Knoxville Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions Event Plan

Cassandra Woody

Table of Contents
Executive Summary

Event Plan

4-7

Key Message Strategy

8-11

Four Deliverables

12-20

Social Media Content Calendar

Sample Social Media Posts

12
13-15

News Release

16-17

Media Alert

18-19

Talking Points

20

Two Writing Samples

21-23

Fact Sheet

21-22

News Release

23

Sample Future Biography

24

Executive Summary
Following this summary is an event plan proposal for the Knoxville Zoo. This is a detailed event
plan to address the following objectives:
1) To increase media exposure by 50% over the course of 2016.
2) To increase event attendance by 50% in 2016.
3) To increase the individual donor support base by 40% with an average gift of $50 by the
start of 2017.
These objectives are fully explained in the event plan section, which also addresses the strategic
fit, target audience, audience benefits, event details, event sponsors, estimated income and more.
The key messages for the event format are educate the public, develop positive attitudes about
conservation, tell the stories of the animals through research, celebrate natural wonders of the
world through conservation and collect donations to support the zoo. The target audiences are
identified as: families and people around East Tennessee who are interested in animal awareness.
The deliverables section of the event plan provides example deliverables, including a social
media content calendar, sample social media posts, news release, media alert and talking points.
Also included are two writing samples to illustrate the work Cassandra Woody has done.

Event Plan
Name of event: Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions
Date/time/location: Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions will be held at the Knoxville Zoo on
May 27, 2016. The Zoos Clues scavenger hunt begins at 12:00 p.m. followed by Lunch with
Lions in the Valley of the Kings at 1:30 p.m.
Event type: Scavenger hunt/cookout
Event purpose: Zoos Clues is a scavenger hunt designed to educate the Knoxville community
about the animals around the world. It is followed by the Lunch with Lions cookout where
sponsors and participants will be able to donate to the Knoxville Zoo for continuing the
development of several exhibits.
Objectives:
1) To increase media exposure by 50% over the course of 2016.
2) To increase event attendance by 50% in 2016.
3) To increase the individual donor support base by 40% with an average gift of $50 by the start
of 2017.
Strategic fit: The zoo is a place where over 400,000 family members and millennials go for a
fun-filled day. The Knoxville Zoos mission to educate the public about animals, plants and
people that make up the communities of the earth will be the main focus of the scavenger hunt.
By creating questions that have to do with animal care, conservation and zoo facts, the zoo will
develop an engaging activity that assists in accomplishing the organizations mission.
Target audience: Families and people around East Tennessee who are interested in animal
awareness. The people who visit the Knoxville Zoo and follow them on social media will be
invited to the event.
Audience benefits: A Zoos Clues t-shirt is provided at the front gate. The participants will
engage in several activities during the scavenger hunt that allow them an intimate view of the
animals. It will provide the participants with valuable knowledge about several species. The
participants will experience a day in the life of a researcher and merge into several habitats to
find the answers to Zoos Clues hints. The winning team of the scavenger hunt will receive a free
membership to the zoo, along with a prize basket made up of knick-knacks from supporting
sponsors.

Event format details: The Zoos Clues scavenger hunt begins at 12 p.m., and is a race through
53-acres of animal exhibits that feature animals from Australia, Africa, Asia, South America,
North America and native to East Tennessee. Lunch with Lions is a cookout that begins at 1:30
p.m. with all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, wings, chips and cookies provided by the zoo.
The African lions and Hamadryas baboons will be featured at the cookout. Guests planning to
participate in the scavenger hunt will pay a $5 fee or a $20 fee if they plan to attend the cookout.
People can register on the day of the event as long as they do so before 11:30 a.m. Any person
who is already registered for the event should arrive by 11:30 a.m. to gather name tags and a
Zoos Clues packet. There should be no more than eight people on a team.
Guest list/Attendee specifications: Anyone who registered for the event will be on the guest
list. People who want to register on the day of the event will need to do so by 11:30 a.m. so they
can be added to the list.
Expected Attendance/or guests: 250
How you will reach potential/desired attendees: The Knoxville Zoo will use Facebook and
Twitter to invite their followers, and to promote the event. The Knoxville Zoo will provide Knox
County schools with flyers students will be able to take home. The Knoxville Zoo will advertise
the event on a billboard to reach a wide range of audiences. The employees will give out flyers at
the front gate to introduce the event.
Internal and/or external speakers:
Eddie Mannis, Chair of the Board
Lisa New, President and CEO
Carrie Blair, Membership Manager
Becky Witherspoon, Administrative Assistant
Tina Rolen, Assistant Director of Marketing
Kailey Kritch, Events Coordinator

