Supporters of the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) were invited to shake a tail feather at the Flock Party fundraiser in early September in support of the zoo’s global wildlife conservation efforts and 2,500 animals. Now in its sixth year, the benefit featured craft cocktails and artisan bites prepared by Denver-based Bonanno Concepts; live music; and animal experiences that featured African lions and Asian elephants, a walk with the zoo’s flamingo flock, and animal ambassadors that interacted with attendees throughout the zoo. The event brought in some 2,500 attendees and raised more than $1 million.
Bonanno Concepts served cocktails and cuisine inspired by its Denver restaurants, including rigatoni Bolognese from Luca, wild mushroom fusilli from Osteria Marco, beef gyro sliders from Vesper Lounge, ginger chicken and pork dumplings from Dumplin’, and more. Attendees also were treated to Featherfest, Flock Party’s music festival, with performances by Concertvation Quartet Ensemble; Fed on Peaches bluegrass band; Incendio guitar duo; DJs Erin Stereo and Something Vinyl Club; and 6 Million Dollar Band’s 1980s dance covers.
“Partnering with the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on Flock Party has been one of the most creatively inspiring collaborations for our team,” says Bonanno Concepts’ chef and owner Frank Bonanno. “When you combine great food with community celebration and real conservation impact all in one evening, that’s something special.”
