The Brookfield Zoo Whirl
A beautiful evening in Chicago’s loveliest ballroom
By Megan McKinney
For decades, the Brookfield Zoo Whirl has begun Chicago’s annual parade of galas, always on the final Saturday night of April. Several years ago the great party moved from the Zoo into the city and to the Hilton’s glorious Grand Ballroom, and there it has remained. Sponsored jointly by the Women’s Board and the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Zoological Society, the 2023 Whirl, Gorillas in Our Midst, raised whopping $1.6 million.
Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board president Jennifer Bellini attended the lovely evening with Scott Richardson
Chicago Zoological Society’s 2023 Whirl co-chairs, Sasha Gerritson and Barbara Bradford are members of both the Society’s Board of Trustees and the Women’s Board.
Inverness residents Michael Canning, a Chicago Zoological Society trustee, and Melissa Canning, a Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board member were present.
As were Chicago Zoological Society trustee, Molly Keller, and Chicago Zoological Society governing memberJeff Keller.
Chicago Zoological Society vice chair Betsy Bramsen—invariably wearing the gown of the evening—arrived with Jim Bramsen, Chicago Zoological Society life trustee.
2023 Whirl Co-ChairBarbara Bradford was photographed with Bob Sherman.
La Grange residents Charlene Vickery with Randy Vickery, secretary of the Society’s Board of Trustees
Amanda Ozinga and Illinois State Representative Tim Ozinga of Mokena
Arnold Randall, general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County; Cherryl Thomas, Chicago Zoological Society board chair; Toni Preckwinkle, president of Cook County; and Dr. Michael Adkesson, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society and director of Brookfield Zoo
Florence Ann Romano, Chicago Zoological Society trustee Benita Romano, and Gabrielle Romano with Christiana and A.J. Ryan
Chardai Johnson, Leila Johnson, Chicago Zoological Society board chair Cherryl Thomas and Rashod Johnson
Chicago Zoological Society trustee Jim Bryan, Stephanie Bryan Kangas and Esther Bryan, both Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board members, and Lauren Kangas
Jennifer Bellini, Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board president and Melissa Canning, Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board member.
Romana Malinowski, Chicago Zoological Society Women’s Board member, and Heidi Huizenga, Chicago Zoological Society trustee, of Naples, Florida
Hinsdale residents Kelley Schueler, Chicago Zoological Society trustee, and Doris Christopher, Chicago Zoological Society governing member
Barrington residents Cindy Johnson, Leslie Roberts, and Kendra Croll
The Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society
Photo Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo and Kelly Tone/CZS-Brookfield Zoo
