Customer Snapshot
- Events Hosted: 2
- Platforms Used: 2
- Zoo Stampede Participants: 398
- Brews at the Zoo Attendees: 766
Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois, uses both RunSignup and TicketSignup to power their annual race and ticketed events. From a springtime Zoo Stampede to the popular Brews at the Zoo, the zoo leverages each platform’s unique tools to create seamless participant experiences and raise support for its mission.
“As a non-profit, RunSignup and TicketSignup has been a wonderful tool for us to use at our events. It’s user friendly and is easy for our volunteers to learn and utilize on event day. This allows us to focus on building connections with our guests/participants and sharing the impact that these events have on the zoo. Proceeds raised go towards supporting education, conservation initiatives and animal welfare.”
– Stacy Wallin, Development Coordinator
Bringing the Community Together with RunSignup
Miller Park Zoo’s annual Zoo Stampede 5K and 3K is more than a race – it’s a community fundraiser. Using RunSignup’s Website V2 builder, they built a mobile-friendly race site that feels polished and professional. They went beyond the basics by adding custom menu options across the top of the page, including dedicated sections for results, race courses, and sponsor recognition. This gives participants an easy way to find everything they need while highlighting the local businesses that support the event.
To power their fundraising efforts, the team activated RunSignup’s integrated donation system directly with the registration flow. Runners can add a donation while registering, or after, helping the zoo raise money for the new sloth exhibit in the rainforest building.
Volunteer management is also handled inside the same platform. By setting up volunteer tasks and collecting sign-ups online, the staff can coordinate race-day help and send targeted emails to different volunteer groups, ensuring everyone is in the right place when race morning arrives.
Communication with participants and volunteers is equally streamlined thanks to RunSignup’s free email platform. The zoo sends marketing emails to promote the event, volunteer recruitment messages, critical pre-race details, and even a post-race thank-you email to volunteers—all at no additional cost.
Marketing Email
Volunteer Recruitment Email
Volunteer Thank You Email
Important Race Info Email
Having registration, donations, volunteer management, and email in one system saves time and ensures consistent messaging.
Enhancing Ticketing Event with TicketSignup
For Brews at the Zoo, the zoo’s popular after-hours fundraiser, TicketSignup provides the flexibility needed for a ticketed experience. The team added a built-in store so guests can pre-purchase extra drink and food tickets during checkout, increasing revenue before anyone even walks through the gate. Just like with their race website, they also included a donation button on the ticket website, allowing attendees to add a contribution with a single click.
On event day, staff used the free TicketSignup CheckIn App to manage entry. Scanning tickets at the door sped up the process, minimized lines, and ensured a smooth experience for guests. Because all ticket sales, store items, and donations flow into a single dashboard, the zoo can track revenue in real time and generate detailed reports without juggling multiple systems.
By leveraging both platforms, Miller Park Zoo simplifies event management while boosting engagement and revenue. Race participants enjoy a polished registration and results experience, while ticketed event attendees benefit from one-stop purchasing and quick entry. The combined approach frees staff to focus on what matters most—creating memorable experiences and supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts
