A Far Out Ball

The party animals were out in full force when the Santa Barbara Zoo hosted its 39th annual sold-out Zoofari Ball. Themed “Out of this World,” with the 700 guests – invited to wear space cadet casual and starlight chic – helping raise more than $700,000 for the 37-acre menagerie.

The cosmic fête, co-chaired by Jeff and Amy Pryor, was organized by event coordinator Megan Nuss and event designers Tyler Speier Events, and was the first event for the zoo’s new CEO Charles Hopper who replaced Rich Block in January after 26 years at the helm.

Among the guests, many dressed as characters from Star Wars and Star Trek, were Maitland Ward, Adam McKaig, Melissa Borders, Rick Oshay and Teresa Kuskey, Ginni Dreier, Hiroko Benko, Fred Brander, Jim and Sheri Copus, Janet Garufis, Renee Grubb, Riley and Dacia Harwood, George and Laurie Leis, Bob and Holly Murphy, Robyn Carter, Thomas Rollerson, and Frank Tabar.