The Women’s Board of Brookfield Zoo Chicago hosts a variety of fundraising events throughout the year to benefit the Zoo. We have something for everyone to enjoy!
Whirl Gala
April 26, 2025, at the Hilton Chicago
The Women’s Board signature event! Each year on one of the last Saturdays in April, more than 500 leaders from Chicago’s corporate and philanthropic communities gather at the Whirl, the premier and highly anticipated black-tie gala, which raises over $1.5 million dollars annually. The Whirl has helped to fund many projects, buildings, exhibits, and key programs since its inception in 1981. Since 2022, the Whirl has moved to the city, making the Hilton Chicago its home for the event. Purchase tickets here.
Golf Outing Fore the Animals
Monday, June 30, 2025, Barrington Hills Country Club
Started in 2024, this fun fundraiser hosted by the Women’s Board is a wonderful way to celebrate the Zoo and enjoy a round of golf! The event includes the opportunity to play 18-holes of golf at the exclusive Barrington Hills Country Club. Funds raised furthers the efforts of the Women’s Board, which provide college scholarships, community outreach opportunities, and project support of conservation, education, and animal care and welfare initiatives at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
A Midsummer Night’s Feast Progressive Dinner
Saturday, August 2, 2025
At this event, guests enjoyed a progressive dinner around the Zoo - sipping a cocktail and grabbing an appetizer while visiting various Zoo exhibits. Guests ended the safari around the Zoo with dinner in the open air of the Swan Pavilion followed by fun and desserts at the Zoo’s beloved Carousel.
Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner
Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Four Seasons Chicago
An exclusive dinner, hosted by the Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Board of Trustees and Women’s Board, that recognizes individuals and organizations for their collective impact on conservation efforts that are transforming our vision of how we INSPIRE conservation leadership, ENGAGE our communities, and RESTORE wildlife populations and people’s connection to nature.
Wines in the Wild
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Started in 2001, this is exceptional event hosted by the Women’s Board is always a great time! The evening includes wine and spirit tastings in the Discovery a silent auction, raffle, and other activities take place throughout the night. All proceeds from Wines in the Wild support the conservation, education, and scholarship allocations made by the Women’s Board throughout the year.
Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party
Saturday, December 6, 2025
We’re so excited to bring this event back! Presented by the Women's Board, the Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party brings families together at the Zoo to put together gingerbread houses, visit with Santa and a photo op with a Zoo Animal Ambassador, and enjoy a delicious brunch. This event is unique, as it allows our supporters to bring their families and friends to the Zoo for a day of holiday celebration.
To learn more about the fundraising events hosted at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, please contact Morgan Shaughnessy at Morgan.Shaughnessy@brookfieldzoo.org or call (708) 688-8393.
To learn more about our Women's Board, click here.
To see a list of current Women's Board members, click here.