The Big Event

Benefitting wildlife conservation and outdoor sports education programs worldwide.

2022 Gala’s Record-breaking Evening

Mzuri Wildlife Foundation’s Big Event, held on Saturday, March 12th, was a long-awaited evening of friends, festivities and remarkable generosity. 

After a two-year delay, Mzuri finally had the opportunity to honor Kevin Destruel as the 2020 Steven E. Nelson Sportsman of the Year. Guests enjoyed mingling with old friends while bidding on weekend get-aways, hunts and wine packages in the auctions. The evening culminated in a record-setting paddle-raise. In a matter of minutes, over $150,000 was raised for Mzuri’s grant programs. 

In total, the funding raised at this year’s event far surpassed that of any other Mzuri gala. Our sincere thanks to each and every sponsor, auction donor, supporter, and guest who contributed to the evening’s success. 

Tickets | Honoree | Sponsors | Sponsorship Opportunities | Hotel Information

WHEN:

Saturday, March 12, 2022
6 pm Cocktails & Silent Auction
7:30 pm Dinner, Live Auction & Awards

WHERE:

Blackhawk Automotive Museum
3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle
Danville, CA 94506

Black Tie Requested

Private Sponsors’ Reception

Friday, March 11, 2022
6 pm Cocktails

Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa
3287 Mount Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549

Tickets

General Admission Tickets: $500 per person

Please contact Mzuri Wildlife Foundation’s Executive Director, Holly Garrison, at holly.garrison@mzuri.org or 707-742-4167 for table reservations or more information on sponsorship opportunities.

Click here to register and buy tickets.

Honoree

M. KEVIN DESTRUEL

The Steven E. Nelson Sportsman of the Year

A lifelong hunter, Kevin Destruel has dedicated his energy, enthusiasm and countless hours to the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation’s goals of protecting wildlife and preserving hunting for future generations. Hunting has been a part of Kevin’s family for generations, beginning with his great grandfather who leased a hunting ranch in Willits, California. Taught by his father and grandfather starting at the age of eight, Kevin moved from ducks, quail and deer in California to big game across several continents. One of his favorite memories: bringing down a charging Cape Buffalo at 10 yards on a trip to Zimbabwe.

While time spent in the field remains one of Kevin’s most cherished pastimes, he took his love of hunting a step further by becoming involved in MWF. “My godfather (Jim Codding) was the first president back in 1968,” he explains. “The foundation was put together by a group of hunters out of the San Francisco Bay Area who wanted to give back to the conservation programs in Africa and now we’ve expanded into the United States and around the world.”

Kevin is described by friends as a man who brings out the best in each person he meets. He brought this gift as well as his vision and leadership to MWF, serving multiple terms as board president. “I just wanted to see more put back in than was ever taken out,” he says. The board of directors of Mzuri Wildlife Foundation would like to recognize Kevin’s dedication to promoting wildlife conservation and our hunting heritage by presenting him with our highest honor, the Steven E. Nelson Sportsman of the Year Award.

Sponsors

Co-Chair

Anonymous

Platinum Sponsors

M. Kevin & Karen Destruel
Sandra S. Froman
Dave & Lori Sanson, DeNova Homes Inc.

Diamond Sponsors

Bank of Stockton in honor of Doug Eberhardt
Scott Bohannon in honor of David Bohannon and Steve Nelson
Suzanne & Hammond Edwards
The Goldschlager Family in honor of Arnold W. Goldschlager, M.D.
Anonymous

Gold Sponsors

Cyndi Flannigan
John & Jillian Kamps
The NRA Foundation

Silver Sponsors

David & Lee Anne Bundesen in honor of Kevin Destruel
Peter & Michaela Codding & Family in honor of James W. Codding

Glennon T. Gingo and Cecelia C.Y. Chang
Kids Outdoor Sports Camp
Katalin Kádár Lynn, Ph.D. in memory of Douglas G. Lynn

Ruger
George & Sandra Sammut

Bronze Sponsors

Paul J. Derania
Dieter and Betty Krieghoff

Renee Snider

Sponsorship Opportunities

Co-Chair ($50,000)

  • Includes 2 tables of 8 with priority seating
  • 16 tickets to Private Sponsors’ Reception
  • Prominent sponsor placement in the invitation
  • Promotional materials and the evening’s program

Platinum Sponsor ($25,000)

  • Includes 1 table of 8 with priority seating
  • 8 tickets to Private Sponsors’ Reception
  • Prominent sponsor placement in the invitation
  • Promotional materials and the evening’s program

Diamond Sponsor ($15,000)

  • Includes 1 table of 8 with preferred seating
  • 8 tickets to Private Sponsors’ Reception
  • Prominent sponsor placement in the invitation
  • Promotional materials and the evening’s program

Gold Sponsor ($10,000)

  • Includes 1 table of 8 with preferred seating
  • 4 tickets to Private Sponsors’ Reception
  • listing in the invitation and the evening’s program

Silver Sponsor ($5000)

  • Includes 1 table of 8
  • 2 tickets to Private Sponsors’ Reception
  • listing in the invitation and the evening’s program

Bronze Sponsor ($2,500)

  • Includes 2 Gala tickets
  • 2 tickets to Private Sponsors’ Reception
  • listing in the invitation and the evening’s program

Hotel Information

Mzuri Gala 2022 will be held at:

Blackhawk Automotive Museum
3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle
Danville, CA 94506

Map and Directions

Accommodations

Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa
3287 Mount Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-283-3700

lafayetteparkhotel.com

Map and Directions

When making a reservation, please book your room under the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation room block to receive the special rate for Gala guests.

Shuttle Service

A courtesy shuttle service to and from the hotel to the Gala will be provided.