Manhattan area residents opened their wallets for Sunset Zoo in a big way during this year’s Greater Manhattan Community Foundation Grow Green Match Day, helping the Sunset Zoo Trust raise $46,715—more than 55% above its $30,000 goal.

The total came from 97 individual gifts, according to GMCF’s Grow Green results. The campaign goal was exceeded by $16,715, with the final amount reaching 155.72% of the Trust’s original goal.

For the Sunset Zoo Trust, the response was strong show of community support for the zoo’s next phase of development, including plans for a new Sunset Barnyard, an interactive and educational habitat designed to give children and families opportunities to connect with domestic animals. T

“We are incredibly grateful to the 97 donors who stepped forward for Sunset Zoo,” said Linda Wassberg, President of the Sunset Zoo Trust. “Our goal was $30,000, and our community responded with nearly $47,000. That is an extraordinary show of confidence in Sunset Zoo and in the role it plays in the lives of families throughout our community.”

The Grow Green campaign also provides an added benefit to participating organizations. The donations made through Grow Green receive a 50% match that is added to the organizations’ endowments at the foundation, further increasing the long-term impact of the money raised.

The Sunset Zoo Trust is an organization of people passionate about supporting Sunset Zoo through our time and financial donations.