Our Grow Wild capital campaign is pleased to announce the members of its fundraising cabinet. The 15-person committee, led by campaign chair Jennifer Frist, will be responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting top prospects for our $160M expansion.
“We are thrilled to introduce this group of dedicated community leaders who are committed to building a world class zoo for our city,” said Suzanne Iler, chief development officer. “Their involvement and strong connections in the community are crucial to the success of Grow Wild.”
Since kicking off the three-phase campaign last July, the Zoo has received commitments for $42.5M of the comprehensive $160M campaign. The cabinet will work to secure support within the community from both individuals and corporations. Their remaining goal for phase I is $22.6M.
Cabinet members include:
- Jennifer Frist - campaign chair
- Robin Patton - Zoo board chair
- Missy Eason - board gifts committee co-chair
- Jeff Jacobs - board gifts committee co-chair
- Carl Haley - corporate gifts committee co-chair
- McArthur VanOsdale - corporate gifts committee co-chair
- David Manning - corporate gifts committee member
- Cynthia Arnholt - individual gifts committee co-chair
- Robin Patton - Zoo board chair
- Kelley and Lee Beaman - individual gifts committee members
- Luci Crow - individual gifts committee member
- Cathy East - individual gifts committee member
- Katherine Lay Miller - individual gifts committee member
- Julie Walker - individual gifts committee member
Front Row (l-r) Robin Patton, Luci Crow, Jennifer Frist, Katherine Lay Miller, Cynthia ArnholtMiddle Row (l-r): David Manning, Carl Haley, Kelley Beaman, Julie Walker, Suzanne Iler
Back Row (l-r): McArthur VanOsdale, Jeff Jacobs, Lee Beaman, Rick Schwartz, Cathy East, Missy Eason
The Grow Wild campaign is a multi-year effort to bring signature animal species to Nashville and increase the Zoo’s capacity to accommodate over one million annual visitors. Phase I of the campaign includes the development of Andean bear, spider monkey and giant otter exhibits, the renovation of the current tiger and elephant exhibits, a new veterinary hospital, an education annex, and the acquisition of rhinos. Phase II will focus on the development of an African savannah, and Phase III will highlight African forest animals and include a state-of-the-art gorilla habitat.