(photo by Jamie Pham)

More than $1.1 million was raised at the 44th annual Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s (GLAZA) “Beastly Ball” on Saturday, June 14 at the Los Angeles Zoo. Pictured at the event are entertainment attorney Ken Ziffren (left), who received the Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award; honoree Heather Mycoskie, of TOMS Shoes; GLAZA co-chair actress Betty White; and GLAZA President Connie Morgan.

The Beastly Ball is presented annually by GLAZA, a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1963 that supports programs at the zoo. Nearly 800 guests attended, including actresses Pauley Perrette and Valerie Bertinelli, as well as Mayor Eric Garcetti, his wife Amy Wakeland and parents, Gil and Sukey. A backstage zoo tour led by White garnered $55,000 to support zoo programs during the event’s auction.

The event also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.  Guests strolled through the zoo observing its inhabitants, watching animal feedings, chatting with keepers and viewing small animals. They also enjoyed entertainment, dancing and cuisine from some of L.A.’s most iconic restaurants.  Comedian Jimmy Pardo was the master of ceremonies and live auctioneer. For information, visit www.lazoo.org/about/glaza.