VIP attendees: VIP consists of people who frequently sponsor zoo events. The zoo will invite
the usual sponsors to the cookout to increase the chance of receiving higher donations.
Melanie and Patrick Hunt
Barbara and Richard Hart
Jo and Sid Blalock
Nikki and Scott Niswonger
Richard Ledyard
Adrian and Larsen Jay
Cindy and John Compton
Michelle and Jim Collins
5

Amy and Tim Williams

Holly and Russ Watkins
LB Brown
Marilyn and Patrick Roddy
Melissa and Greg Isaacs
Ann and Sam Furrow
Cindi and Pete DeBusk
Bob, Amy, Sandra, and Matt Cross
Linda and Pete Claussen
Amy and Gerry Bassett
Jenny and Randy Boyd
Sponsor/ underwriter: The internal speakers will propose the event plan to organizations that
sponsor the annual Zoofari event, and ask if the organizations will be interested in sponsoring
Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions.
Boyds Jig and Reel
The Trust Company
Clayton Bank
Clayton Homes
Regal Entertainment Group
Schaad Company
Neyland Apartment Associates, LLC
ORNL Federal Credit Union
Pilot Flying J
The Peoples Bank
TIS Insurance
Ensafe
Pirate Girl PR
Visit Knoxville
First Tennessee Foundation
Knoxville News Sentinel
Home Federal Bank
Cherokee Distributing
BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc.
Knoxville Beverage Company
Jupiter Entertainment
Income estimate: The zoo aims to raise $12,000 from the event.
250 people x $20 tickets= $5,000 ticket sales
Receive $7,000+ in donations
6

Estimated net cost: $24,000

Additional Funds: Food, prizes, and labor costs are factored into the budget as additional funds.
Media/ communications: The Knoxville Zoo will rent billboard space for two months, starting
on April 1. The billboard will be designed to appeal to families and people from surrounding
cities that are interested in wild animals. The zoo will begin posting about the event on May 1.
The Facebook and Twitter pages will feature posts that include hints about the Zoos Clues
scavenger hunt. The Knoxville Zoo will use #ZoosClues and #LunchWithLions to create an easy
search for their followers. The zoo will send flyers to all Knox County schools on April 15. The
flyers will include the details of the event along with registration information. The Knoxville Zoo
will send out a news release about the event on May 28 that includes event details and winning
information. Thank you letters will be sent on May 30 to each person that donates to the zoo.
Successful completion criteria: If the event raises $12,000+ and has 250 attendees, Zoos Clues
and Lunch with Lions will be a success. The zoo will compare attendance of this event to past
events to determine if they increased attendance by 50%. The event will send out media
advisories to journalist who would be interested in covering the event, and this should assist in
raising media exposure by 50% in 2016. The cookout should raise the donor support rate by
40%. The zoo will compare the news coverage, attendance and donation rates to past events to
determine whether they increased media exposure by 50%, increased event attendance by 50%,
and increased the individual donor support base by 40%.
Challenges: Since this is an outside event the date may have to change due to bad weather. Some
people do not like hamburgers and hot dogs. There will be several children at this event and
some may get injured if they do not follow the zoo rules. Since it is the start of summer people
may already have other summer vacations planned during that time.

