VOLUNTEER
Halloween’s
Helping Hands
Volunteers are the lifeblood of
the Louisville Zoo, particularly during the “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer.
We couldn’t throw such a fantastic
party without the support of our
wonderful volunteers. This year,
companies, fraternities, sororities,
schools and individuals are dressing in their not-so-scary costumes
to get ready for our 18-night
event. Last year, a total of 1,527
volunteers helped the Zoo prepare
for and host almost 76,000 princesses and superheroes! Volunteer
hours totaled 9,432 saving the Zoo
$75,456! Learn a little more about
two schools that volunteer yearly
and why they love volunteering for
the Louisville Zoo.
Saint Xavier
High School
Saint Xavier High School students have been volunteering with
the Louisville Zoo since 2002. The
school originally started volunteering during Louisville Zoo Halloween
nights as a way to get students out
and interacting with their local community. So far, it seems to be working. “We have community members
that call to commend the students
for their excellent work and interaction with the families at the event,”
Teacher Jeffrey Farmer said. The
students often work together in
booths handing out candy, which
Farmer said is a great team-building
activity. The students also find the
experience enjoyable. Matt Smith,
Class of 2017 shared, “It’s a good
feeling to give candy to the kids and
see a huge smile on their faces.”
Oliver Hern, Class of 2016, added,
“Everyone at the Zoo is happy and
just fun to work with.”
Bullitt East
High School
Bullitt East students
have been volunteering with the Louisville
Zoo since 2001. Teacher
Brandi Motler says
she originally got her
students involved with
volunteering at the Zoo
to get them helping
out in places other than
their normal community stomping grounds.
Motler said her students
love to dress up and interact with trick-or-treaters; and the
opportunity is so beloved that the
school has a wait list every year for
volunteers. “It’s a great opportunity
for students to be role models for
the children they meet,” she said,
“and the students get really excited
when they run across a trick-ortreater costume look-alike.” Bullitt
East hopes to stress the importance
and value of giving back to the
community and the positive impact
students can have on those around
them.
Both schools extended their appreciation to the Zoo for providing
them with the opportunity to work
at such a fun and well-organized
fundraising event that helps support the Zoo’s important
mission.
Thanks to all of our
Halloween volunteers
for your tremendous
support. Your dedication is the reason we
can put on an event
that means so much to
the Zoo and our community!
24 • Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Fall 2016
Above: Bullitt East High School
students greet guests and dance
at the Astro Disco.
Below: St. Xavier students pose
with the Land of Oz cast.