Desert Botanical Garden Hosts “Dinner on the Desert “

On April 24, a record-breaking 550 guests arrived at the annual fundraiser, Dinner on the Desert hosted by the Desert Botanical Garden. The theme for this year’s festivities was, Spirit of the Garden, the event celebrated Native American bronze sculptor Allen Houser as well as the Garden’s objective of breathing new life into the many wonders of the desert.

Those in attendance indulged in sunset cocktails and a silent auction featuring over 250 items such as specimen plants, containers, garden art, benches, fountains, and various travel packages. The traveling packages catered to outdoor enthusiasts, as they included a 7-Day Polar Bear Expedition and a 10-Day Amazon Voyage.

After the exciting auction those in attendance enjoyed the theme inspired dinner consisting of Tenderloin of Beef filled with Anaheim Chilies and Leeks, Summer Squash, Roasted Tomato and Asparagus, and Sweet Potato Spears. Dessert featured Pumpkin Spiced White Chocolate Torte with Pulled Pumpkin Brittle, Roasted Pumpkin Flan topped with Crème Caramel, and Local Date and Toffee Pudding Cake with Sautéed Butternut Squash and Apples.

Attendees capped the night off dancing underneath the stars on the Boppart Courtyard as Big Nick and the Gila Monsters thrilled with their rhythmic sounds. Proceeds from the event benefited the Garden’s mission of furthering society’s education, research, and conservation of desert plants.

Photography by Phoenix Photographer Darrylee Cohen