[Columbia, SC] - The success of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's first Dreamnight at the Zoo last June spurred volunteers and staff to make this year's event, which treats disabled and chronically ill children at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital (PHCH) to a special all-star night at the Zoo, even more special.

"Signing on to be one of the first American zoos participating in this international movement was one of the most gratifying things Riverbanks has done in quite some time," said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "Last year, we were one of just fourteen American zoos that joined over 80 zoos participating worldwide. This year, 21 American zoos will participate, pushing the total number of international Dreamnight zoos to over 100."

Dreamnight at the Zoo takes place annually on the first Friday evening in June. This year's event is scheduled at Riverbanks for Friday, June 2 from 6 to 8:30. To date, over 1,250 people have already reserved tickets to the invitation-only event. During Dreamnight at the Zoo, the park remains closed to the public and Dreamnight families are admitted free of charge.

"We're expecting at least 500 children, along with 750 family members and friends, to walk through our gates on Friday night," said Krantz.

Children who have been treated at PHCH are each allowed up to five tickets, so they can invite parents, siblings and care givers. In many cases, sick kids are accompanied by the nurses and doctors who work with them every day. All of the 1,250 attendees were personally invited by physicians and staff at PHCH.

The international movement is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year. Since 1996 when the Netherlands' Rotterdam Zoo hosted 175 pediatric cancer patients and their families the event has grown. Last year, over 180,000 visitors participated in the program worldwide.

This year, Riverbanks staff chose a Fairy "Tail" theme for the one-night extravaganza. In addition to the Zoo's regular exhibits, kids will enjoy a Fairy Tail castle complete with court jesters, Celtic dancers, fencing and a Renaissance royal court; a Medieval catapult that will land pumpkins in the Zoo's elephant exhibit; a DJ dance party in Palmetto Plaza; a picnic buffet at Safari Camp; roving costume characters including a fairy princess; magicians; free screenings of the 3-D movie Wild Safari and a special gift. Zoo keepers will also be stationed in front of each exhibit to answer questions about the animals and to talk with kids one on one.

Riverbanks will have over 180 volunteers working that night to ensure the night is magical for everyone who comes through the gates. Volunteers will give each child the red carpet treatment and serve as everything from interpreters to door openers throughout the evening.

"While we're 100 percent handicapped accessible every day of the year, setting aside a special night like this gives kids who require specialized medical equipment or accompaniment the chance to experience the zoo without the crowds. We received quite a bit of positive feedback from guests last year, mostly from parents saying that this one-of-a-kind event made their child's year," said Krantz. "When you're dedicated to serving children and their families, you can't ask for more than that."

Riverbanks cannot issue invitations to this event. Parents or care givers who think their child may qualify for an invitation to Dreamnight at the Zoo should contact Palmetto Health Children's Hospital.