On-line Auction to Benefit Zoo Atlanta's Pandas Raises $25,700

By Keisha N. Hines

Atlanta, GA - Not everyone was trick-or-treating on Halloween! For giant panda fans around the world, the theme of the holiday weekend was feverish bidding. Just before midnight on Saturday, October 31, web users rushed to place final bids on panda collectibles,nostalgic mementos and art in the Give So They Stay Online Auction. The four-weekauction, which also featured exotic getaways, gift certificates and rare behind-the-scenes experiences, raised more than $25,700. Hot items included a toy ball that belonged to 3-year-old Mei Lan; plaster paw prints by 1-year-old Xi Lan; and an exclusive VIP giant panda encounter.

Community support remains strong for the grassroots campaign launched by Zoo officials on June 17, 2009, with new opportunities to help appearing almost weekly. On Friday, and Saturday, November 6 and 7, StaceAge will present the Save the Panda Trunk Show, an exciting celebration of custom creations by Stacey Sheron and fine art by Sarah Ashley Longshore. The specially-priced trunk show kicks off with a VIP Party on Thursday, November 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the StaceAge Showroom at 912 Huff Road in Atlanta.

Even sports fans have their chance to help keep giant pandas in Atlanta, with discounted tickets on Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers games this Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com/promo/dmg7re , with a portion of sales benefiting the Give So They Stay campaign.

Friends of the black-and-white bears should also keep in mind the season’s best and brightest holiday idea: the Zoo Atlanta Gift Membership. Zoo Membership includes one year of unlimited free admission; discounted admission for accompanying guests; discounts on select ticketed events, concessions, rides and gift shops; and more. Visit Zoo Atlanta Member Services to inquire about new Membership Gift Cards. Gift recipients receive a free giant panda plush and holiday fleece blanket with purchase of a gift card.

As of November 3, 2009, Zoo Atlanta had collected a total of $211,681 toward the campaign, which continues through December 31, 2009.

To view Zoo Atlanta's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-1995-Zoo_Atlanta