The Garden's Signature Fundraising Event, Dinner on the Desert, Nets over $500,000 to Support its Mission | Desert Botanical Garden

OPEN DAILY 8 A.M.|7 A.M. FOR MEMBERS WED. & SUN.

On April 26 under a starlit sky, guests celebrated nature, conservation and the beauty of the Garden for its major annual fundraiser, Dinner on the Desert. The desert night sky and dramatic plant palette provided the perfect outdoor setting for a dinner that reflected the ambiance of spring. The evening also delivered an entertaining and engaging experience for guests.

Event chair Adriana Murrietta said, “As chair of this year’s Dinner on the Desert, it was an honor to carry forward a beloved Garden tradition that Ken helped shape with such vision and heart,” said Adriana. “Surrounded by the elegance of orchids and the beauty of the desert in bloom, the evening was a tribute to both our roots and our continued growth.”

DOD Ursula, Edgardo and Ken

 Event Chair Adriana Murrietta and The Dr. William Huizingh Executive Director Ken Schutz

Photo by Polymath Photgraphy

The event was full of excitement and beauty including a silent auction that raised $150,000. From expertly crafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to captivating entertainment throughout the Garden trails and the stunning beauty of rare orchids, it was a memorable evening that raised over $500,000 in net proceeds to support the Garden’s mission-driven work.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to this year’s Dinner on the Desert Chair, Adriana Murrietta, for her leadership in shaping the vision for the 2025 Dinner on the Desert. Her creativity and fresh ideas helped make the evening truly special, as we also celebrated Ken Schutz’s final Dinner on the Desert as Executive Director.
Save the Date – Saturday, April 25, 2026
We would love to welcome you and new friends to our 40th Dinner on the Desert. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for Dinner on the Desert 2026, please email Assistant Director of Development, Annual Giving Lindsi Baldwin at [email protected].

Experience the beauty of Dinner on the Desert and download event photos here.

ADVANCE TICKET RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR MEMBERS AND GENERAL PUBLIC
The Garden is closed June 30 - July 6 for construction. Access to the Garden will be restricted, including bus routes. We will reopen July 7 at 7 a.m.