Crowds flock to ZOOtoDO - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Crowds flock to ZOOtoDO

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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.

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