Introduction
Get ready for a roaring good time at the Norfolk Zoo during the annual Red Shoe at the Zoo event on October 7th! This wildly fun family event raises funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Norfolk, an organization that provides temporary lodging and support to families with hospitalized children. Read on to learn all the details about this exciting event that includes zoo admission, delicious food trucks, games and music, a costume contest, silent auction, and more. Most importantly, find out how your participation and donations directly help RMHC Norfolk serve more families in need right in our local community. This is a fabulous way to enjoy a Saturday at the zoo while also making a difference for an important cause.
All Day Admission to the Norfolk Zoo
The event takes place on Saturday, October 7th from 12-3pm at the Norfolk Zoo. Your ticket includes all day admission to the zoo, so come early to spend the morning enjoying over 700 animals on exhibit! Interact with ring-tailed lemurs, giggle at the antics of the chimpanzees, observe lions napping in the sun, and discover unique wildlife from around the world. Not only will you have a wonderful zoo experience, but your admission also supports the life-changing work of RMHC Norfolk. The organization will have an informational booth at the event if you’d like to learn more about their mission to assist families with sick children. Getting to explore the zoo all day makes this a fun outing for animal lovers of any age while benefiting RMHC Norfolk’s caring services.
Festive Food and Drinks
Once you work up an appetite from the walking around the zoo in the morning, head over to the pavilion at noon to refuel with delicious food truck offerings! You can grab pizza from Zzaam Fresh Italian Food Truck, tacos from Nacho Taco Food Truck, or barbecue classics like pulled pork sandwiches from Mama’s Grill Food Truck. These popular local food trucks will be on site so you can pick your favorite fare or try them all! Adults can enjoy beer and wine available for purchase to complement the yummy food. Kids will love the assortment of soft drinks to wash down their grub. With this amazing spread of food selections, you’ll be fueled up for more fun at the event well into the afternoon! All proceeds from food sales provide additional support to RMHC Norfolk.
Games, Music and Costume Contest
After filling your belly, enjoy some friendly competition and dancing! Outside the pavilion, partake in classic yard games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and Connect Four. Get your giggles out watching your kids try to best you in these fun challenges! Then show off your moves with a family dance party as the DJ plays upbeat tunes all afternoon long. Let your inner child come out dressing up in your favorite animal costume to take part in the children’s costume contest for ages 12 and under. Have your pictures taken so you can compete for the most likes on social media after the event. Parents must sign a waiver for participation. Seeing all the adorable costumes is sure to put smiles on faces while awarding a special prize to one talented kiddo! Between the games, music, and costume contest, there’s no shortage of engaging entertainment for your whole crew.
Silent Auction
While you’re having a blast with activities, don’t forget to check out the silent auction filled with amazing prize packages! The auction catalog will be released online October 2nd so you can start bidding early on this selection of fabulous items. To participate, simply provide your phone number so you can receive text notifications of your bid status and prompting. Bid on anything from restaurant gift cards and spa treatments to vacation stays and kid’s birthday party packages. You’ll find something that catches your interest all while raising additional money for RMHC Norfolk! With all the experiences, services, and goods donated by local businesses, the auction is a win-win – snag a personally catered dinner and support families dealing with childhood illness. Be sure to check back often to keep your bid competitive in this exciting auction component.
Make Cards for Hospitalized Kids
RMHC Norfolk serves seriously ill children staying in nearby hospitals. Take a moment during this heartwarming event to make a card at the pavilion card-making station for these brave kiddos facing health challenges. Decorate cards with stickers, drawings, inspirational messages – anything to brighten a child’s day in the hospital. If you have children, this is a great opportunity to discuss empathy and compassion. Explain to them that while we’re having fun at the zoo, other kids can’t be here because they aren’t feeling well right now. Making them cards reminds these children they aren’t alone. RMHC Norfolk will collect all cards made and distribute them to hospitalized children they support. It’s a simple yet meaningful way kids can help other kids, teaching lifelong lessons in caring for others.
Conclusion
Mark your calendars now for the Red Shoe at the Zoo event on October 7th benefitting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk! Your participation helps provide temporary housing near hospitals when children need intensive medical care. Enjoy everything from zoo admission to tasty food trucks, family games, pumping music, an exciting silent auction, and making cards for sick children. Don’t forget to wear red shoes and get your kids dressed up for the costume contest! Most importantly, you’ll have plenty of fun while supporting an organization that brings comfort to families during difficult times. Tickets are affordably priced so everyone can take part. Let’s come together as a community to assist RMHC Norfolk’s mission to keep families close while their child is hospitalized. We hope to see you and your family there for this roaring good time for a good cause!