Knoxville Zoo Message Strategy

Mission: The Knoxville Zoo celebrates the wonders of the natural world through education,
conservation, exhibition, research and recreation. The zoo tells the stories of the animals, plants
and people who make up the communities of the earth. The zoo develops positive attitudes and
actions about nature and about conservation as a local and global issue.
Target: The zoo targets families and members of all ages in East Tennessee. They focus
on people who are actively involved with nature and interested in the natural wonders of the
world.
When the zoo talks about research and conservation they are targeting zoologists,
scientists, environmentalists and people of all ages who are actively involved with nature.
The zoo offers different recreational activities to educate people of all ages who are
interested in learning about the natural wonders of the world.
When the zoo asks for support it is targeting companies and people in Knoxville who are
financially capable of making donations and attending supporting events.
Key Message: Educate the public
The zoo offers a free teacher workshop to learn effective methods to teach
through hands-on learning, tools, techniques and resources.
The zoo offers a variety of EdZOOcational programs that meet the needs of
homeschoolers through field trips, homeschool Tuesdays, borrow a zoobox and
self-guided safaris.
The zoo offers a variety of scout workshops, programs and service projects.
The zoo brings educational live-animal programs to all parts of Knoxville and
East Tennessee through Zoomobile.
The zoo offers a Bedtime with the Beasts that allows families to watch what the
animals do after dark.
Key Message: Develop positive attitudes about conservation
The zoo offers an off-campus study program to provide undergraduate students
from the University of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University the chance
to gain hands-on experience working in a zoological facility.
The zoo offers courses that teach required talents of people concerned with
conservation of endangered species.
The zoo is actively involved in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species
Survival Plans for 27 animal species.
Key Message: Tell the stories of the animals through research
The zoo is actively involved in ongoing research projects that contribute to
valuable knowledge about a species.
8

The zoo offers class tours and presentations that give students a broader
understanding of the careers available in the zoological field, and research
techniques that are used by zoological facilities.
Key Message: Collect donations to support the zoo
The zoo offers Dollar Days as a way to thank the community for their support.
Provides a Mission of Hope volunteer organization providing assistance, aid and
resources to those living in poverty stricken areas in rural Appalachia.
Allows over 10,000 need-based children and chaperones free admission to visit
the zoo.
The zoo partners with Young-Williams Animal Center, and serves the community
by providing compassionate care to animals, and working to find homes for
adoptable pets.
Key message: Celebrate natural wonders of the world through recreation
The zoo offers birthday party packages where a consultant runs the party from setup to clean-up so guests can visit the zoo.
Wee Play Adventure involves extensive construction to create a jungle island that
gives the chance to guests to immerse themselves in an exotic expedition.
Clayton Safari Splash includes play areas that features two life sized giraffes
that spout water when kids work together to direct the flow.
The zoo hosts Feast with the Beasts which is the largest food and beverage
sampling event in Knoxville.
BOO! at the Zoo is a Halloween tradition that offers a variety of entertainment.
The zoo offers to host catered events.
The Zoo and Social Media: The zoo will use social media as a tool to promote the proposed
Zoos Clues scavenger hunt and Lunch with Lions cookout. It will announce the event in the
beginning of May in order to get a head-start on registration. The organization will use the
hashtags #ZoosClues and #LunchWithLions to create an organized, easy search for their
followers.
Target: The Knoxville Zoos current followers
Facebook Promotion Tool: Facebook will be used to post information about where and how to
register for the event, what prizes are in-store for those who get involved, and updated event
details.
Twitter Promotion Tool: Twitter will post information about how and where to register for the
event, and updated event details. Twitter will post facts about the exhibits as hints for the types of
questions that will be asked during the scavenger hunt.
Key Message: Educate the public
Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions is an event designed to educate the Knoxville
community about the animals around the world.
The zoo will use the funds raised from the event to improve the animals living
situations.
Key Message: Celebrate natural wonders of the world through recreation
Each member of the winning team of the scavenger hunt will receive a free yearlong membership to the zoo.
9

Door prizes put together by sponsors of the event will be given out at the cookout.
The zoo will post details about the event, and upload pictures of exhibits to create
excitement in the community.

