Emails suggest Sacramento Kings balk at offering financial support for new Sacramento Zoo project in Elk Grove
When appearing in the recent Zoom meeting on the financing the relocation of the Sacramento Zoo, the executive director of the Sacramento Zoological Society intimated that they could raise $50 million to cover their share of the $300 million zoo.
When asked about donors, Jason Jacobs refused to say who the SZS was targeting in its fundraising effort, much less who had committed. However, emails received from a public document request from the city of Elk Grove suggest that the National Basketball Association's Sacramento Kings were one of the targeted donors.
Not surprisingly, the Kings organization is uncommitted.
A February 7, 2024, email exchange between Elk Grove public information office Kristyn Lawrence and the SZS's marketing representative Lesley Kirrene suggests the Sacramento Kings have balked at making a financial commitment. The exchange was made in the context of the promotional event involving the Kings and a new lion at the Sacramento Zoo.
The lengthy exchange between Lawrence and Kirrene massaging a press release included a line suggesting the Sacramento Kings ownership group wanted to avoid being connected as a financial benefactor.
Kirrene told Lawrence:
"You will note that the Kings removed the quote from their COO. While the organization remains enthusiastic about continuing to develop a partnership, it is just that – new and developing ‐ and it is very important to them that we start slowly and just have fun on Thursday, not hint at any kind of financial support, a direct connection between the Kings and the new zoo (at this time), etc. Thank you for reinforcing this message with the Mayor."
That email can be viewed below.
So, as Elk Grove Bobbie Singh-Allen and her city council formally approve what they have already decided - to move forward on the zoo project on May 8 - it will be noteworthy to see if Jacobs can fulfill the SZS $50 million commitment.
Photo by Timur Weber via Pexels
Posts
2 comments
I was initially concerned that the Zoological Society would drop the ball on their end--but then I recalled how every major event venue seems to be plastered with advertising banners and even naming rights for the bigger facilities.
I'm confident that the SZS will sell the soul of the zoo for a buck, and in return, "sponsors" will have their names plastered throughout the facility. Even small-scale Little League ball fields have corporate sponsors hanging banners from the home run fence, and to the worst degree, I recall going to the County fair a few years back, and upon entering, was greeted with a multitude of new car dealers preying on prospective buyers in their outdoor booths and flanked by shiny new cars.
No, the SZS will cough up their share of the construction money and the zoo sails through with a 5-0 vote, prefaced of course with pre-written speeches from each Council member with the TV cameras rolling. Then after the thunderous applause from the zoo supporters simmers down, most who don't even know that Elk Grove taxpayers are footing a big portion of the bill, the Council members will think of all the votes they will have gained. Hip Hip Hooray!
Large corporations aren't going to commit millions of dollars based on the financial report fabricated by the city. It just doesn't make sense, it's a pipe dream and it's unrealistic.
Post a Comment