A CHARITY ball featuring a performance from Lulu left organisers with plenty to Shout about after raising more than a quarter of a million pounds for Jersey Zoo.
A total of £251,061 was raised to ‘future proof’ the zoo in memory of the Trust’s namesake conservationist Gerald Durrell, forming part of a year-long celebration to mark his would-be 100th birthday.
More than 300 people attended the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust at its Founder’s Ball at the Royal Jersey Showground, where they were treated to the story of Mr Durrell’s life, entertainment and a live auction which was hosted by TV presenter and antiques and art expert, Natasha Raskin Sharpe.
Gerald’s widow and honorary director of the trust, Dr Lee Durrell, also attended the event and signed books for guests.
The live auction featured lots including naming rights for some of the dens in the new gorilla house at the Zoo and an exclusive hire of the whole Zoo for a day.
Reflecting on the event, Durrell chief executive, Rebecca Brewer, said: “We wanted to celebrate Gerry’s birthday with a bang and the Founder’s Ball did just that.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the generosity of all of our guests, donors and bidders who helped us raise a phenomenal amount in Gerry’s honour. A massive thank you to all of the guests, suppliers, entertainers and colleagues, for making this a night to remember.”
Dr Durrell added: “The Founder’s Ball was a wonderful event, one that did Gerry proud!.”
“Our guests’ generosity in helping to ‘future-proof’ Gerry’s beloved Jersey Zoo was something I deeply appreciate and shall always remember.”
Durrell’s next event as part of the centenary celebrations is the Durrell Lecture on 4 November at the Jersey Opera House.