News Release: The zoo will send out a news release on May 28 about Zoos Clues and Lunch
with Lions.
Target: Media sources in Knoxville
Key Message: Celebrate natural wonders of the world through recreation
Who: The Knoxville Zoo is hosting an event for families and members of all ages
in the Knoxville community.
What: Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions
When: Kick-off Memorial Day weekend at the Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions
event on May 27, 2016.
Where: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
Why: Zoos Clues is a scavenger hunt designed to educate East Tennessee about
the animals around the world followed by a cookout that will honor the
continuing development the most naturalistic exhibits.
Media Alert: The zoo will send out a media alert on May 15th that will invite media sources to
cover the Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions.
Target: Media sources and journalists in Knoxville
Key Message: Develop positive attitudes about conservation
Key Message: Tell the stories of animals through research
Key Message: Collect donations to support the zoo
Who: Residents and families around East Tennessee will attend the event, along
with sponsors such as Jupiter Entertainment, Visit Knoxville, Pilot Flying J, Regal
Entertainment Group, The Trust Company, etc.
What: The Knoxville Zoo will hold its first safari-themed Zoos Clues scavenger
hunt to educate the public about conservation, research, and animal care through a
fun activity. It will be followed by a Lunch with Lions cookout that honors the
continuing development of the most naturalistic exhibits in East Tennessee.
When: The family event will be on Friday May 27, 2016 to kick-off Memorial
Day weekend.
Where: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
Why: Zoos Clues is a scavenger hunt designed to educate East Tennessee about
the animals around the world followed by the Lunch with Lions cookout where
sponsors and participants will be able to give donations to the Knoxville Zoo to
support the continuing development of several exhibits.
How: To register for the event visit the Knoxville Zoo website and go to the Zoos
Clues tab to sign up. There will be a table at the event where people can register
on the day of the event as long as they arrive early enough.
Additional Information: All funds will go to the continuing development of
several exhibits at the Knoxville Zoo.

10

Talking Points: On the day of the event the zoo will use talking points during the cookout that
illustrate how the zoo educates the public through exhibition, conservation, research and
recreation. The talking points will make the community aware of their key messages.
Target: People, media sources and journalists in Knoxville, and sponsors who attend the
event
Key Message: Educate the public
Key Message: Develop positive attitudes about conservation
Key Message: Tell the stories of animals through research
Key Message: Collect donations to support the zoo
Key message: Celebrate natural wonders of the world through recreation

