SEATTLE - Woodland Park Zoo is proud to announce the Executive Committee for the 27th annual Jungle Party, the zoo's premier fundraiser! This year's Co-Chairs are Linda Walker, a civic volunteer, and Wally Walker, President and CEO of Seattle Sonics & Storm. The fundraising auction and dinner, held July 11, 2003, supports the zoo's animal care and conservation and education programs.

"At this year's Jungle Party we are focusing on family and children experiences. The outdoor gala will transport our guests to the colorful region of India, its wildlife and habitat," said Linda Walker.

This year's Procurement Co-Chairs are Leslie Kellogg and Maggie Walker, both Woodland Park Zoo board members; Party Co-Chairs Martha Harris and Bruce Chester, award-winning florists from Martha E. Harris Flowers and Gifts, and Diane Shrewsbury, a civic volunteer. Sponsorship Chair is Wally Walker; Audience Development Co-Chairs are Barbara Baer, Director of Sales for Dean & DeLuca and Judy Wiebe, civic volunteer. The rest of the Audience Development Team consists of Beverly Magee, Director of Sales at the Four Seasons Olympic Hotel; Lander Chin of Ben Bridge Jewelers; and Diane Buckley, committed zoo volunteer. Heather Staples, Co-owner of Seattle's Restaurant Zoë, is Catering Chair. Long-time Jungle Party volunteer, Marc Sherman, is in charge of Volunteer Operations. Tamara Wilson, owner of Wilson Public Relations, is the Public Relations Advisor, and this year's Advisors are Brad Davis, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations at Washington Mutual, and Carol Hosford, Woodland Park Zoo board member.

"We're thrilled the 2003 Jungle Party Co-Chairs are dedicating their energy and time toward the challenging task of helping this become the most successful Jungle Party to date," says Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen. Last year's fundraiser raised more than $1.1 million for Woodland Park Zoo, including $203,000 for the zoo's Fund-an-Item Program: Save A Species: Jaguar - focusing on the education and conservation efforts surrounding this endangered cat.

More than 1,000 of the Northwest's civic and philanthropic leaders attend Jungle Party each summer. The 2003 Jungle Party will be held at the zoo's North Meadow Friday, July 11, 4:30 p.m.

Woodland Park Zoo/Jungle Party - Page Two - This year's Jungle Party is themed "Woodland Park Zoo presents: Jungle Party's Indian Bazaar." Jungle Party will be an unforgettable evening with bright colored fabric dawning the tents, engaging entertainment and authentic Indian cuisine. Event highlights are 700 auction items, lavish reception and sit-down dinner, up-close and personal animal encounters and exclusive exhibit tours.

The funds Jungle Party raises help Woodland Park Zoo grow and continue to thrive as one of the region's long-standing treasures and attractions as it enters its second hundred years. On behalf of the Jungle Party Executive Committee and Woodland Park Zoo, thank you to the community for their tremendous support of this event. For more information on how to become involved with the 2003 Jungle Party, please contact the auction office at jungle.party@zoo.org or Laurie Hawk, auction manager at 206-733-9749.