PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden Foundation has partnered with actor, educator and activist Lamman Rucker to host the "Save Our Zoo" Gala Premiere Dinner, Movie and Dance at the Belair Community Center on Sept. 13, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
All proceeds from the formal event will go toward maintaining the St. Maarten Zoo and its facilities. Tickets are $150 and include a "meet and greet" with Lamman Rucker and a premier showing of his upcoming film, Black Coffee, dinner and musical entertainment by Control Band. A silent auction will also take place throughout the evening as well as surprise raffle drawings.
In recent months, the St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden Foundation has had challenges raising money to sustain the St. Maarten Zoo, the only zoo on the island. The zoo, which is not subsidized by the government, could face closure if enough funds are not generated to repair the facilities and cover its expenses.
"The zoo is an important part of St. Maarten both as a tourism attraction and an educational resource," said Hon. Minister Ted Richardson, Minister of Tourism "It is our hope that the gala event will generate enough support to allow the zoo to continue providing an interactive atmosphere to learn about animals and their habitats," he added.
Lamman Rucker, star of Meet the Brows, Why Did I Get Married and Why Did I Get Married Too, has taken a special interest in the zoo and will be in St. Maarten to help generate support. "I am thrilled to be a part of this project and am looking forward to attending the 'Save Our Zoo' Gala," said Rucker. "I urge everyone to come out and support this worthy cause," he added.
Tickets to the "Save Our Zoo" Gala Premiere Dinner, Movie and Dance can be purchased at Van Dorp in Madame Estate, Van Dorp in Simpson Bay, Bebe N Kids Bush Road, Bebe N Kids Bellevue, St. Maarten Veterinary Clinic, Animal Hospital of Sint-Maarten, Island Pet Shop, Maleona's, and from all zoo board members. For those who are unable to attend the event, donations can be sent directly to the St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden Foundation.
For more information about the "Save Our Zoo" Gala Premiere Dinner, Movie and Dance, contact Amy Arrindell at 721-522-1149 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more information on St. Maarten, visit the official site of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at www.VacationStMaarten.com.
