When it comes time to party for a cause, you can bet Shannon Aston will bring two things: a fabulous party dress and a willingness to raise funds. “I love raising money for organizations that are important to me,” she said. “I’m not one who likes to get on the phone and ask for money, but I love a party! For me, special events are a great way for me to use my talents to give back.”
Shannon is getting to do just that as co-chair, along with Tisha Gribble, of this year’s Zoo Year’s Eve to benefit the Arkansas Zoological Foundation (AZF). The theme of this year’s event is “New Year’s On the Nile,” and it will take place from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Friday, December 31, in the zoo’s Café Africa. Tickets are $75 per person in advance, $100 per person at the door, and will include drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a live auction and entertainment by Shannon Boshears Band.
“Café Africa is being turned into Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre and will have an ‘Old Hollywood’ décor. In the 1920s, the Egyptian Theatre was home to the first Hollywood movie premieres, so there is a rich history there that we are going to twist with the animals of the Nile to make it a memorable, fun New Year’s,” Shannon said.
As the largest fundraiser of the year for the AZF, Shannon said it provides a chance for new people to experience the zoo in a very different way. “The Little Rock Zoo is first and foremost a family attraction, but it is also a place for adults, too,” she said. “It is important for us to continue to improve our zoo and the exhibits so that generations to come can enjoy it as much as we have.”
A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a degree in broadcast news, Shannon owns Proposals Boutique with her sister, Dawne Vandiver. “We had always wanted to do weddings and everything that goes along with them,” she said. A wedding boutique came up for sale in the Heights, and Vandiver suggested they go talk to the owners. “Next thing I know, it’s ours,” Shannon said. “I think the first couple of days not a soul walked in…besides our friends.” Six years later, Proposals has expanded from a staff of two to four full-time employees and numerous happy brides to show for it.
When she’s not helping brides find the dress or volunteering with the Little Rock Zoo or the Junior League of Little Rock, Shannon has another passion—ACCESS Schools. Her oldest son, 21-year-old Drew, has autism spectrum disorder. “Drew attended ACCESS from second grade until he graduated at 18. There is not a more loving bunch of professionals,” she said. “They will always be a part of our family. I was very fortunate to get to work there for a time and actually started their annual event, Starry, Starry Night.”