When Silver Eagle Distributors' buttoned-down CEO John Nau trades his suit for a gopher costume, you know things are about to get wacky. So it was Friday night for the Zoo Friends of Houston's annual zany zoo ball, this year themed "Caddyshack Gone Wild."
As honorees, John and Bobbie Nau were in the spotlight at the Houston Zoo — he in the gopher garb and she in her tasteful golf attire. (While there are never ball gowns in sight, they do call it the Zoo Ball.) In keeping with the theme ball chairs Debbie Chenevert, Anne Freeman and Amy Reeves stepped out in lovely links attire.
Close to 500 answered the call to party at the "19th hole" where entertainment included a putting competition, rounds of golden tee and a turn on the longest drive golf simulator. Non-golfers could stroll zoo grounds, visit with the animals and bid on big board and silent auction items. Kathy and Marty Goossen were high bidders on the VIP trip to the U.S. Open.
Loyal zoo fan chef David Cordúa oversaw the extensive dinner buffet during which Redstone director of golf Charlie Epps entertained. He even chipped in three private golf lessons followed by a round of golf to the highest bidder.
Zoo enthusiasts included Zoo Friends president Jackie Sharbrough, Janice and Bob McNair, Jeanie Kilroy, Nany Pustka, Jane Block, Randa Weiner, Liz and Andy Stepanian, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Zeina and Nijad Fares, Tricia and David Dewhurst, Houston Zoo president Deborah Cannon and Zoo director Rick Barongi.
Brenda Koch, from left, Jane Block and Cynthe Hughes at the Houston Zoo Ball.