11

Social Media Content Calendar

12

Sample Social Media Posts

May 1: Facebook- The Knoxville Zoo would like to invite you to its safari-themed scavenger
hunt and cookout! What better way to kick-off Memorial Day weekend than by
participating in Zoos Clues, then enjoying All-American foods at a Lunch with Lions?
Expand your knowledge on animals around the world, and honor the continuing
development of several exhibits at the zoo. Register for the event on their website
(http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/events_activities.aspx).
Twitter- Start summer right by registering for #ZoosClues & #LunchWithLions to honor
the continuing development of zoo exhibits. Link in bio.
May 3: Twitter- Dont forget to register for #ZoosClues & #LunchWithLions for a chance to
win a year-long membership to @knoxvillezoo #SignUpToday
May 5: Facebook- Get ready for the best scavenger hunt around! Thanks to Boyds Jig and
Reel, The Trust Company, Clayton Bank, Clayton Homes, Regal Entertainment Group,
Schaad Company, Neyland Apartment Associates, LLC, ORNL Federal Credit Union,
Pilot Flying J, The Peoples Bank, TIS Insurance, Ensafe, Pirate Girl PR, Visit Knoxville,
First Tennessee Foundation, Knoxville News Sentinel, Home Federal Bank, Cherokee
Distributing, BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc., Knoxville Beverage Company and
Jupiter Entertainment for making this event possible! Attending #ZoosClues &
#LunchWithLions allows you the chance to win movie tickets, gift certificates, souvenirs
and many more prizes put together by the sponsors. Dont forget to register at
http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/events_activities.aspx
Twitter- NBD if you dont finish #ZoosClues first. There are plenty of door prizes to
give away at #LunchWithLions #RegisterToday #WinWinWinNoMatterWhat
May 7: Create a Zoos Clues quiz that is based on the questions from the Zoos Clues scavenger
hunt, and post it to both social media platforms.
Are you prepared for #ZoosClues & #LunchWithLions? Take this quiz to determine how
well you know about research, conservation and animal care.
May 9: Facebook- #ZoosClues & #LunchWithLions will take place at the Knoxville Zoo from
12 p.m. - 3 p.m. on May 27, 2016. Dont forget to register at http://www.knoxvillezoo.org/events_activities.aspx to support the zoos continuing development of the most
naturalistic exhibits!
Twitter- Dont forget to #register for #ZoosClues & #LunchWithLions to support the
zoos continuing development of the most naturalistic exhibits.
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May 11: Post a Photo of a Red Panda to both social media platforms with a random fact. If
followers pay attention to the picture related to the post they will be able to answer one of
the questions with no trouble.
The zoo is involved in Species Survival Plans for 27 animal species. Register for
#ZoosClues to learn more about animal care and conservation.
May 13: Post a photo of the t-shirt to both social media platforms.
Facebook- Who doesnt love free? Make sure you register for #ZoosClues &
#LunchWithLions so you get your one-of-a-kind Zoos Clues t-shirt! Dont miss the
chance to engage in several activities that will allow you an intimate view of the animals.
If you are interested in zoological research, it is the perfect opportunity to learn about the
tools and techniques they use in the field. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on
several species during the scavenger hunt. Dont miss the chance to win year-long
memberships and fun door prizes put together by the sponsors.
Twitter- Register for #ZoosClues & #LunchWithLions to get a one-of-a-kind t-shirt.
May 15: Facebook- Post group photo of Knoxville Zoo executives.
Next Friday at #LunchWithLions, Eddie Mannis will speak about the zoos purpose and
what the donations fund. After he speaks, Carrie Blair will present the winner of the
#ZoosClues scavenger hunt with a year-long membership to the Knoxville Zoo. Lisa
New, Becky Witherspoon, Tina Rolen and Kailey Kritch will give away the door prizes
that were put together by the sponsors. If you havent registered yet, there is still time!
Register for the event at http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/events_activities.aspx.
May 17: Upload the flyer that was given to Knox County schools to both social media platforms.
Support the development of East Tennessees most naturalistic exhibits by paying $20 to
attend #ZoosClues & #LunchWithLions on Friday, May 27.
May 21: Facebook/Twitter- Its almost safari time! If you havent registered yet, dont worry!
There is still time. #7days #ZoosClues #LunchWithLions
May 23: Post a scavenger hunt meme to both social media platforms.
Facebook- Are you ready to race through 53-acres of animal exhibits that feature
animals from different places around the world? I hope so! Get ready to merge into
habitats to gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques researchers use. The
#ZoosClues event is only 4 days away. Have you come up with a team name, yet? If so,
share it with us!
Twitter- Hope youre ready to gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques
researchers use in the field during #ZoosClues #4days
May 24: Post a photo of food that will be at the event to both social media platforms.
Whos hungry? Work up your appetite during #ZoosClues & enjoy all you can eat
hamburgers, hot dogs, wings and cookies at #LunchWithLions
May 25: Facebook- The competition is heating up, and there are already 22 teams registered for
#ZoosClues. Not much room for more! Dont miss your chance to take a scavenger hunt
around the world, and be surrounded by African lions and Hamadryas baboons at
#LunchWithLions in Valley of the Kings.
14

Twitter- The competition is heating up & there are 22 teams registered for #ZoosClues.
Will your team be recognized at #LunchWithLions?
May 26: Repost the flyer to both social media platforms.
Today is the LAST CHANCE to register online for the #ZoosClue & #LunchWithLions
event!
May 27: Facebook- Post photos of the Knoxville Zoos setup of the scavenger hunt along with
photos of Valley of the Kings where Lunch with Lions is set to take place.
Its time to get wild! If you still need to register for the event please do so at the front
gate before 11:30 a.m. People who have already registered should arrive by 11:30 a.m. to
collect their t-shirts, nametags, and #ZoosClues packet. The race begins at 12 p.m. and
will be followed by the #LunchWithLions at 1:30 p.m. Come ready to explore and
discover facts about animals that make up the communities of the earth. Interact with us
during the event by tagging us in photos @knoxvillezoo and include #ZoosClues &
#LunchWithLions in the caption for a chance to win a door prize. Good Luck to all teams
participating! Lets get wild!
May 28: Post a photo of the winning team holding their memberships to both social media
platforms.
Congratulations to the five members of the Martinez family on their year-long
memberships to the zoo! We look forward to seeing you all again!
May 29: Facebook- Post a photo of the people who worked at the event.
We cannot express how grateful we are for the support we received to make this event
possible. Our goal was to raise $12,000 to put towards research, conservation, and the
continuing development of the Knoxville Zoos most naturalistic exhibits. We are happy
to announce we exceeded our goal, and raised $14,000 during this event. Thank you to
the sponsors, participants, and donors that made this event such a success. We look
forward to doing it again.
May 30: Comment on pictures that were tagged, reply to comments on posts, and share photos
posted of people during #ZoosClues & #LunchWithLions on both social media platforms.
May 31: Post a link of the press release to both social media platforms. Continue to comment,
reply, and repost.

