A Como Zoo Aquatics Keeper brings her Expertise to Wild Penguin Conservation A veteran aquatics keeper at Como Zoo, Kelley Dinsmore knows African penguins so well that she bought plenty...
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Save the date for Travelers Sunset Affair with live music, food and drink, zookeeper talks and an extraordinary silent auction surrounded by natural world wonders of Como.
Click the button below to see the complete auction catalog and event program for last year’s Event.
2017 Travelers Sunset Affair Program
Thanks to all who attended Travelers Sunset Affair 2017: Magnificent Migrations and Provid Films for capturing the photos!
Como Friends’ new “Conservation Champions” program gives zookeepers a ground level perspective on the animals in their care As the lead reptile keeper at Como Zoo, Ruthie Schneider has no...
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Sunset Affair Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sunset Affair?
Sunset Affair is the annual summer fundraising gala hosted by Como Friends to benefit Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. In 2016, the event raised nearly $200,000 to benefit the plants, animals and people that depend on Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
What does it cost?
Tickets to this popular event cost $250 for individual tickets ($300 for Patron Tickets), and $2,500 for a table of ten. The event also includes a limited number of Choice table options in a premier exhibit location on the grounds of the Como Zoo for $4,000 for a table of ten. The VIP option includes a private experience with Como’s own zookeepers, showcasing the unique plants and animals at Como.
When are tickets available?
Travelers Sunset Affair 2017 is nearly sold out. Email caroline.mehlhop@comofriends.org to be added to invitation mailing list.
What should I wear to Sunset Affair?
Dress cool and casual. Though dinner is served in our air-conditioned Visitor Center, many of the night’s activities will be outdoors where the potential for tropical temperatures calls for light fabrics, comfortable shoes, flowing dresses, and can’t-go-wrong khakis and capris. (In the event of severe weather, the party will move indoors.)
What about the Silent Auction?
Sunset Affair’s Silent Auction includes more than 300 unique items, from trips to Mexico to stays to witness the astonishing convergence of more than 50,000 cranes and 12 million ducks and geese to Nebraska’s Platte River valley. “Only at Como” opportunities including the chance to be a zoo chef for a day. For your convenience, Como Friends works with BidPal mobile bidding, allowing guests to bid for their favorite items directly from a smart phone. Click here For a preview of this year’s auction.
Where does the money go?
Sunset Affair is the largest fundraiser of the year for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, attracting a sell-out crowd of more than 500 guests. Sunset Affair is produced by Como Friends, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire community generosity to advance Como Park Zoo and Conservatory as a destination where people from every walk of life can gather, learn and enjoy the natural world.
How can I get more information?
Call Como Friends at 651-487-8229 or email ComoMembership@comofriends.org.
Gives Como’s animals a week of progressive animal care by University of Minnesota vets
Supports Como Zoo keepers in their world-wide conservation field research, benefitting giraffes, penguins and turtles
Cultivates the ongoing restoration of the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden
Continues the legacy of Sparky by creating a new year-round habitat for the seals and sea lions
Thank You to our 2017 Sponsors
Title Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsor:
Transportation Sponsor:
Contributing Sponsors:
Marketing by:
Printing by:
Travel Sponsors:
Learn More
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Como Friends at 15
The nonprofit fundraising force at Como celebrates a new milestone
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Sparky at 60
Minnesota’s favorite sea lion is still making a splash
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Jewel of Como
Celebrating a century at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
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Orangutan Conservation
Keeper Megan Elder preserves orangutans near and far
