April 21, 2012–The Women’s Board, in partnership with the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Zoological Society, hosted the 31st annual Whirl at Brookfield Zoo on April 21st. The black-tie fundraiser allowed guests the unique opportunity to get up close and mingle with a variety of amazing creatures, including a flamingo, bald eagle, fennec fox, penguin, llama, red-tailed hawk, lynx, and cheetah from both Brookfield Zoo and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The $600-per-person gala was chaired by Susan Ahern of Barrington Hills. The event, which was attended by more than 700 guests, grossed approximately $1.3 million to support the animals at Brookfield Zoo as well as the Chicago Zoological Society’s conservation and education programs.