Co-Chair Unites Volunteers for the Kansas City Zoo’s Annual Event
The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri founded Jazzoo in 1990 as a fundraiser for the newly developed Zoo Learning Fund (ZLF).
As a League member, I knew about the history of Jazzoo and the ZLF, yet when I took on the role of co-chair for volunteers, I discovered the strength of this event and the excitement it builds for the Kansas City Zoo. Jazzoo raises support for ZLF educational programs and helps feed the zoo’s animals.
The theme this year, the Mystique of the Beak, celebrates the arrival of the Kansas City Zoo’s new warm-weather penguin habitat. When partygoers attend Jazzoo and see that the funds raised will help an animal they have always loved and their children adore is especially exciting.
Jazzoo will be even more rewarding this year as the Junior League will begin the celebration of our 100th Anniversary. As a part of our celebration, we are giving a one million dollar gift to the Kansas City Zoo for the penguin exhibit in honor of our commitment to the Kansas City community. Junior League is grounded in our mission to empower women, volunteering and making significant improvements in our community. We have taken it upon ourselves to not only help fund projects, but to send trained volunteers to support it. The impact that the League has made on Kansas City over the past 100 years both as an organization and by individual members is amazing.
Being part of the Jazzoo Steering Committee is something I relish. Jazzoo is a unique experience with more than 70 restaurants, live entertainment and the opportunity to enjoy the company of more than 4,500 of your closest friends. With my co-chair Brooke Frazier, we secure around 250 volunteers who are willing to give time to set-up for the Friday night event. These volunteers help with everything from organizing restaurant supplies to setting up décor and signage. We are always looking for fresh faces to volunteer and details are outlined on jazzookc.org. It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work, but it is so fulfilling when the evening hits and everyone is having a good time. Of course, I can’t praise the zoo staff enough; Jazzoo simply would not be possible without the support of both the staff and the volunteers and those who make it a yearly tradition to attend.
I personally have loved watching the Kansas City Zoo grow with all of the exciting improvements. It’s a true testament to Kansas Citians when we step out to offer time, talent and treasure; we all make Kansas City a better place to live.
–Marissa Schaffner
