America’s Teaching Zoo and the Moorpark College Foundation are hosting the fourth annual fundraising event, Rendezvous at the Zoo, on Thursday, October 8th, from 5-9 p.m.
This event promises to be an amazing evening as Betty White, famed film and television actress, comedienne, and devoted animal welfare advocate, will be presented with the 2015 Platinum Paw Award. Guests will receive a VIP tour before enjoying delicious food, wine, local beer, a silent auction, and plenty of opportunities to interact with the Zoo’s animals.
“This is a big night for the Zoo as we welcome all of our supporters, students, and the community to shine a light on a well-deserved Platinum Paw recipient, Betty White,” said Luis Sanchez, Moorpark College President. Betty White has been a sponsor of the Moorpark College Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) program for several years and supports numerous animal-related charities. One of Betty’s quotes to live by is, “I have to stay in show business to pay for my animal charity work.”
Last January, guests who attended Betty’s 93rd birthday party donated to America’s Teaching Zoo in lieu of gifts. Betty White follows Dr. Bernard Luskin, Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District, as the second recipient of the Platinum Paw Award.
Rendezvous at the Zoo kicks off at 5:00 p.m. Guests can stroll around the Zoo from 5-6:15 p.m. and interact with the animals. Betty White will be honored at 6:45 p.m. with the Platinum Paw Award, followed by an exciting animal show under the stars. Tickets can be purchased online for $50.00 or at the door for $65.00. Parking is free. All proceeds go towards new enclosures, veterinary care, student training, and scholarships.
The Moorpark College Exotic Animal Training and Management program is dedicated to preparing graduates for a variety of careers in the expanding animal care industry, in wildlife education and conservation, as well as the use of animals in various entertainment fields. America’s Teaching Zoo also supports the local community as a resource for recreation and learning. Thousands of children and other community members have passed through its gates during its 41-year history to learn about animals and nurture respect in caring for them.
MOORPARK COLLEGE, one of three colleges in the Ventura County Community College District, was founded in 1967. It is set on 150 beautiful acres, nestled in the foothills on the southeastern flank of Ventura County, about 40 miles from UCLA, and approximately 75 miles from UC Santa Barbara. It is also a short drive from CSU Northridge, CSU Channel Islands, and California Lutheran University. Moorpark College was recognized in the Huffington Post in March of 2015 as the fourth-best community college in the nation. It has an excellent reputation for university transfer preparation, and its signature career/technical programs include nursing, radiation technology, biotechnology, and exotic animal training, which incorporates the world-renowned America’s Teaching Zoo. The college also offers a dynamic range of classes and programs in the visual and performing arts, and its pristine athletic fields and mild climate provide an excellent home for student athletes.
