Desert Botanical Garden Welcomes 625 Guests to 30th Annual Dinner on the Desert
Because of a stormy afternoon, the 625 guests at the 30th Annual Dinner on the Desert anticipated dodging raindrops April 30 for Desert Botanical Garden’s major fundraiser – and the Garden was prepared with umbrellas – but the afternoon rain gave way to a dry evening for a magical desert experience.
Living Art Body Paint Dancer
Co-chaired by Mary Heiss and Harold Dorenbecher, the contemporary, British-imbued theme “Your Evening Among the Stars” celebrated Desert Botanical Garden as a living canvas highlighting unique plant specimens illuminated by the modern Bruce Munro: Sonoran Light and 30 years of Dinner on the Desert leadership.
On arrival at Ottosen Entry Garden, guests were greeted with a Blood Orange Bourbon Smash cocktail and music by pianist Louis Landon. They then strolled through the Desert Terrace Garden and Jan and Tom Lewis Desert Portal on their way to the silent auction in Dorrance Hall and the chance to bid on an array of distinctive plants, pots and garden art, plus unusual and exciting experiences.
Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events provided artistic cuisine throughout the evening, with passed hors d’oeuvres along the trail and in the auction area, and an elaborate plated dinner at tables spread throughout the Stardust Foundation Plaza and Boppart Patio. After dinner, guests enjoyed truffles and cheese stations, and danced with Beatles cover band The Rave. Additional entertainment was provided by living Art Body Paint Dancer at the Ottosen Entry Garden, and The Sahnas Brothers Band and Wandering Light Muses during dinner.
Dinner on the Desert netted $450,000. Proceeds support the Garden’s research, conservation, exhibition and environmental education programs.
HAUTE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Nicole and Curt Hansen, Lesley Bennett, Teresa and Casey Strunk, Jeb Bennett, Julie Schneider, Jennifer Adler, Parley Stock and Brian Blanke
Shelley Duane and Bob Bulla; Ann Siner and Tom Beck
Jim and Christine Morell, and Adrienne and Paul Morell
Dana and Bruce Macdonough; Terry and Steve Roman
Marion Donaldson and Cyndi Coon; Steve and Robin Woodworth
Eileen and Rob Rominger, Vicki and Kent Logan, Jeanne and Jim Gustafson, Alan and Judy Kosloff
Bitsy and George Susich; Eileen and Rob Rominger
Karen Holcher and John Lewis; Tom and Jan Lewis
Rebecca and David Jackson; John Wright and Tina Marie Tentori
Michele and Steve Ramirez; Kory Leadon and Abby Traister
Nita and Phil Francis; Rose and Harry Papp
Becky Burnham and Bob James; Andrew and Wan Kim
Bill and Char Hubble; Nan and C.A. Howlett
Kathy and Warner Gabel; Mark and Sue Landy
Barbara and Leesa Weisz
Rebecca Ailes-Fine and Peter Fine; Jeff Abernethy and Tracy Bame
Ardie Evans and Carole Kraemer
John and Oonagh Boppart
Rich and Maryglenn Boals
Jennifer Sands, Bobby Evani, Charles Sands and Carolyn Evani
