NEWS & PRESS RELEASES

Conservation Ball a 'wild' celebration
By Candace Jordan, Special to Tribune Newspapers

David Goodman leads the live auction
( Photo for the Tribune by Mila Samokhina )
The Friends of Conservation's 21st annual black tie ball began with a close encounter with rare leopards and a meet-and-greet with renowned wildlife expert (and former "Wild Kingdom" star) Jim Fowler.

The ball benefited FOC in its efforts to support and sustain wildlife and ecosystems in East Africa, as well as educating its future stewards, the children of the Masai Mara, through Conservation Clubs.
Lisa Pickell hugging TJ Mueller
( Photo for the Tribune by Mila Samokhina )
Lisa Pickell (L) hugging TJ Mueller after he won a trip to Antarctica during the live auction at the Friends of Conservation ball at Fairmont Hotel.

Stanley Paul and his orchestra serenaded 150 guests as they prepared to bid on unique auction packages sold by David Goodman of Auction Results. After dinner, supporters enjoyed a wildlife presentation by Fowler that featured lovable, young kangaroos bounding among the tables in the Moulin Rouge Room of the Fairmont Hotel while he explained the importance of the event. FOC patron Prince Charles sent a message of congratulations. Seen on the scene were emcee Zoraida Sambolin, White Sox General Manager Ken Williams, Rachael and Bob Phillippe, Frank Butler, Wendy Wood-Prince, Paul Iacono and Wharton Shober, to name a few.