Cabot's Pueblo Museum Celebrates 100 Years With 'Evening at the Pueblo'

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of Cabot's Pbueblo Museum: 

On June 1, Cabot's Pueblo Museum, a Desert Hot Springs non-profit and nationally registered historical place, hosted its annual "Evening at the Pueblo" event, which received triple the amount of donations from those in 2011.

The event sold over 300 tickets as well as received donations from the live auction including items such as dinner for 16 at philanthropist Donna MacMillian's home, an original oil painting by Reginald Pollack, original ceramic southwestern illuminated sculpture by Rich Lopez, a Peter Toth original carving from red cedar, a Dennis Hare figurative painting, an elegant dinner for 10 donated by Love at First Bite Catering and Event Planning & Bar One Beverage Catering, and two ride-alongs with the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

Cabot Yerxa's granddaughter, Lauren Segawa and a number of his great and great great grandchildren were in attendance to honor his legacy on the desert since 1913. Other prominent Coachella Valley guests included Desert Hot Springs Mayor, Yvonne Parks, Steven Biller, Editor-in-Chief of Palm Springs Life, Coachella Valley philanthropists Barbara and Jerry Keller, Dr. Bart and Terri Ketover, Helene Galen, Bill Nicholson, Donna MacMillan, JoAnn McGarth, Jim Houston, and several Coachella Valley council members.

"Evening at the Pueblo was a night to be remembered. We couldn't be happier with the attendance and endless support from the community," said John Mahoney, Vice President of Cabot's Pueblo Foundation. "We surpassed our fundraising goal, and anticipate a great 2013-2014 season."

The evening acknowledged world-renowned photographer, producer and philanthropist Michael Childers with Cabot Yerxa's Community Leadership Award, long-time Desert Hot Springs resident and philanthropist; John Furbee with the Portia Yerxa Philanthropy & Cultural Heritage Award and Cabot's Museum Foundation Historian, Judy Gigante was recognized with the Gordon Gribble Volunteer Award.

Cabot Yerxa was an incredible man often described as a visionary, artist, writer, builder, architect, adventurer, explorer, collector, idealist and entrepreneur. He was a human rights activist concerned about the legal, economic and cultural crisis for Native Americans. Yerxa was a highly degreed Mason. Masons believe in independent thinking and self-actualization. He was also the president and founder of the Theosophical Society in 1946-47 in Desert Hot Springs.

In 1913, Cabot Yerxa homesteaded 160 acres in what is now Desert Hot Springs. Pressed for water, he dug a well with pick and shovel, discovering the now famous hot mineral waters of Desert Hot Springs. Nearby, he dug a second well and discovered the pure cold water of the Mission Springs Aquifer. These two wells, hot and cold, give the area its name - Miracle Hill.

About Cabot's Pueblo Museum

Nestled in the scenic hills of Desert Hot Springs, a Hopi-inspired pueblo sits against a hillside. Not just any pueblo, but one built with repurposed materials that Cabot Yerxa collected throughout the desert. Cabot's pueblo spreads an impressive 5,000 square feet, divided into 35 rooms and adorned with 150 windows and 65 doors. During tours guest have the opportunity to get to know the man behind the pueblo: a bright and ambitious man, who followed his heart, traveled the world and accomplished countless things. Cabot's Pueblo Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cabot's Pueblo Museum is a non-profit organization located at 67616 E Desert View Avenue, Desert Hot Springs. To visit and tour, or for more information, please call 760.329.7610 or www.cabotsmuseum.org