15

News Release
May 28, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information:
Cassandra Woody
423.333.4700
cwoody3@vols.utk.edu

Zoos Clues Scavenger Hunt Kicks-Off Memorial Day Weekend

Knoxville Zoo hosts a safari-themed scavenger hunt and cookout
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. This past weekend, on Friday, May 27, people from all over East
Tennessee gathered to explore and discover the stories of animals around the world through a
Zoos Clues scavenger hunt, and honor the continuing development of Knoxville Zoos most
naturalistic exhibits at the Lunch with Lions cookout.
The Memorial Day family-friendly event was a race
through 53-acres of animal exhibits that featured
animals from Australia, Africa, Asia, South America,
North America and native to East Tennessee. The
Zoos Clues scavenger hunt allowed people from allaround East Tennessee the chance to merge into
habitats to gain hands-on experience with tools and
techniques researchers use. It was an adrenaline
rush to come face-to-face with wild animals, said
Taylor Denny, 21 of Etowah, Tennessee.
Zoos Clues was followed by a Lunch with Lions
cookout in Valley of the Kings where guests were
surrounded by African lions and Hamadryas baboons
while they enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, wings,
chips and cookies that were provided by the zoo.
Carrie Blair presented the five members of the Martinez family of Maryville, Tennessee a yearlong zoo membership for being the first team to complete the scavenger hunt. Executives Lisa
New, Becky Witherspoon, Tina Rolen and Kailey Kritch gave away door prizes that were put
together by Boyds Jig and Reel, Regal Entertainment Group, Visit Knoxville, Jupiter
Entertainment and other sponsors that made the event possible.
-moreEddie Mannis, Chair of the Board, reported the event raised $14,000. We cannot express how
grateful we are for the support we have received to make Zoos Clues, and all other events
possible, says Mannis. To see photos, and posts about Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions visit
@knoxvillezoo Facebook and Twitter, and search #ZoosClues or #LunchWithLions.
The Knoxville Zoo is the largest year-round attraction that brings more-than 400,000 guests
each year because it allows visitors to experience wildlife up close. The Knoxville Zoo offers the
chance to come face-to-face with more-than 800 of the worlds most fascinating animals. The
Knoxville Zoo tells the stories of the animals, plants and people who make up the communities of
16

the earth, and aims to develop positive attitudes and actions about nature and conservation as a
global issue.
###

17

MEDIA ALERT
May 15, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information:
Cassandra Woody
423.333.4700
cwoody3@vols.utk.edu

