Brookfield, Ill.—The American Association of Zookeepers’ Brookfield Chapter is hosting its 8th annual spaghetti dinner in Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center on Thursday, March 27, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support The Vital Ground Foundation, one of the Chicago Zoological Society’s conservation partners. The Montana-based organization protects and restores grizzly bear populations through habitat conservation by reconnecting fragmented landscapes in the United States and Canada critical to wildlife movement and biodiversity.

The all-you-can-eat buffet will feature pasta with vegetarian or meat marinara sauce, bread, salad, an assortment of scrumptious desserts, and beverages. Beer and wine will be available for additional cost.

The fun-filled evening will feature a silent auction and brown bag raffle. Bear-themed educational displays will also be available to view. In addition to a DJ spinning tunes throughout the evening, joining in the festivities will be Svengoolie, the ever-popular horror show host, who will be on hand to sign autographs and take photos with guests from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The cost is $9 for adults and $4 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 eat for free. Seating is first-come, first-served. For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, go to www.CZS.org/AAZK-Spaghetti. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Enter the zoo via the South Gate entrance and park in the Discovery Center Lot. Those who are unable to attend the dinner but would like to make a donation can make checks payable to Brookfield AAZK and write Vital Ground on the memo line. Mail to: Brookfield AAZK, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513. For more information on The Vital Ground Foundation, visit its website at www.vitalground.org.

The American Association of Zookeepers, which was founded in 1967, is a professional organization for zookeepers. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to advancing animal care, promoting public awareness, enhancing professional development, and contributing to local and global conservation through fundraising and stewardship.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service. For further information, visit www.czs.org.

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