Thanks to a heartwarming partnership, the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium extended a special invitation to Zepf Center clients and their families, providing them with the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the Community Partner Membership Program. With a commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility, the program gifted 40 families and 156 children an annual membership to the Zoo.

The Community Partner Membership Program began in 2018 and has provided over 4,700 annual memberships to families in the greater Toledo area. The Toledo Zoo is committed to providing underrepresented communities with access to the Zoo anytime by providing discounted or sponsored memberships through local supporting agencies.

The initiative not only opens doors to the Zoo but also aims to cultivate strong connections between families and the natural world, offering a pathway to year-round fun and educational experiences. Perfectly timed, the families received their memberships just before the much-anticipated Lights Before Christmas event, transforming the Zoo into a mesmerizing spectacle with over one million lights, more than 200 illuminated animal images, dancing lights, an ice slide and daily photo opportunities with Santa.

Though the holiday season is a time of peace and joy for many, numerous families in northwest Ohio feel the squeeze of financial burden now more than ever. These memberships allow Zepf Center clients, alongside their families and loved ones, a chance to experience some holiday magic at little to no cost.

"Partnerships like these can be a game changer for the clients we serve,” said Zepf Center Director of Donor Relations Jesse Stock. “We are dedicated to creating hope in our communities and are proud to facilitate opportunities like this for our clients and their families.”

Although the timing of membership distribution allowed many families to experience the Lights Before Christmas festivities, Zepf Center recipients will be able to access the Zoo for an entire year. The impact of these memberships extends beyond providing access—they bring joy, enrichment, and memorable moments for families who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to visit the Zoo. 

As one family shared, their experience visiting the Lights Before Christmas helped them create family memories and enjoy new experiences. The mother, a Zepf Center client, and her three young daughters were elated when they received their year-long membership. The excitement was palpable as they entered the Zoo, with the girls marveling at the festive lights and exclaiming in awe.

The family explored various exhibits, capturing moments with the red pandas and even witnessing a bald eagle as it dozed off. The children's enthusiasm and curiosity were evident, creating lasting memories that the family expressed gratitude for, noting that without this opportunity, such experiences would have been out of reach.

“Without these passes, I would not have been able to bring my girls to the Zoo let alone to see the lights,” said Alyssa, a Zepf Center client recipient. “We were able to make amazing memories and have experiences that would have otherwise been lost.”

This Community Partner Membership Program serves as an exemplary model of fostering connections with community partners, spreading joy and inspiring the community through shared moments of wonder at the Zoo.

“Come spring and summer I predict we will be using the passes a lot,” Alyssa said. “We plan on going back as soon as possible!”

For more information about how you or your company can enrich the lives of Zepf Center clients and those in our communities, visit our donation page by clicking here.

*names have been changed to protect client privacy