Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Secures $65,000 in Funding from Fairfield County Community Foundation

8/5/2009

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - August 5, 2009 - Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only Zoo, recently received two grants totaling $65,000 from the Fairfield County Community Foundation (FCCF). The funding supports this summer's Country Fair programming, the Zoo's Free Day Program and provide much needed general operating support for the organization.

"We are grateful that the Foundation has recognized the value and quality of our programming here at the Zoo with this leadership funding," stated Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. "Their support will allow families from all over Connecticut the opportunity to enjoy everything that a day at the zoo has to offer - from our Country Fair and Barnyard Maze to our new tigers and piglets, there is something for everyone!"

A competitive grant for $45,000 was awarded to support two special initiatives. One initiative is the new "Country Fair" summer 2009 programming at the Zoo. The Country Fair highlights Connecticut's rich tradition of farming by featuring Heritage Breed animals and inspire healthy life style choices by showcasing regional and sustainable agricultural practices. The Country Fair occupies a section of the Zoo that includes both the farmyard exhibits and a main stage. The area that leads to these venues is where the Country Fair experience begins. The Main stage hosts multiple shows throughout the week. These shows range from interactive, educational animal presentations and livelihood segments to environmental, vaudeville and music reviews. A rotation of shows are be hosted daily with headlining acts each weekend. A variety of concessions are also sold to enhance the "fair" experience.

The other initiative funded by the Foundation is "Free Days" at the Zoo. The Zoo will hold three (3) Free Days -- one will be held on a weekday this summer, one will be held on a weekend this fall and the last will be held on a weekend in the Spring 2010. The goal of the program is to invite families who may not have visited the Zoo recently to come and enjoy Connecticut's only Zoo. An additional $20,000 was awarded for critically needed general operating support from a donor advised fund at FCCF.

According to Karen Brown, Fairfield County Community Foundation Vice President of Programs, "The Foundation is committed to supporting efforts that enhance the quality of life for all residents in Fairfield County and we are pleased to partner with Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo to further this commitment. Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a regional cultural resource that is a delight to individuals of all ages and we are fortunate to have it right here in our backyard."

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $11.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $9.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Members of the Connecticut Zoological Society are also admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge. The main information phone number is: (203) 394-6565.

# # #


About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo:
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Andean condor, ocelots, red & maned wolves, Andean (spectacled) bears, and golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer and more. Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit http://www.beardsleyzoo.org

About Fairfield County Community Foundation
The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds. The Foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations' national standards for community foundations. The Foundation has awarded over $110 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.