This year marks the 35th annual Zoo Ball, put on by the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Women’s board. The July 13 event – a Hamptons-themed gala called “The Great Catsby” – is destined to be the the social event of the summer. More importantly, it will help fund the Lincoln Park Zoo, the only free cultural institution in Chicago.
Over the years, the Women’s Board has contributed more than $17 million to help the zoo complete projects including the Flamingo Pond and scenic overlook, Regenstein Center for African Apes, the East Gate entry plaza and the Kovler Lion House outdoor exhibit.
Here, we get to know the 2012 Zoo Ball event chairs – Cynthia Polayes and Susu Meder.
Cynthia Polayes
Hometown: Born and raised in Evanston, IL.
Education: Graduated from Evanston Township High School, Ohio Wesleyan undergrad in Math & Physics and Northwestern/Kellogg Graduate School of Management in Finance.
Career: 10 years at Goldman Sachs as Vice President, 5 years at Prudential Securities as Sr. Vice President, 10 years at Nomura Securities International as Managing Director and 3 terms on the board of trustees at Ohio Wesleyan.
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Women’s Board Member Since: 2007
Personal Interests: Owner of Oscar the Cat, who will prominently be featured in the Zoo Ball program book. Her mother will be 80 the night of Zoo Ball 2012.
How did you decide to enter the finance field?
I sort of fell into it. I had gone straight from undergrad to Kellogg. Not long after I arrived we were asked to put a resume together including a job objective. I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I went through resumes of the prior years students for ideas. My job objective had about 20 things on it – marketing, investment banking, sales and trading, commercial banking, advertising, – Aaron I swear I probably also had airline pilot on there. Anyway – the school took all of the resumes, compiled them in a book and sent them to prospective employers. At Goldman Sachs, they had a secretary go through the resumes and pull all of the ones that mentioned sales and trading or investment banking in the job objective– and invite them to interview on a closed schedule. Back then not that many people were interested in either. Back then I had no idea what either was frankly. Anyway – I got invited to interview on Goldman’s closed schedule – much to the irritation of my classmates – since I didn’t know whom GS was or what they did.
Before I went to the interview – I tried to research the company (pre-internet days mind you). All I had was an annual report – and I still couldn’t figure out what they did. At the end of the interview I was asked if I had any questions. I wanted to say – Yes – what is that you do?? However I didn’t think that would go over to well. So I said “Why do you like what you do?” To which he responded, “I have a ton of fun and I make a ton of money.” And I thought – I have never heard of such a thing – I want that job. I obviously then decided to pursue a major in finance. I did not end up getting the summer job, but I did get a full time job after graduation – and worked at Goldman for the 10 subsequent years, and in the business for a total of 25 years.
How many women worked in the finance industry when you first began?
There were very, very few women back then. Only 10 % of my business school class was female – and most were marketing majors. I had a math/science background – so finance was a pretty natural progression.
Why do you spend time and effort supporting animals?
I have always been an animal lover. I think I was born that way. Growing up -I never played with dolls – but always had a collection of stuffed animals. I am partial to animals with fur, and even more partial to the cats – especially the spotted and striped kind.
What draws you to supporting the Lincoln Park Zoo and what made you decide to join the Women’s Board?
I think Lincoln Park Zoo is truly a community treasure. It is amazing how many people’s lives it touches. So many of my friends walked their newborns through that zoo on a daily basis. Friends of mine jog through the zoo on a daily basis. The busloads of school children that come to visit – that would never have the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. All of this is possible because the zoo is free and accessible 365 days a year.
As for joining the WB, when I was working my schedule did not permit much in the way of outside activities. I was on the board of trustees of my college – but other than that I just did not have time. After I retired, I was approached by Myra Riley (board of trustees & WB) about joining the WB, since she knew my husband I enjoyed the zoo and always attended Zoo Ball.
Tell us more about Oscar the Cat!
Oscar is a Bengal cat that we adopted when he was just shy of 5 years old. He looks like a little leopard. He keeps us quite entertained, and he is highly talented. He can perform such tricks as “sit”, “stand” and “shake” on command. He is a very social cat…prefers to be around people. He is very, very friendly and is trying to get me to stop typing this and play with him.
What most excites you about being a co-chair for Zoo Ball 2012?
Lots of things. Of course I am excited about the theme and our vision for décor and the party. The fundraising aspect is a large part of the work involved with the ball, as you know. We have great sponsors in Guggenheim and Tawaini/Pritzker Military library. Our premium table sales are ahead of last year, which was a record year. We have fabulous silent auction items and raffle items. We have a new version of fund a need this year – which I am hopeful that will be a huge success. We reinstituted the program book this year, and ad sales have gone well – so I am encouraged on that front.
What are your favorite things about living in Chicago?
I love the vibrancy and energy of living in a city. I have spent a lot of time in New York City – having lived there my first year out of school, and traveled there regularly on business. I adore NY – but I prefer Chicago because I think it is an easier, more livable city.
Susu Meder
Hometown: Born and raised in Buffalo, NY.
Education: Received B.A. from Barat College in Lake Forest, IL.
Career: Taught French at Woodlands Academy in Lake Forest and at Northbrook Public Schools before starting her family. Former member of the Women’s Auxiliary Board at Evanston North Short Hospital, member and two time co-chair for Children’s Place Association’s annual gala.
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Women’s Board Member Since: 2008
Personal Interests: Grandmother to Matthew Christopher, born the evening of Zoo Ball 2010.
Where did your love for the French language come from?
One of my teachers captured my imagination with French, and I found that I was good at it. I loved the culture, art, and beauty of France.
How long were you a teacher?
8 years
What are your favorite things about living in Chicago?
I like Chicago as city because it’s a welcoming city. It offers a warmth that other large cities do not. Chicago is made up of great neighborhoods filled with a wonderful variety of experiences, everything from the world’s best restaurants to the Lincoln Park Zoo, and I love the shopping!
Why do you spend your time and energy supporting animals?
All of us derive a sense of the value and beauty of life from the creatures around us. I have always appreciated and loved the beauty of animals and want to do what I can to help protect them.
Why did you get involved with the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Women’s Board?
Ever since we moved to the city my husband and I have enjoyed all the Lincoln Park Zoo has to offer. It is important to me to be a part of something and give back to the community I live in. I also thought it would be a great way to meet some women in the area.
What most excites you about being a co-chair for Zoo Ball 2012?
Well it was very flattering and exciting to be asked. I enjoy all the details around planning events such as the Children’s Place Gala, Evanston Hospital Auxiliary events, and more recently my daughter Margaux’s wedding. It has been a pleasure working with everyone and knowing in the end all of our hard work will result in a better home for our precious animals
What is your favorite Zoo Ball memory?
The year our grandchild, Matthew was born the evening delivered by our doctor who was at the Ball.
Finally, I feel very fortunate to be associated with such a group of dedicated and fun individuals as a result of my involvement with LPZ. I have made many new friends and value their help and unbelievable support.