Take a Scavenger Hunt Around The World

Start summer right by attending Knoxville Zoos Memorial Day weekend event
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. The Knoxville Zoo will develop positive attitudes about conservation by
telling the stories of animals through research. The zoo will give back to their community by
educating the public through a recreational activity that will not only celebrate the natural
wonders of the world, but allow people to experience the day in the life of a researcher.
Who: Residents and families of East Tennessee will attend Zoos Clues, along with local
organizations that sponsor the event such as Boyds Jig and Reel, The Trust Company, Clayton
Bank, Clayton Homes, Regal Entertainment Group, Schaad Company, Neyland Apartment
Associates, LLC, ORNL Federal Credit Union, Pilot Flying J, The Peoples Bank, TIS Insurance,
Ensafe, Pirate Girl PR, Visit Knoxville, First Tennessee Foundation, Knoxville News Sentinel,
Home Federal Bank, Cherokee Distributing, BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc., Knoxville
Beverage Company and Jupiter Entertainment.
What: The Knoxville Zoo will hold its first safari-themed Zoos Clues scavenger hunt to educate
the public about conservation, research, and animal care through a recreational activity. The
scavenger hunt is followed by a Lunch with Lions cookout that honors the continuing
development of the most naturalistic exhibits at the Knoxville Zoo.
When: The event will be on Friday May 27, 2016 to kick-off Memorial Day weekend. Zoos
Clues scavenger hunt is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m., followed by Lunch with the Lions at 1:30
p.m.
Where: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
Why: Zoos Clues is designed to educate the Knoxville community about the animals around the
world, and will be followed by Lunch with Lions which honors the continuing development of
the most naturalistic exhibits at the Knoxville Zoo.
-more18

How: To register for the event visit the Knoxville Zoo website and go to the Zoos Clues tab to
sign up. There will be a table at the event where people can register on the day of as long as they
arrive early enough.
Additional Information The media will have plenty of elements to choose from to cover the
Zoos Clues and Lunch with Lions event.
Plenty of photo opportunities to catch the community being actively involved with nature
Gather footage of the Red Panda and explain how the zoo is involved in the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plans for 27 animal species
Explain how the event presents a broader understanding of the careers available in the
zoological field
Interview executives to get information about how the Knoxville Zoo will attempt to
restore the habitats to provide better homes for the animals
o Eddie Mannis, Chair of the Board
o Lisa New, President and CEO
o Carrie Blair, Membership Manager
o Becky Witherspoon, Administrative Assistant
o Tina Rolen, Assistant Director of Marketing
o Kailey Kritch, Events Coordinator
The Knoxville Zoo is the largest year-round attraction that brings more-than 400,000 guests
each year because it allows visitors to experience wildlife up close. The Knoxville Zoo offers the
chance to come fac- to-face with more-than 800 of the worlds most fascinating animals. The
Knoxville Zoo tells the stories of the animals, plants and people who make up the communities of
the earth, and aims to develop positive attitudes and actions about nature and conservation as a
global issue.
###

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Talking Points for Lunch with the Lions for people who attended the event

Thank you for attending todays Zoos Clues scavenger hunt.

Welcome to Valley of the Kings where African lions and Hamadryas baboons wander around
while we enjoy our lunch.
Feel free to eat as many hamburgers and hot dogs as you would like.
At this time I would like for us to give a huge round of applause to all of our sponsors that made
this event possible.
The funds raised from this event will be put towards renovations that will provide better care for
the animals.
Since this morning, we have raised $5,000 in ticket sales.
Our goal for the end of the day is to have raised $12,000, and we would appreciate any donations
to help us reach this amount.
At the zoo we are interested in educating the public about global conservation and research
through recreational events like Zoos Clues.
Now that you have finished the scavenger hunt, do you feel like you have a better understanding
of the zoos purpose, and the animals that we foster?
The zoo offers effective methods to teach through hands-on learning, tools, techniques and
resources.
We bring educational, live-animal programs to all parts of Knoxville and East Tennessee.
There are currently more than 450 Species Survival Plans that are a part of the Association of
Zoos and Aquariums.
The zoo is actively involved in the associations Species Survival Plans for 27 animal species.
With your help, the zoo has been able to stay actively involved in ongoing research projects that
contribute to valuable knowledge about a species that can help prolong their lives.
The Species Survival Plan contributes to the field conservation efforts, recovery for wildlife,
disease issues and establishment of flourishing habitats for the animals.
The zoo offers courses that expand on what was learned during the scavenger hunt.
Along with the courses, we offer an off-campus study program to those who want to gain handson experience working in a zoological facility.
Check the website to see the schedules of our class tours that give students a broader
understanding of the careers available in the zoological field.
We cannot express how grateful we are for the support we have received to make Zoos Clues and
all other events possible.
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Be sure to post all your pictures from today with the hashtags #ZoosClues and #LunchWithLions,
and tell us about your experience. Thank you.

