It's a party with a purpose. On Friday night, the Toledo zoo hosted its biggest fundraiser of the year, ZOOtoDO. More than 1,500 people turned out to show support for the Toledo Zoo. Executive Director, Dr. Anne Baker said, "all the proceeds that come from this party go to help support the excellent animal car, our conservation work and our education work here at the zoo."
But it's definitely not what you'd expect from a formal fundraiser. Guests donned tuxedos and tennis shoes, animal tails and much more. More than 50 area restaurants provide food, and live bands provided entertainment. But the highlight of the evening was the clothes.
Dr. Baker described the dress code as "campy elegant," and some people took that concept and ran with it.
Steve Groh wore a green pin-stripped suits and gorilla shoes.
"I wanted to bring my unique blend of color. There is a lot of the formal from the waste up, but this has a little bit of a twist," he said.
Other folks went for animal prints. In fact, Nick and Jennifer Otersen wanted to match.
Nick says, "it was all my idea. As soon as I borrowed a vest with zebra print she had to run out and buy a dress with zebra print."
But the ZOOtoDO is much more than a fashion event. It also happens to be the Toledo Zoo's largest fundraiser. This year they hope to bring in around $200,000.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:12:46 GMT
We often report stories on the Ohio State Highway Patrol's K-9 unit. The dogs help Troopers find huge quantities of illegal drugs in our region every year. But between the big hits is a lot of hard work,
Ride along as an elite group of four legged crime fighters and their handlers take drugs off Northwest Ohio roads.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:32 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:32:13 GMT
Some of Rossford's oldest school buildings need major repairs. District leaders now have five potential renovation plans, but they're looking for voter input before they move forward.
Some of Rossford's oldest school buildings need major repairs. District leaders now have five potential renovation plans, but they're looking for voter input before they move forward.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:07:04 GMT
Kassy Widman is a Woodmore High School graduate. She's been living in Moore, Oklahoma for several years with her kids and husband. Monday her world was turned upside down after an EF 5 tornado nearly
A Woodmore High School graduate loses everything in the Moore, Oklahoma tornado. Her sister tells 13abc, her twin nephews were among the survivors at Plaza Towers Elementary school where 7 children died.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:18 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:18:14 GMT
Sylvania Township Police are investigating a Missing Person case. 25-year-old Jennifer Webster was last seen Monday in Sylvania Township.Jennifer is 5'1", 150 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. She was
Sylvania Township say a 25-year-old woman was was reported missing by her mother has been found.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:13 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:13:59 GMT
A cardboard competition was held Wednesday at the Maritime Academy of Toledo! Students were challenged to build boats made with just cardboard, duct tape and glue. Four teams put their vessels to the
A cardboard competition was held Wednesday at the Maritime Academy of Toledo! Students were challenged to build boats made with just cardboard, duct tape and glue.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:27 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:27:36 GMT
K.C. Collete submitted his resignation as a member of Findlay City Council Wednesday.He did not specify a reason for his departure in his resignation letter, reports 13abc media partner The Toledo Blade.
K.C. Collete submitted his resignation as a member of Findlay City Council Wednesday. Collete was arrested on a petty theft charge over the weekend for allegedly attempting to steal two bottles of vitamins.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:42 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:42:15 GMT
A Toledo woman needs your help tonight. Her service dog disappeared late Monday night and is still missing. Robin Reau, 60, has uncontrollable seizures. Seven years ago she got Kaden- a specially trained
A Central Toledo woman is looking for her missing service dog. The dog is a black and white Lhaso Apso name Kamden. The dog disappeared from a home near Ashland and Bancroft Monday. The dog is trained to detect seizures before they happen and alert the owner. If you have any information about the dog call 13ABC.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:07 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:07:58 GMT
A grandma in Fostoria fights off a man who tried to kidnap her grandson. 13 ABC's Christine Long spoke with the grandmother who battled for the boy kicking and screaming. Anyone you talk to in town
"I'm grateful that God gave me the strength to fight the man off," says Paulette Barchus who kicked and screamed on Wednesday to protect her grandson.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:22 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:22:54 GMT
Toledo Police are on the scene of a rollover accident on I-475 between Corey Road and Talmadge Road after a vehicle lost control and flipped over into a ditch. Police are still trying to piece together
Toledo Police were called to the scene of a rollover accident on I-475 between Corey Road and Talmadge Road after a vehicle lost control and flipped over into a ditch Wednesday afternoon.
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