarini, president of the Women’s Board.The scene The zoo was transformed by sweeping tents, stunning hydrangea arrangements by Event Creative and twinkling chandeliers by Frost Lighting. Immediately following J&L Catering’s three-course dinner, guests hit the dance floor, and in a surprise performance, the Village People took the stage to sing hits “In the Navy,” “Macho Man” and “YMCA.” Upon leaving the packed dance floor, high-heeled guests graciously accepted flip-flops; and on the way out, a Pinkberry frozen yogurt stand, Connie’s Pizza truck and gift bags including Garrett Popcorn provided the perfect midnight snacks. Photography by Robert Carl, Violet Dominek and Julia Nash