Henry Vilas Zoo: 2011 Toyota Prius Zoo Raffle starts Friday

Media Contact: Melissa Grau melissa@vilaszoo.org 608.258.9490

For more event details, call 258-9490 or visit vilaszoo.org for updates.

MADISON, Wis.— With the generous 2011 Toyota Prius donation from Smart Motors, Henry Vilas Zoo will commence its first Prius Raffle this Friday, September 16 to directly support superb animal care, conservation and education.

Zoo visitors can spot the zoo-rific Toyota Prius on Zoo grounds near the Main Tent. To purchase a raffle ticket for this energy-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle, interested parties can visit the Friends of the Zoo office located below the Visitor Center on Zoo grounds or at Smart Motors on Odana Road. Tickets are $20 each or $100 for six tickets. Tickets are limited—only 5,000 will be sold.

In addition to winning the 2011 Toyota Prius first place prize, raffle contestants have the chance to win other sought-after prizes as well, like the top-of-the-line Canon EOS T3 SLR Rebel Camera, the iPad 2 or a 42” flat screen LCD TV.

The raffle drawing will be held March 10, 2012 during “Take a Ride on the Wild Side with Jungle Jack Hanna,” a fundraising event at Smart Motors Toyota featuring special guest Jack Hanna! “Take a Ride on the Wild Side” is an adult-only event where guests can enjoy the acclaimed animal expert and his wild animal friends up close and personal. Jack Hanna’s hands- on approach has won him widespread acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer. The fundraising event not only will unveil the raffle winners, but will also include cocktails, food, music, animal experiences, silent auction and Jungle Jack Hanna himself! Participants do not have to be present to win.

Tickets for an exclusive VIP reception with Jack Hanna preceding the main event will also be available. Proceeds from the VIP reception and “Take a Ride on the Wild Side” will support Henry Vilas Zoo’s Arctic Passage Project, and tickets go on sale January 1, 2012.

Raffle Details

Start Date: Friday, September 16

Cost: $20 each, $100 for six

Number of Tickets: 5,000

Location: Henry Vilas Zoo grounds near Main Tent

How to Purchase Tickets: Visit Friends of the Zoo office, Smart Motors 5901 Odana Road during regular business hours

Prizes
1st Place Prize: 2011 Toyota Prius
2nd Place Prize: $1,000 cash prize
3rd Place Prize: Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera
4th Place Prize: 42” Flat Screen LCD TV
5th Place Prize: Apple iPad 2
6th Place Prize: $500 cash prize

The Friends of the Zoo’s purpose is to build community support and provide funding for Henry Vilas Zoo improvements. This includes the acquisition, conservation, and replacement of animals; refurbishing and creating new exhibits; supporting educational programs; and improving the overall educational and recreational value of the zoo.

For more information, please contact Melissa Grau at 608.258.9490 or melissa@vilaszoo.org.