Slash Receives GLAZA Award at Los Angeles Zoo's 41st Annual Beastly Ball

By Laura Stegman

Los Angeles, CA - Rock icon SLASH, celebrated as one of the world's finest guitarists for his solo work as well as with Guns N' Roses, Slash's Snakepit and Velvet Revolver, receives the inaugural TOM MANKIEWICZ LEADERSHIP AWARD from the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) at the 41st Annual Beastly Ball on Saturday, June 18, 2011, announces the equally iconic BETTY WHITE, GLAZA Chairman. Slash, a member of GLAZA's board of trustees, is being honored as a staunch supporter of the Los Angeles Zoo and an advocate for zoos around the world. Actress Stefanie Powers, a long-time friend of Mankiewicz, presents the award to Slash at the Beastly Ball, which begins at 6 pm under the stars at the Los Angeles Zoo. Ben Mankiewicz and Holly Robinson Peete serve as MCs for the event, at which GLAZA also celebrates the Zoo's new Elephants of Asia habitat, with its residents, Billy, Tina and Jewel, and elephant conservation efforts.

The Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award recognizes members of the entertainment community who have excelled in establishing meaningful and lasting programs that contribute to the welfare of the world's natural and civic environment. It was established in memory of White's predecessor as GLAZA Chairman, Tom Mankiewicz, a beloved and highly regarded film and television writer and director associated with such films as "Superman," "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Live and Let Die," and the "Hart to Hart" television series, among many others, who passed away in July 2010.

According to GLAZA President Connie Morgan, "Tom advocated opportunities for interaction among our diverse communities and championed the cause of animals and the environment through education and on-the-ground conservation. He strongly believed the Los Angeles Zoo exemplifies both missions as a place where people come together having a good time while learning the importance of saving and protecting wildlife."

"The biggest compliment for me is that it's Tom's award," says Slash. "I really adored that man. I miss him very much, and that aspect is very special and resonates deeply. Additionally, I profoundly appreciate the implications of the award itself. It's a fantastic honor."

"Slash is a great example of our mission of nurturing wildlife and enriching the human experience," says Zoo Director John Lewis. "He is a champion for wildlife and conservation and has introduced our mission, his passion, to millions of his fans."

The Beastly Ball, known as "one of L.A.'s biggest and most popular fund-raisers" (FOX News) and "one of the best parties in Los Angeles" (KCAL TV News), traditionally attracts 1,000+ attendees and raises $1 million or more for the Zoo. Guests, invited to dress in casual or safari attire, stroll through the Zoo after hours viewing its inhabitants, this year with a spotlight on the spectacular Elephants of Asia exhibit, which opened last December. Elephants of Asia is designed to increase appreciation, amazement, and wonder for these great animals and to familiarize guests with the challenges Asian elephants face in the wild, including their shrinking natural habitat. Elephants of Asia draws attention to their plight and encourages their protection by introducing guests to the Zoo's elephants, Billy, Jewel and Tina, and the excellent care they receive at the Los Angeles Zoo. The Ball also features animal feedings and "animal walk-abouts," which include chats with keepers and the chance to observe small animals up close.

Silent and live auctions offer hundreds of remarkable items and one-of-a-kind opportunities. Celebrity auctioneer Fritz Coleman, the popular KNBC TV weathercaster, conducts the live auction, which features an exclusive behind-the-scenes evening at the Zoo with Betty White; the opportunity to join Los Angeles Zoo Director John Lewis as "Zoo Director for a Day"; "Dinner of a Lifetime" for 12 at uber-chef Joachim Splichal's home; sumptuous vacations in Hawaii and Puerto Rico; a "sports fan's dream" in Aon's private luxury suites for Lakers, Kings and Clippers and Dodgers games; and more.

The evening also features bountiful fare provided by some of L.A.'s most popular restaurants, entertainment by world music groups, and dancing to a live band. Participating restaurants, all donating their services, are Bar Celona, Canele, Celestino Ristorante, Clancy's Crab Broiler, El Cholo Restaurant – Los Angeles, Glorious Gourmet & Garnish Café, Green Street Restaurant, Herb Alpert's Vibrato Grill Jazz...etc., Homegirl Café & Catering, Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana, Jax Bar & Grill, Jersey Mike's Pasadena and La Canada, La Poubelle Bistro and Bar, lx. Tapa Cantina, Maison Akira, Momed, Parkway Grill, Pink's Famous Hot Dogs, Sof'ella Gourmet Natural Foods, Taix French Restaurant and Smoke House Restaurant, Villa Sorriso and Yummy Cupcakes.

The Beastly Ball is presented by the private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), founded in 1963. For almost five decades, GLAZA has funded exhibits, plant and animal species conservation, capital projects, and education and community outreach programs at the Los Angeles Zoo, an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife. There are currently more than 72,000 GLAZA member households, the largest membership base of a cultural organization in Los Angeles, and the organization boasts a volunteer corps of over 700.

Tickets to the Beastly Ball are $1,000 per person; individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities at higher levels are also available. The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles' Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. For tickets and information, call (323) 644-4753. www.lazoo.org

To view Los Angeles Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-7-Los_Angeles_Zoo_&_Botanical_Gardens