The Norfolk Zoo is a treasured community space where families across Coastal Virginia create special memories while getting an up-close look at amazing animals from around the world. This October, you can visit the Norfolk Zoo for a day of fun while also supporting an important cause – the CHKD children’s hospital right here in Norfolk.
On October 7th, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk is hosting a charitable event at the Norfolk Zoo called “Red Shoe at the Zoo.” The event raises critical funds for CHKD, the region’s only freestanding children’s hospital. By purchasing event tickets and participating in activities, you’ll help provide vital assistance to CHKD and the families who rely on their pediatric care services.
Spend a Day Exploring the Norfolk Zoo
The event ticket grants you admission to the Norfolk Zoo for the entire day. That means you’ll have the chance to explore this incredible Virginia zoo and see over 700 animals! Walk through the zoo’s specialized exhibits showcasing animals like tigers, camels, lemurs, chimpanzees, bears, seals and more in naturalistic habitats. Don’t miss the zoo’s newest exhibit, the Inasi Forest featuring endangered gorillas and chimps in a Congo-inspired environment.
The zoo is conveniently located near Downtown Norfolk, VA, right off Granby Street. Attractions like the zoo train, carousel, ropes course and splash pad make for a memorable family day. Arrive when the zoo opens at 9:30 AM to make the most of your day!
Join in the Charitable Activities
The organized charitable activities by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk will take place at the zoo’s pavilion starting at 12 PM. Enjoy lunch from the onsite food trucks offering tasty pizza, tacos and barbecue. For the grown-ups, wine and beer will be available for purchase and kids can sip on soft drinks or water.
Participate in games like cornhole, Jenga and Connect Four in the grassy area by the pavilion. Dance along to music from the DJ playing upbeat hits to liven up the atmosphere. Don’t forget to wear a pair of red shoes to show your support for Ronald McDonald House!
Kids 12 and under are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and enter the costume contest. A gift card will go to the best costume based on votes on social media. And make get well cards at the cardmaking station to share messages of hope with young patients at CHKD.
Support Healthcare for Local Families
The Norfolk zoo event provides a fun way to lend support to an essential community healthcare resource – CHKD. As the region’s only freestanding children’s hospital, CHKD provides specialized pediatric care to thousands of children across Coastal Virginia each year. Their network of pediatricians, specialty clinics and pediatric trauma center offer lifesaving services.
Funds raised at Red Shoe at the Zoo will help the Ronald McDonald House of Norfolk provide accommodations and support to families traveling to CHKD for their child’s medical care. With your help, more families can stay close to their hospitalized child when it matters most.
Learn More About CHKD
CHKD’s main hospital campus is conveniently located in the Ghent area of Norfolk, VA near the zoo. They are dedicated to advancing pediatric medicine through leading-edge technologies, facilities, research and education. CHKD offers over 30 pediatric specialties from cardiology, neurology and orthopedics to oncology, surgery, rehabilitation and more.
The hospital’s child-friendly environment helps kids feel at ease while receiving treatment. CHKD also provides family-centered care with accommodations to keep loved ones close. Their commitment to serving all children regardless of background is what makes them a valued community asset.
Spend the Day Giving Back
By purchasing a ticket to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk’s “Red Shoe at the Zoo” event on October 7th, you can help further CHKD’s mission of providing superior pediatric care to Coastal Virginia families. Your participation and charitable contributions will uplift children receiving medical treatment while enjoying a memorable day of fun at the Norfolk Zoo. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to the health of our community’s youth.
