This year the EverGreen Ball goes Into the Wild with Jungle Jack Hanna!

Jungle Jack Hanna, one of the most recognized authorities on wildlife conservation and habitat protection, and frequent guest on TV talk shows and news programs, will make a special Vail Valley appearance in August as the featured program for The Evergreen Ball, the annual fundraising gala for The Eagle Valley Land Trust.

Jungle Jack, the host of several popular TV programs including “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild” and “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures”, will appear on Tuesday, August 21st at the Vilar Performing Arts Center to benefit local land conservation and habitat protection in Eagle County.  The evening will feature Hanna’s very popular “Into the Wild…Live!” stage show.  Jungle Jack will be live on the Vilar Center stage with numerous exotic animals to excite and inspire audiences of all ages.
Many people are familiar with Jungle Jack Hanna from his frequent appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” where he entertains the audience by bringing exotic animals onto the set.  Hanna’s show at The Evergreen Ball will feature the same crazy antics and furry friends as seen on Letterman, but Vail Valley audiences will have the opportunity enjoy the experience live, up-close, and in-person.

Jack Hanna explores the corners of the globe as one of the most visible and respected animal ambassadors in the world. His enthusiasm and “hands-on” approach to wildlife conservation has won him widespread acclaim as an author, television personality, conservationist, and director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.  Recognized as America’s favorite zookeeper, Jungle Jack is a dynamic orator who speaks across the country sharing fascinating and humorous stories and footage from his adventures.  Audiences give Jungle Jack’s “Into the Wild…Live!” rave reviews – his timeless tales continue to captivate audiences of every generation.

In its fourth year, The Evergreen Ball has become the Vail Valley’s premiere environmentally-themed gala event, raising community awareness and philanthropic funds for The Eagle Valley Land Trust.  Your local Land Trust saves land for the people of Eagle County and preserves the character of our community, one acre at a time.  100% of the proceeds from Jungle Jack Hanna’s “Into the Wild… Live!”  on August 21 will support local land conservation projects.  “We are extremely proud and excited to have someone of Jungle Jack’s stature appear at The Evergreen Ball,” said Jason Denhart, Director of Communications and Development for the Land Trust.  “He is one of the foremost authorities in wildlife habitat protection, and this stage show is super entertaining and extremely funny, while also spreading a positive conservation message.”

Tickets will be available beginning Monday, April 30, 2012 at 11:00am MST in person at the Vilar Performing Arts Center Box Office in Beaver Creek, by phone at (970)845-TIXS (8497), or online atwww.vilarpac.org.  Tickets are $75/$50 for adults (depending on seat location) and $25 for children 12 and under.  There is also a special ticket price of $150 for the opportunity to meet Jungle Jack Hanna in person (ticket price also includes prime seating location).