Writing Sample
Walt Disney Ignite the Dream Festival Float Fact Sheet

Media Contact
Cassandra Woody
Walt Disney World
(423)-333-4700
media@waltdisneyworld.com
Overview
Shanghai Disney Resort released the design of the newest Ignite the Dream festival float and
entertainment premiering at the 2015 Shanghai Tourism Festival during the grand opening
parade on September 12. The float demonstrates Shanghai Disney Resorts commitment to bring
the best of Disney experiences to the people of China.

History
The second consecutive year Shanghai Disney Resort to participate in Chinas leading
annual tourism festival.

The Happy Dream float was voted Most Popular Float of the Year by a public poll in
2014.

The float blends distinct Chinese elements that will highlight Shanghai Disney Resort as
a whole new world of imagination with authentic Disney storytelling that guests will find
in the resort.
o Entertainment by an international collaboration between Disney experts and
talented Chinese artists.
o The float plays songs written specifically for the event by Chinese artists.
o The main float features a giant Chinese lantern.
o The float has six attached carts that are based on the six theme parks at the resort.
Design
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The design is a product of work by an international team of Disney experts including

Chinese designers.

The floats centerpiece is a shimmering Disney castle that is surrounded by jewel stones
and a flowing, red Chinese paper-cut ribbon embedded with hidden Mickey patterns.

The float features a giant Chinese lantern that takes form of the resorts iconic Enchanted
Storybook Castle.

Base wrapped with bright postcards that show the key attractions of the resort.

Stars that shine above the float spell out the promise of Shanghai Disney Resort.
o Ignite the Magical Dream within Your Heart

Entertainment

The float is led by a joyful troop of high-energy dancers that kick up their heels to
Welcome Home.
o Welcome Home was written by Chinese artists specifically for Shanghai Disney
Resort.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear and many other popular Disney
characters greet roadside spectators.

The float represents Disneys immersive world-class entertainment to local residents and
millions of TV viewers across China.

Dates
The float debuts on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 at the grand opening parade.

From Sept. 13 to Oct. 6 the float is to attend a road show through several districts.

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Writing Sample

Play-Well Company
News Release
Sept 9, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information:
Cassandra Woody
(423)-333-4700
cwoody3@vols.utk.edu

Play-Well Company Recalls Zoomers Toy Vehicles

Electronic malfunctions found in Zoomers sold after November 2008
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Play-Well Company decides to conduct a voluntary recall on two-battery,
and certain one-battery Zoomers products after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
received 800 reports that the vehicles electrical components malfunctioned. Parents should
immediately dissemble the vehicle to prevent further damage.
Zoomers are reported to overheat on children and parents not only while the cars are being
ridden, but while in park. The toy vehicle is responsible for minor burns on hands, legs, and feet,
100 fires, and up to $250,000 in property damage from the fires. With public safety as top
priority, Play-Well Company is working closely with U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission in order to let people know right away which vehicles are affected and what they
should do to protect themselves and their kids.
The recall does not include any Zoomers sold before November 2008. Michael Hayes, the vice
president of consumer relations, says the batteries should be removed immediately, and that
consumers should contact a service center to schedule repairs.
Repairs can be scheduled by calling 800-ZOOMERS number, or someone could visit
www.zoomers.com to get a list of service centers in their area. The service centers will install
new electrical parts free of charge and do free safety checkups.
Play-Well Company was founded in 1940 and is one of the leading manufacturers of quality toys
and games for toddlers and children of all ages. Play-Well product line includes musical and
crib toys for newborns, as well as a variety of preschool games and educational toys for children
age 5 and older.
###

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Sample Future Biography

Cassandra Woody, a graduate of the University of Tennessee, is the CEO of Tennessee
Entertainment PR; a public relations firm based in Nashville, Tennessee that specializes in media
relations, marketing communications, community relations and reputation management for
entertainment industries in Tennessee. Cassandra has been working in entertainment PR for
seven years, and has extensive experience in public affairs, international public relations and
media relations. Cassandra is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America and
has won the Paul M. Lund Public Service Award. Cassandra is accredited in public relations
which supports that she demonstrates professional judgement and knowledge in the field. She
can be reached at cwoody@tennesseeentertainment.org or at 423.333.4700.

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