Wild Fun at The Living Desert’s 30th Annual Zoobilee Gala

BY JAN HAWKINS, LEADERSHIP GIFTS & LEGACY GIVING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANI GARFIELD AND MARC GLASSMAN

On Saturday, March 4, 2023, a picture-perfect evening set the stage for a wildly good time at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens’ 30th annual Zoobilee Gala. With a sold-out crowd of nearly 400 guests, the evening raised close to $1.4 million to benefit The Living Desert’s exceptional animal care, unwavering commitment to local and global conservation programs, and dedication to providing engaging and impactful education programs for school children.

The Wild About You themed evening began with a cocktail reception in Living Legacy Garden complete with animal connections, performance artists, festive cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres. From there, guests moved into the beautifully decorated event pavilion designed by Momentous Productions to dine on a scrumptious three-course dinner by Carousel Catering. The evening concluded with a lively tribute performance from Supreme Reflections, where guests flocked to the dance floor.

Kevin and Wendy Cox, Dean and Sharon Baltzell, Stacy Schlinger, Ted Peterson, Dori and Andy Moshier.

Brooke Beare served as the event’s mistress of ceremonies, with auction host Brian Harnik and benefit auctioneer Dale Johannes.

As Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, welcomed the crowd, he expressed his gratitude for the support from those in the room: “Over the last five years, you’ve given over $50 million to The Living Desert, allowing us to invest back into The Living Desert and strengthen our foundation for the next fifty years. And that is why we are Wild About You, our supporters who have an enthusiasm for education and conservation and for leaving the planet better than we found it.”

Among the exclusive live auction items were one of three stunning diamond jewelry creations by El Paseo

Rita Stec and Lance Eldred.

Jewelers, wine cellar dinners for 20 at Toscana Country Club, and tickets to Reba McEntire at Acrisure Arena. The “Raise the Paw” fundraising appeal was led by a $100,000 pledge from long-time supporter Harold Matzner, followed by $100,000 gifts from Sharon and Dean Baltzell and Stacy Schlinger, along with $50,000 “Raise the Paw” gifts from Pat and Dave Lamb, and JoAnn McGrath and the Highland Street Foundation.

“We are truly wild about our donors and their continued support,” noted Jan Hawkins, Leadership Gifts and Legacy Giving at The Living Desert. “Our annual Zoobilee Gala is a special event to recognize and celebrate the incredible dedication and commitment of our community.”

JoAnn McGrath, Allen and Deirdre Monroe.

Seen in the crowd were Board members of The Living Desert including Chairman of the Board Bill Appel and wife Suzan, Deborah Chapman, Marylynn Gladstein and husband Andy, Candace Holzgrafe and husband Jon, Suz Hunt, Craig McCollam, Jaishri Mehta and husband Raju, Peter Scheer, Michael Schreter and wife Sally, Dick Shalhoub, Sally Simonds, Phil Smith and wife Becky, and Mary Lou Solomon and husband Dick, and Larry Spicer and wife Patty.

Zoobilee guests also included Karen Alton, Bob Archer and Chuck Hilliar, Chris and John Blair, Mary Lou Graziadio, Kathy and Bob Jaunich, Terri and Bart Ketover, Brooke Koehler, JoAnn McGrath, David McGrath, Leslie and Sean McGrath, Trudy and Pat Ritz, Jan Salta, Lori and Aubrey Serfling, Susan Stein, and Marcy Tonkin. Elected officials included 47th District Assembly member Greg Wallis, Palm Desert council member Jan Harnik, Indian Wells Mayor Donna Griffith, and Rancho Mirage Mayor Richard Kite.

Wayne and Rachelle Prim.

Chuck Hilliar, Suz Hunt, and Bob Archer.

Ellen Way, Connie and Bob Lurie, Jan Hawkins.

Mary Lou Graziadio.

Johnny Krupa and Steve Tobin.

Dick Shalhoub and Tracy Smith, Jaishri and Raju Mehta, Jan Harnik, and Allen Monroe.

Dallas Erwood and Marcy Tonkin.

Kathy and Bob Jaunich, Stephanie and Michael Landes.

Mary Jo and Al Means.

Pat and David Lamb.

Suzan and Bill Appel, Marcia and Max Messmer, Patty and Larry Spicer.