ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 1, 2006 – Members of two private business clubs, Skyline Club in Southfield and Renaissance Club in Detroit, have raised over $25,000 for the Detroit Zoological Society since October 2005 by waiving the $700 initiation fee for new members in exchange for a donation of $150 to the Society. 

“This fundraising drive is an excellent example of how creative corporate America can be when it comes to giving back,” said Detroit Zoological Society Chairman Gail Warden.

The funds will be used toward the improvement of animal habitats as well as for educational programs and beautification projects at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.

Located fifteen miles north of downtown Detroit, Skyline Club is on the 28th floor of Tower 2000 in Southfield Town Center.  Renaissance Club is located on the 36th floor of Tower 200 in Renaissance Center.  Both clubs feature private dining rooms for member and guest use and outstanding views of the metropolitan area.

"Our members firmly believe in supporting the community that has contributed to our success over the past 20-plus years," said General Manager Jim Coyne.  "Our boards felt this was the perfect way to support the Detroit Zoological Society.”

The offer will be extended for a limited time.  For additional information, contact Skyline Membership Director Richelle Tragge at 248.350.9898.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization responsible for the operations of the Detroit Zoological Institute, comprised of the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Founded in 1928, the Institute is committed to celebrating and saving wildlife.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April through October, with extended hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August.  Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 398-0900 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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