Havin' A Wild Time at SpringElation Safari!
The weather was perfect, the food was scrumptious and nearly 1,500 attendees and 120 volunteers could not have been more enthusiastic at SpringElation Safari 2009 held on June 4th at the Detroit Zoo. It also gave the crowd an opportunity to join in a celebration of JARC's big 40th Anniversary.
The 11th annual spring event helped to raise funds to benefit children with any disability and their families who are served by JARC's Merle and Shirley Harris Children and Family Division. Event chairs were Ron Applebaum and Jenny Kaplan, Lindsay and Ryan Dembs and Stacey and Marc Wittenberg.
SpringElation guests were welcomed by the spritied music of the Berkley High School Jazz Band and greeted by costumed animals making everyone feel welcome. Kids of all ages enjoyed the zoo exhibits, tram rides, the polar bear feeding, as well as professional face painters. The evening included a hot dog and hamburger dinner, music and dancing - not to mention a big JARC birthday cake!
According to JARC CEO Rick Loewenstein, "This year's SpringElation was such a fun-filled family event that brought together children, adults and our community to celebrate and support the work of the Harris Division. It was simply a perfect night!"
(Photos below courtesy of Michael Jonas Photography)
