Community Corner
Living Desert Event Raises $400,000
Dodgers legend Steve Garvey and former Alaska Senator Frank Murkowski and his wife Nancy were among the 400 attendees.
's largest annual fundraising gala brought in more than $400,000 this past weekend.
Zobilee!, which drew baseball legend Steve Garvey and former Alaska Senator Frank Murkowski and his wife Nancy, was held Sunday, March 4 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel in Indian Wells. Councilwoman Jan Harnik and her husband Brian also were in attendance.
The event featured special animals who presented an entertaining turn on natural fashion-forward trends, according to Stacey Johnson, The President/CEO of The Living Desert.
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"This could not have been more enjoyable for all of us. The happiness that people exude when they come together over the common love of our animals and botanical gardens is invigorating. I am so grateful to everyone - and every animal - who came out to support us in raising money for our mission of conservation and preservation of wildlife and gardens," Johnson said.
Following the "Wildlife Fashion Show", a live and lively auction took place, raising tens-of-thousand on bids for upscale trips, art and one-of-a-kind life experiences.
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The Living Desert board member Nancy Burke and longtime Living Desert donor, Elaine Jerome were the highest bidders for the private catered dinner for 12 in the District Commissioner's House at the Village Wa Tu Tu inside The Living Desert.
Board member Kay Lawrence won a luxury Seabourn Mediterranean Cruise and board member Susan Cooper outbid other collectors for a rare Dale Chihuly glass sculpture.
Kirk Lanterman led the way as the highest "Raise the Paddle" bidder.
Other major contributors included BJ and Van Skilling, Joanne and Mark Nickerson, Mary Cone, Patti and John Grundhofer, and event chairs, Mary Beth Mashburn and Janet Lanterman.
All proceeds from Zoobilee! will benefit The Living Desert's animals, many of whom are endangered or can't live on their own in the wild. In addition, the event supports the protection of over 1,200 acres of desert wilderness.
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