Cosley Foundation

Raising funds for the Development of Cosley Zoo. We need your help.
Please call the zoo at 630-665-5534 for more information.

History
The Wheaton Park District felt that there was a need to organize a Cosley Zoo support group to utilize money from successful fund-raising efforts. This money was all to be used for the capital development of Cosley Zoo. In August of 1986, the Cosley Foundation, Inc. became officially recognized as a 501 C 3 not-for-profit foundation. The foundation has a volunteer board who oversees the fund-raisers and the disposition of monies raised.

Since its inception, the Cosley Foundation, Inc. has consistently raised approximately $130,000 to $150,000 annually. The foundation has sponsored the building of the Vern Kiebler Learning Center (barn), a 66,000-gallon duck pond, an amphitheater, and exhibits for Red Foxes, Coyotes, Raccoons, Rabbits, White-tailed Deer and birds of prey.

Future Projects
The foundation plans to add additional animal exhibits. This future project includes habitats for River otters, Bobcats, a variety of woodland, prairie and wetland birds and even space for some unhuggable creatures like snakes and frogs.

For information on supporting any of these projects, please call 630-665-5534. All contributions are tax deductible.

Special Events
In order to support the development of Cosley Zoo, the Cosley Foundation, Inc. sponsors several fund-raisers.

The 5K/10K "Run For the Animals"
This prestigious race draws more than 2,500 competitive runners from all over the Chicago area and even out of state. Each year the race is held in conjunction with the Cream of Wheaton festival, on the first Saturday of June in downtown Wheaton. Each runner receives a commemorative long sleeved T-shirt, and awards are given in 14 age groups. The run utilizes more than 250 volunteers and has several sponsors.

The "Cosley Classic" Golf Outing
The Cosley Classic Golf Outing is held the first Monday in August and offers 324 golfers a fun-filled day in the sun. Golfers are treated to 18 holes of golf with a cart, lunch, dinner, prizes and many valuable gifts. Like the Cosley Foundations other fund-raisers, the golf outing's success depends on the generosity of many sponsors and all proceeds benefit the next capital project at Cosley Zoo.

Fall Festival
During the month of October, Cosley Zoo offers pumpkins, apple cider, gourds, indian corn and other seasonal fall items for sale. Zoo visitors can enjoy the animals as well as the sights and smells of fall while helping to support the development of Cosley Zoo.

Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sales
The foundation sponsors the sale of 2,400 Christmas trees as well as fresh wreaths, evergreen roping and many other holiday items. While searching for the perfect tree, shoppers can enjoy festive holiday music and hot chocolate. Countless families have enjoyed their traditional holiday trek to Cosley since 1984.
In conjunction with the tree sales, Cosley Zoo presents the Festival of Lights. This extensive seasonal light display draws people from all over the Chicago area and beyond. Each year visitors can look forward to new and exciting lights as well as some of their old favorites. Anyone visiting Cosley Zoo in December will be entranced by the buildings adorned with lights and the 29 Christmas trees, each uniquely decorated by area groups. It is hard to miss the 12-foot waving snowman that greets you as you enter the zoo and the large herd of lighted animal figures on display everywhere you turn. December is truly a magical time of year to visit Cosley Zoo. The lights are on for viewing from 3 PM to 9 PM daily during December.

The Cosley Foundation Fund-raising
Brick Paver Program
The Cosley Brick Paver Program is in full swing! The first bricks were put in place in the fall of 1998. These bricks line the railroad tracks in front of the station, paving the last remaining limestone paths. Thanks to everyone who is helping Cosley create a piece of history. You may have your name or a memorial engraved on a 6-inch by 9-inch brick to be installed in front of the train station at Cosley Zoo, sponsorship for individuals/not-for-profits is $75; $125 for businesses/corporations. For more information, please contact us.

If you have purchased a brick, stop by and look for your inscription. If you have not ordered yours yet, call us at 630-665-5534, or complete the Brick Paver Form and return it to us:

By fax: 630-260-6408
Or by mail: Cosley Zoo, 1356 Gary Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187

Event Sponsorships
The Cosley Foundation is always seeking sponsorship for its various events. Whatever your level of sponsorship interest, Cosley Zoo has a spot for you. All sponsors receive recognition at the event and in the Cosley Tails newsletter. If you are interested in learning more about being a sponsor, please call Cosley Zoo at 630-665-5534.

Planned Giving
Show your support by remembering Cosley Zoo in your will. Your deferred gift can provide a lasting memory when you help to improve the zoo for future generations. Bequests should be made to The Cosley Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501 C 3 support organization for Cosley Zoo. For more information, please call 630-665-5534.