“Saving Wildlife, One Beer at a Time” on May 3rd
By Rebecca Brown
Over 50 restaurants and premium beverages are sponsoring and participating in The Living Desert’s 5th Annual “Brew at the Zoo” on Saturday, May 3rd from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. By supporting this event, those involved make it possible for The Living Desert to provide care for over 400 animals, 1,200 protected acres, and impact scholarship programs for thousands of visiting school children.
Brew at the Zoo is a wildly popular event attracting more than 2,500 guests. Attendees are able to experience a unique culinary journey sampling craft beer, wine, specialty liquors, and savory and sweet bites from the valley’s premier restaurants. Guests may party down to live music on three stages and view special animal encounters. New this year is a Karaoke Lounge, plus a photo booth and a specialty party games area courtesy of event sponsor Hot Purple Energy.
“The community has come to look forward to this fun and interactive annual event, which wouldn’t be possible without the support of our local businesses, individuals and organizations,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “Without the generous donations from our sponsors and vendor participation, we would not be able to deliver such a high-quality event and raise funds that are so important for The Living Desert.”
The following top-rated valley restaurants and libation companies collaborating for the event offer attendees numerous options for enjoying food and drink.
Restaurants:
Brandini Toffee
Ben & Jerry’s – Rancho Mirage
Bellatrix
Buffalo Wild Wings
Clementine
Balisage Bistro
Cork & Fork
Jensen’s
LULU California Bistro
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Mario’s Italian Café – Palm Desert
Old Spaghetti Factory
Olive A Sudden
Palm Springs Hilton Terrace Restaurant
P.F. Chang’s
Piero’s Pizza Vino
Johnny Rockets
Pacifica
Wolfgang Puck Pizza
Cliff House
Renaissance Esmeralda
Katherine King Events
Mastro’s
Greek Islands
Savory Spice Shop
Beverage Companies:
Aquafina
Ace Cider
Arnold Palmer’s Wine
Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits
Big Sky Brewing Co.
Baron’s Beverage Ginseng, Sasparilla and Energy Up
Coachella Valley Brewing Company
Crater Lake Vodka, Whiskey & Rye
Dirty Tequila
Fess Parker Wines
Firestone Walker
Hangar 24
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Kona Longboard
La Quinta Brewing Co.
La Storia Wine
Maui Brewing Co.
Moose Drool Ale
New Belgium Brewing Co.
Ninkasi
Starbuck’s Canyon Plaza
Stone Brewery
Trentadu Wines
White Knight Wine
Widmer
Returning for the fourth year as presenting sponsor is Integrated Wealth Management. They are an independent financial advisory and wealth management firm with offices in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Newport Beach and Idaho. Having supported “Brew at the Zoo” over the years, Integrated Wealth Management is an avid supporter in the community for philanthropy, notably honored last year by the Desert Communities Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation of 2013.
The Living Desert’s catering group, “A Taste of the Wild,” has once again generously sponsored the exclusive Brew VIP Lounge. Guests are entertained at a private reception in the Littlefield Gallery/Lurie Patio featuring deluxe theme food stations and premium brand beverage selections – including signature wine and beer tastings by Maui Brewing Co. and La Storia, and White Knight wineries – plus their very own VIP animal encounter entertainment.
Other major event sponsors, in addition to Hot Purple Energy, are Capital Group Companies, Signature Party Rentals, Sis Jackson, Palm Springs Nissan, Jessup Auto Plaza, and American Cab Company serving as this year’s “Safe Ride Home” sponsor. Free cab rides are offered to Brew guests for that evening to Coachella Valley Cities.
Brew at the Zoo is Saturday, May 3rd, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for members, $55 for non-members, and prices at the door on May 3rd are $50 member, $60 non-member, Designated Driver $35. A limited number of VIP Lounge tickets are offered at $125 and include a private reception in the VIP Lounge, premium food and beverage selections, special animal encounters and unlimited access to main event area. Tickets can be purchased at www.livingdesert.org/brew. Guests must be at least 21 years old to attend.
The Living Desert is an AZA-accredited zoo and gardens that is dedicated to conservation and education. It is a family-friendly place to explore nature and create meaningful experiences for guests that are remembered for a lifetime. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org. The Living Desert is located at: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
