Desert Botanical Garden’s 35th Annual Dinner on the Desert Raises More Than $350,000
On Saturday, April 24 a group of philanthropists, community leaders and Garden friends gathered safely for the 35th Annual Dinner on the Desert–the Garden’s major annual fundraiser. This evening was even more special as last year’s event was canceled due to COVID-19 and the Garden’s temporary closure. The Garden exceeded its goal of $350,000 in contributions to support all areas of the Garden and offered guests several options to participate based on personal comfort levels, including its first-ever virtual auction.
There was electricity in the air at Dinner on the Desert because for many of our guests this was the first time in a year that they had been in the company of close friends and associates. The weather was perfect, dinner was delicious, and the sense of relief at life returning to normal was palpable
Ken Schutz
The Dr. William Huizingh Executive Director
Guests who selected the reduced-capacity on-site experience, guests were treated with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while socializing amongst the floral and plant installation, Earth, by world-renowned floral designers, Natasha Lisitsa and Daniel Schultz of Waterlily Pond Studio. Afterward, guests enjoyed an exquisite al fresco dinner that reflected the flavors of spring, catered by Fabulous Food Fine Catering & Events, in the Garden’s magical outdoor setting. Attendees strolling the trails also enjoyed performances by He Said She Said, Louis Landon, Moxie, Musicians of The Phoenix Symphony and violinist Scott Jeffers of Traveler.
A group of Garden friends chose to dine at home. The home delivery or Garden pick-up option was a beautifully crafted and packaged four-course dinner “to go” that included two perfectly paired bottles of wine, a floral bouquet and a parting gift.
Funds raised from the event will directly benefit the Garden’s work to protect cactus, one of the most threatened groups of living organisms. The Garden is committed to advancing excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the world with emphasis on the Sonoran Desert.
