Zoo Atlanta and Vantage Realty Partners bring back the fundraising event, Jazzoo 2011, on Saturday, Oct. 15. Vantage, an Atlanta real estate firm which focuses on improving the community in which it operates, has concentrated its efforts on the Jazzoo charity event, a spin-off of a Kansas City event that has been successful for 20 years.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will support Zoo programs that provide free admission to underserved populations and field trips to Title 1 schools. From 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m., the Zoo will host 30 Atlanta restaurants, 20 open bars, and live music from the band Yacht Rock. Among the participating restaurants are Highland Bakery, Tin Lizzy’s, Sawicki’s, Stone Soup Kitchen, H. Harper Station, Spice Market, and many more.

VIP tickets are available for $150 and include early admission with tasting samples from participating restaurants, champagne, and a Jazz trio. Once the event opens for general admission, VIP ticket holders can make use of the VIP area with a private bar and food. General admission tickets are $100 and are all-inclusive. jazzooatlanta.org.

Collin Kelley has been the editor of Atlanta Intown for two decades and has been a journalist and freelance writer for 35 years. He’s also an award-winning poet and novelist.