Supporter Spotlight: The Baltzell Family

Left to right: Jeff and Lori Hemighaus, Rick and Judy Rowe, Fred and Denise Speicher, Dean and Sharon Baltzell, Bob and Donna Ward (Photo by Lani Garfield)

Supporter Spotlight: Baltzell Family Support Builds Family Memories and Deepens Friendships

By Amy Crabb, Senior Manager of Development

Sharon and Dean Baltzell are avid supporters of The Living Desert. Many Zoobilee Gala attendees know the Baltzell table guests who dress on theme every year - all the way to their giraffe tails one year. “We missed the gala this year – it is one of those events our friends just keep talking about;” says Sharon. Dean made his first visit to The Living Desert with his grandmother when he was in his late 20’s and Sharon was introduced by a friend just a few years ago. “I was just amazed at all the botanicals, as well as the diversity of animals,” shares Sharon. “It was unlike any zoo that I had ever been to and it quickly became something we would do every time we came to the desert.”

The more often they came and the more involved they became the more the mission of education and conservation resonated with them.

Levi and Lacey

and we both knew we wanted to be a part of its sustainability and growth,” explains Sharon. “With every visit, we see all of the excited kids that are on tours and I think what a great education this is for our future generations to learn about conservation and the responsibilities we all share.” Recently their oldest grandson Levi visited, and they cherish the time spent in wonder and excitement. They look forward to introducing their other three grandbabies to The Living Desert when they are a bit older. Thank you to Dean and Sharon Baltzell and their friends who support The Living Desert. Their support is helping bring African black rhinos to the Coachella Valley and raising up an entirely new generation of Agents of Conservation! You too can support The Living Desert with a gift of any amount online at LivingDesert.org/donate or call (760) 340-4954.