Elephant Waltz 2019

The venue

The transformation is nothing short of miraculous. But, after all isn’t that what the African Lion Safari does?

The Mombasa Market Restaurant magically transforms from a safari oasis to an elegant ballroom fit for kings and beasts. The African Lion Safari have graciously been hosting the event for nearly two decades.

Sponsorship

An evening like this cannot happen without support.  There are major sponsors (I’m not going to begin naming as I am sure to forget someone) as well as individuals and companies that donate product and services to one of the three auctions. In addition to the money raised through ticket sales the money from the Chinese, Silent, or Live Auctions provides significant financial support for the Cambridge and District Humane Society to do the many good works required to care for the animals they are charged with looking after.

They steal the show

Every year they steal the show. It’s one of the main reasons people come year after year; often the same people.

Do the elephants really dance? I guess that’s a matter of interpretation. One thing is for sure the people line up to see them. They “Oooo” and “Ahhh” over their performance, especially if there are baby elephants! This year there were three babies. I am s

Elephant Waltz 2019

The venue

The transformation is nothing short of miraculous. But, after all isn’t that what the African Lion Safari does?

The Mombasa Market Restaurant magically transforms from a safari oasis to an elegant ballroom fit for kings and beasts. The African Lion Safari have graciously been hosting the event for nearly two decades.

Sponsorship

An evening like this cannot happen without support.  There are major sponsors (I’m not going to begin naming as I am sure to forget someone) as well as individuals and companies that donate product and services to one of the three auctions. Money raised supports the Cambridge and District Humane Society and the many good works required to care for the animals they are charged with looking after.

They steal the show

Every year they steal the show. It’s one of the main reasons people come year after year; often the same people.

Do the elephants really dance? I guess that’s a matter of interpretation. One thing is for sure the people line up to see them. They “Oooo” and “Ahhh” over their performance, especially if there are baby elephants! This year there were three babies. I heard someone say they were still nursing.

The fact there are often babies in the show is a testament to the good work being done by the African Lion Safari at preserving and saving endangered and at risk species for present and future generations.

The feast is all laid out and ready as the special guests arrive to dine. There manners might leave something to be desired but the way they look out for each other and particularly the young is something to behold. I watched as one of the babies eyed a cantaloupe which had been dropped on the ground. Too big for its trunk it wasn’t sure how to handle the challenge of such a big delicious treat. Was it an accident or a deliberate act when an adult elephant stepped on the cantaloupe leaving bites sized morsels, just the right size for a little trunk to handle.

Who are the real heroes?

Who are the real heroes? The people that show up! Whether it’s for the first time or the tenth, those are the real heroes. Without these people that buy tickets for the event, tickets for the Chinese auction, bid on the silent auction items or bid on the live auction there would be no reason to hold an Elephant Waltz. These people raise money that allows the good work of the Cambridge and District Humane Society to continue year after year, animal after animal.

These people come and they schmooze! They socialize and mingle. They eat. They bid. And in all that they do they say we care and we want the work of the Humane Society to continue. These are the heroes.