Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Stefan.
Denise, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My “career” with the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo began 29 years ago when I went to my first Lincoln Park Zoo Ball.
I had heard for years that Zoo Ball was the most exciting, enjoyable event in Chicago, so I just had to go to see for myself. And, they were right! Nothing is better than celebrating under the stars, hearing the lions roar and being surrounded by 1,000 people having the time of their lives. But what was even more amazing than the glamorous gathering was seeing the impact being made by the powerful women involved in the Women’s Board.
After the event, my friend Grace Leffel, a founding member of the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, asked me to join. Fundraising was not something I was thinking about at the time, but fun certainly was! So, I jumped in with both feet.
My professional career took me from banking (Hubert and the Harris Bank) to Procter & Gamble (brand management) to ultimately owning my own business. It was this venture into entrepreneurship that enabled me to also begin my new endeavors in philanthropy – pledging to keep the “fun” in fundraising. And, with a Master’s Degree in marketing from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, I was able to apply the skills and knowledge I acquired to my work with the zoo.
I joined the board in 1989, and by 1992, I was chairing my first event – Caroling to the Animals – which has since evolved into the highly successful ZooLights event. I’ve been heavily involved in the board ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being part of the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo is a total joy; I am incredibly energized by the creativity and tenacity of these women.
Of course, event planning is part of our job, and it’s not always an easy task. Having not missed a single Zoo Ball in 29 years, it is safe to say it is still the best party in the city – and with that expectation comes a considerable amount of responsibility. The logistics of planning a gathering of this magnitude, complete with linens, décor, food, and other necessities, is a major task in project management, ingenuity, and outside-the-box thinking. Ultimately, each year is “all hands on deck”, and Zoo Ball never disappoints. Additionally, Lincoln Park Zoo is the nation’s only privately-managed free admission zoo. The Women’s Board helps support keeping the zoo free and open 365 days a year, which has challenges of its own.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo – what should we know?
The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo exists to raise funds and serve as ambassadors of the zoo, working to ensure an educational, inspirational and – most importantly – free zoo experience for all.
We pride ourselves on our ability to tackle major capital projects and have always met or exceeded our goals. I think the reason why we’re able to be so successful is that the women involved are incredibly passionate about the cause and endlessly generous with their time, financial and networking resources. Each of us cares deeply about raising funds and awareness of the zoo’s vision: Inspiring communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world.
The years I was President of the Women’s Board, our goal was to raise $1.5 million for a new flamingo habitat. We got quite creative with our efforts, selling the naming rights to the “islands” within the habitat and offering a home-cooked meal by Charlie Trotter. We exceeded our fundraising goals within a shorter period of time than expected. It certainly was an honor to have the first flamingo born at the zoo named Denise! This project is just one example of the many that we have completed – in fact, we’ve raised more than $25 million since the board’s inception.
Above all, the most satisfying part of being on this board over the years has been seeing the thousands of children discovering what the zoo has to offer. Watching school groups and park district summer camps coming in their matching tee shirts brings tears to my eyes every time I see them. We all recognize that these things would not be happening if the zoo wasn’t free, and it truly drives us as we continue our support of this wonderful institution.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Many of us on the board have learned and benefitted from those who have come before us. Myra Reilly, who has been honored frequently for her philanthropic work across the city along with her husband, John, was my mentor. I was a Vice Chairman of the 1994 Zoo Ball under Myra. She made the process effortless and taught me how to increase revenue streams with her unique ideas. Silent auctions may be more common now, but Myra introduced this fresh concept at the 1994 Zoo Ball, and we leverage her creative ideas to this day.
Of course, we receive a great deal of assistance and inspiration from those around us – our families, friends and professional contacts who have given generously over the years. My husband John, in particular, has been a constant source of encouragement and support for my work with the board. We also have a great relationship with Lincoln Park Zoo staff, and their efforts and assistance truly enable us to do great work as a board.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2001 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614
- Website: http://www.lpzooball.org
- Phone: 312-742-2220
- Email: zooball@lpzoo.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpzwb/
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