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Sunset Affair Goes Virtual
Sunset Affair, Como Friends’ annual summer gala, will transition into an interactive online event in July. While we’ll miss meeting up in person this year, the virtual platform will bring you up-close and personal to special animal guests and zookeeper talks and provide behind-the-scenes experiences of the gardens with our horticulturalists. Going virtual will also give us the chance to make this perennially sold-out event and fantastic silent auction more accessible to Como friends and fans than ever before. See link below to RSVP for free tickets to Como Friends’ biggest benefit of the year, as we celebrate the beautiful transformation of the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden and reflect on Como’s long history and bright future as a community gathering place.
Video courtesy of Bill and Heather Thornton of “Bill Flies Drones¨
To Register for Sunset Affair: Ichigo Ichie please call 651-487-8229.
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A confirmation email will be sent following your registration. If you do not receive an email please check your spam folder as different email servers may block the message. To receive late-breaking event updates and a link for the silent auction mobile bidding, please provide your cell phone number. Please note: Como Friends has a board-approved Donor Privacy Policy. We never share, sell or trade the contact information of our donors or their guests.
Whether you’re a tech pro, or can’t remember your password, taking part in Como Friends’ first virtual Sunset Affair is so simple, everyone can do it. Here are a few tips for making the most of our online fundraiser:
Sunset Affair Goes Live Tomorrow: Tomorrow, we’ll email and text you the link you’ll need to view our Sunset Affair program when it goes live at 6:30 p.m. on July 16, or simply bookmark this page for future viewing. There’s no need to log in or create a password. The live-streaming online event will start at 6:30 p.m. with pre-game preview film, and program will begin at 7 p.m.
Start Your Bidding: If you’ve already RSVP’d to Sunset Affair, then you’ve also received a link to start exploring the great silent auction items donated by Como Friends’ generous community. Click on the link, follow the prompts to fill in your credit card information, and start bidding on more than 200 fantastic items and experiences, including morning coffee with Como Zoo’s giraffes, and FlexPerks points to take you everywhere you want to go.
Organize your screens: Both the live-streaming event and Sunset Affair’s silent auction can be accessed from any mobile device, but for optimal viewing, we recommend watching the program on your desktop, laptop or tablet, and keeping tabs on your bids on your smart phone.
And the winner is…: Como Friends will be offering socially-distanced curb-side pick up for most auction items on Saturday, July 18 and Monday, July 20. If you are unable to make either date, please contact Amanda Golden at events@comofriends.org to make other arrangements.
Plan your night! Order takeout from one of our restaurant partners, make your own signature drink and check out the Sunset Affair Kids Activity Booklet.
Restaurant Partners and Activities
Como Friends’ community of supporters always provide fabulous baskets, food and wine experiences and “Only at Como” items for Sunset Affair guests. Preview this year’s auction items:
Auction Highlights
Auction Program
You don’t need a ticket to Sunset Affair: Ichigo Ichie to contribute to this Special Giving Opportunity.
DONATE TODAY
Thank You 2020 Sponsors!
Thank you 2020 Sunset Affair Committee!
Honorary Chairs | Martha and Brock Nelson
Sunset Affair Committee | Diana Allen, Tom Baker, John Bennett, Arta Cheney, Patty Cook, Dan Erickson, Mary Ann Evander, Rebecca Field, Sherry Fonseth-Lais, Kathy Haug, Gayle Holmes, Diane Kaphing, Nancy Koch, Janessa Meyer, Nicky Nagle, Lynette Palmgren, Wendy Rubin, Jill Sadler, Jane Ullmann, Sheryl Zaworski
What is Sunset Affair?
Sunset Affair is the annual summer fundraising gala hosted by Como Friends to benefit Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. In 2018, the event raised nearly $185,000 to benefit the plants, animals and people that depend on Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
What does it cost?
Tickets to our virtual Sunset Affair are free of charge. All people, of all ages are welcome to attend the event. The more the merrier! We do require a RSVP. You can register here. See RSVP link.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets can be reserved for Sunset Affair 2020 by clicking on the RSVP link above.
What about the Silent Auction?
Sunset Affair’s Silent Auction will be online. More details will be coming soon.
Where does the money go?
Sunset Affair is the largest fundraiser of the year for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Sunset Affair is produced by Como Friends, the nonprofit partner to the zoo and conservatory. Como Friends’ mission is to inspire community generosity in support of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory so that it thrives for generations to come.
Funds raised at Sunset Affair will help to provide world class animal and plant care, updates to the zoo and conservatory, conservation programs, and education initiatives. Most importantly, support from Sunset Affair ensures Como remains free and thriving for future generations.
How can I get more information?
Call Como Friends at 651-487-8229 or email events@comofriends.org.
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