Holly Gibson

Holly Gibson fell in love with animals and Denver Zoo when she participated in a Zoo explorer scout program in high school. "It was a very hands-on experience; I got to touch and learn about a variety of animals and have had an appreciation of Denver Zoo ever since," says Holly. Her husband, Gary's interest in the Zoo stems from Holly's passion and he is now awed by the animals every bit as much as Holly.

When the Gibsons sold their business they were looking into different options to invest their money. Since Holly had already named Denver Zoo in her estate plan, she decided to give some of that money to the Zoo now through a gift vehicle that would provide her income in return. Gary liked Holly's idea and decided to create his own charitable gift annuity. They enjoy the benefits of giving a gift to the Zoo today and receiving annuity payments for life.

The Gibsons appreciate that because of Denver Zoo, over two million people a year have the opportunity to see animals they might not otherwise get to see. They also value the Zoo's conservation efforts locally and abroad. Holly and Gary are passionate about travel and they are inspired to visit the animals they see at the Zoo in their native habitats (like their recent trip to Svalbard in the Arctic to see polar bears).