Meet Our Donors

Heritage Society members Kathy Rice and Barry Sears’ shared love of Lincoln Park Zoo started to grow when they became horticulture volunteers in the 1990s. For Kathy, volunteering was a way to spend time outdoors on the weekends.

Megan R. Ross, Ph.D.: A Bold Vision for the Future

Megan R. Ross, Ph.D., Lincoln Park Zoo’s new President and CEO—and new Heritage Society member—has a bold vision for the future of the zoo that focuses on the four Cs: Care, Conservation, Community, and Culture.

Karla Petersen: A Happy Place

If there’s a way to help Lincoln Park Zoo, Karla Petersen most likely does it. As a longtime zoo member, Heritage Society member, and volunteer Karla’s affinity for zoo runs deep: “I’m at the zoo three or four times each week, and I don’t even work here.”

Tom Hulseman and Esteban Diaz: Ties That Bind

In 2014, Tom Hulseman and Esteban Diaz were married at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Café Brauer—dancing on the same floorboards where Tom’s mother had learned ballroom dancing at a Chicago Park District class in her youth.

Barb and Glenn Grossklags: Local Love

Heritage Society member Barb Grossklags' connection to Lincoln Park Zoo reaches back to before she was even born. "My mother was the child of immigrants from little villages in Austria," she says.

Fran Edwardson: A Deeply Rooted Legacy

Fran Edwardson, who led the American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois as its CEO from 2005 to 2016, is well acquainted with work that helps others. So supporting Lincoln Park Zoo as a board member and donor made perfect sense to the native Chicagoan who grew up on the city’s north side.

Judy Keller: A Lifetime Commitment

Lincoln Park Zoo has been an important part of Judy Keller's life since 1976. The Winnetka native initially helped found the Women's Board, of which she remains a lifetime member.

David Bolger: Legacy Through Leadership

David Bolger’s deep commitment to Lincoln Park Zoo began in 1996 when he became a member of the zoo’s Board of Trustees. Over the years, he has served as Chairman of the Board and Finance Committee Chair, helping to lead the zoo in the early years of privatization from the city and creating a strategic plan to set out goals for the future.

Sue and Peter Czuchra: Passing Down a Passion

Chicago native Sue Czuchra is a familiar face at Lincoln Park Zoo, often seen sporting her trademark polar–bear earrings. As a volunteer for more than 30 years, Sue has shared her lifelong passion for the zoo and its animals with visitors.

Marilyn and Frank Weiner: A Love Connection

Lifelong Chicago natives Marilyn and Frank Weiner have a special connection with Lincoln Park Zoo—it’s where they fell in love. Born in the same hospital (two years apart), Marilyn and Frank didn’t cross paths until about 30 years later when a mutual acquaintance played matchmaker.

Jeffrey Mono and Steve Greenberg: An Eye to the Future

When Jeff Mono and Steve Greenberg married at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Regenstein Center for African Apes, it was a perfect reflection of their personalities and their love for the zoo. Lifelong animal lovers, the couple found their passion for the future survival and care of species through their involvement with Lincoln Park Zoo.

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