COURT HOUSE – The management and staff at the Cape May County Park and Zoo hosted their first Dreamnight, a free night at the Zoo for children with illness or disabilities and their families. Dreamnight, first held at the Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands in 1996, has grown to be an international event. This was the first for the Cape May County Zoo.
A project of the Cape May County Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), the park and zoo staff volunteered to host this special event for local children and their families. The intent is to allow children with disabilities an opportunity to visit the park and zoo in a less crowded environment, explore the zoo at their own pace and have one-on-one time with the zoo keepers to learn more about the animals and exhibits at the zoo.
At the July 12, Freeholder caucus meeting, the Cape May County Board of Freeholders recognized members of AAZK for taking the initiative to bring the event to the Cape May County Park and Zoo. Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, who oversees the Park and Zoo and attended the event with Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton and praised the work of AAZK and the park staff who worked to make the event happen.
“The park and zoo staff and volunteers made the night magical for the children and their families. The delight on the faces of the children was heartwarming and something they will remember for a long time. I look forward to being part of this special night for years to come,” said Hayes.
Staff and volunteers who implemented and managed the Dreamnight event included;
Kim Simpkins, Jean Whalen, Jen Berg, Ed Runyon, Alexander Ernst, Kira Ernst, Sarah Cajigas, Kendra Verity, Holly Frame, Lindsey Stevens, Tiffany Marriner, Adrienne Liszkiewicz, Bryan Sincavage, Lauren Clarke, Whitney Garrison, Sarah Matthews, Mary Ann Alulis, Kathy Bruess, Dee Sloan, Joan Niclaus, Pete Cyr, Pauline Northwood, Mike Stover, Janeen Moore, Kevin Wilson, Nisa Cicitta, Rose Kuprianov, Docents Peg Adams and Ann Kistler
In recognizing the Park and Zoo staff, Freeholder Director Thornton, said, “The Board of Chosen Freeholder’s always take great pride in the work of the staff at the Park and Zoo, and this event is no exception. Seeing the reaction of the children and their families as they experienced the zoo was very special. Our thanks go out to the staff and volunteers that made this a special evening for the children who live with disabilities and illness every day. The Park and Zoo employees never cease to amaze me, they are hard working and caring individuals that make the Park and Zoo one of the best in State.”
In recognizing the staff that attended the caucus, Freeholder Hayes pointed out the event took a lot of planning and coordination and the staff who participated in the Dream Night event all volunteered their time to provide a wonderful experience for the children.
Hayes stated, “I see the interaction with the public and the park and zoo staff on a regular basis and so often hear the compliments given to the staff by visitors, it makes me proud to work with them. I knew they would make this event a wonderful experience for the children and families, but, seeing the children’s reactions of joy and wonderment far exceeded my expectations. A special thanks go to the many sponsors who also helped make it happen. ”
Dream Night included dinner, games, face painting and animal encounters with opportunities for the children to see some animals up close and ask questions. Dreamnight is provided at no cost to the families, with expenses paid by sponsors.
Sponsors of the 2016 Dream Night, inlcude; The Arc of Cape May County Cape May County Zoo Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers North Wildwood Shirt Shop Acme Markets Aramark Avalon Coffee Greater Wildwood Kiwanis Nismah Osman (Musician) Rainforest Cafe Tony’s Produce Wandering Gnome Kettle Corn Whalen’s Auto Repair Anyone interested in sponsoring the 2017 Dream Night can contact Dr. Paluch, Zoo Director or Ed Runyon, Park Director at 609 465-5271, for more information.
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