JAN HAWKINS STEPS INTO NEW ROLE AS DAVID CHALFANT JOINS AS DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
After a successful seven-year tenure as The Living Desert’s Director of Development, Jan Hawkins has transitioned into semi-retirement with a new role at the Zoo working to steward philanthropy through leadership and legacy giving. Since 2015, Jan has led the organization’s fundraising efforts, securing more than $50 million dollars through the Pride of the Desert Capital Campaign, estate and legacy gifts, and community support.
“As I embark into this next phase, I am delighted to continue helping our donors realize their most impactful contributions to a cause they care about deeply through Leadership and Legacy Giving,” shared Jan. “My time at The Living Desert has been nothing short of amazing, and it has been such an honor to work with so many passionate supporters of The Living Desert.”
After a nationwide executive search, David Chalfant has been hired as The Living Desert’s new Director of Development to lead the organization’s fundraising and development initiatives. He has extensive national and international fundraising experience, with expertise in strategic messaging, marketing, and fundraising growth. David hails from Washington D.C. and has been visiting the Coachella Valley since 1988. Returning to the valley to work in conservation is a “dream come true.”
WELCOMING DR. ANNA YOUNG AS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT
Anna Young, PhD, recently joined The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens as the Director of Education Engagement. In this role, she leads the zoo's education programming, adult and teen volunteer programs, and conservation education initiatives.
Prior to joining The Living Desert, Dr. Young was an Associate Professor and Director of the Zoo and Conservation Science Program at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona, and her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from New Mexico State University.
It was a Wild Time! Mamma Mia!
BY JAN HAWKINS, LEADERSHIP GIFTS & LEGACY GIVING AND LEXI WARD, ANNUAL GIVING OFFICER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
LANI GARFIELD AND MARC GLASSMAN
Ｂlustery conditions couldn’t keep a sold-out crowd of 350 guests from celebrating “Wild Times” at the Zoobilee Gala in support of animal care and conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Adorned in bright colors and animal prints, guests paid $1,000 per person to help raise more than $1.4 million to protect desert wildlife.
The festivities began with a cocktail reception in Living Legacy Garden complete with live animal encounters, unique “wild” caricatures on stilts, and the signature drink—the watermelon Rhinotini. Guests soon transitioned into the colorfully decorated pavilion— created by Frank Goldstin’s Momentous Events production company—for a three-course dinner by Carousel Catering. A meaningful program was hosted by The Living Desert President and CEO Allen Monroe, highlighted with honoring Board Member Larry Spicer for nearly 40 years of dedication and commitment to The Living Desert.
Big-hearted guests “raised their paws” to offer donations, followed by the exciting Live Auction. Board member Jim Gould and his wife Susan were the successful bidders to name the 10-day old female giraffe calf, choosing the name Cole, in honor of their late son. They will also be treated to a VIP behind-thescenes experience of the Giraffe Barn and Savanna.
Board member Jaishri Mehta and husband Raju generously provided a $30,000 opportunity to choose a diamond bauble from their store, El Paseo Jewelers, to be
enjoyed by winners Sharon and Dean Baltzell at a private party with 10 of their special guests. Other exclusive live auction items included “Lunch with Nia the Rhino,” including being the first guests to give our female rhino a scratch behind the ears; an “Evening Safari” with Allen Monroe with a behind-the-scenes expedition through the Zoo including private feedings with Australian budgies, emus, and wallabies, as well as a special meet and greet with the rhinos and giraffe; and a private dinner for 16 people in the wine cellar at Toscana Country Club. After the auction, all the dancing queens were out of their seats for the rest of the evening with the well-loved songs played by ABBAFAB, an ABBA tribute band.
A special thank you to the 2022 Wild Times Zoobilee Gala Co-Chairs Dennis Flaig-Moore and Nancy Stegehuis and their Gala Committee, including Suzan Appel, Sharon Baltzell, Jon-Marc Blalock, Deborah Chapman, Marylynn Gladstein, Jaishri Mehta, Davis Meyer, Jneil Nelson, Mary Lou Solomon, Susan Stein, Sandy Woodson, and Frank Goldstin of Momentous Events.
Additional gratitude goes to our generous sponsors including Diamond Sponsor JoAnn McGrath and the Highland Street Foundation; Platinum Sponsors: Argyros Family Foundation, Sharon and Dean Baltzell, Susan and Jim Gould, Sally and Michael Schreter, and the Gordon W. and Ursula I. Johnson Trust; and Gold Sponsors: City of Rancho Mirage, Connie and Bob Lurie, Shirley A Smith, Steven Tobin, Johnny Krupa and the Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation, and Rita Stec and Lance Eldred.
Linda Rider, Marge Barry, Bob Archer, and Chuck Hilliar
Bill Appel, Larry Spicer, and Allen Monroe Walter and Geri Clark
Andy and Marylynn Gladstein
Susie and Wayne Harvey
Stacy Schlinger, Sharon Baltzell, Wendy Cox, Lori Hemighaus, and Donna Ward
Ted and Jenny Weill
Suzan and Bill Appel
Brooke and Dan Koehler
Steve and Anne Furgal and Allen Monroe
Dick Shalhoub and Tracy Smith
Nancy Stegehuis and Dennis Flaig-Moore
Jim and Cynthia Williams
Sharon and Dean Baltzell
Larry and Patty Spicer
EVENTS CALENDAR SUMMER/FALL 2022
PRIVATE SAFARI TOURS
Sit back and enjoy your guided, 2-hour private safari tour. Explore the zoo’s main pathways and features, while also getting an in-depth look at the flora and fauna that make the deserts of the world so special. Tours are offered daily for small or large groups. Advanced reservations are required, and fees apply. Learn more at LivingDesert.org/Tours. Book your tour by calling (760) 346-5694.
GIRAFFE FEEDING
Come face-to-face with the world’s tallest animal and make memories to last a lifetime. Through September 30, offered daily from 8:00am-12:00pm.
Members: $6 / Non-members: $8 Beginning October 1, offered daily from 9:00am-3:00pm.
Members: $6/ Non-members $8
NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION - AUGUST 17
Learn more about how you can support The Living Desert through volunteering. A variety of positions and shifts are available. Advanced registration is required: Volunteer@LivingDesert.org.
SEASON HOURS RETURN – OCTOBER 1
The Living Desert returns to regular seasonal hours, open from 8:00am-5:00pm daily, with last admission at 4:00pm. The hiking trails and carousel also resume regularly scheduled operation.
HOWL-O-WEEN – OCTOBER 29-30
The Living Desert’s Howl-O-Ween returns with new features, programs, and fun. Stay tuned for more information.
WILDLIGHTS
SELECT NIGHTS, NOVEMBER 23- DECEMBER 30
The Living Desert’s beloved holiday tradition returns for its 30th Anniversary. Tickets will go on sale mid-September; stay tuned for more details and information.
Giraffe Feeding
WildLights
Desert Adaptations
All of these animals have adapted to live in a harsh desert climate. Can you match the animal to its adaptation?
Addax
fennec fox
camel
We want to thank all of our new and renewing members who have supported us this past season. Year after year, your membership provides The Living Desert with a reliable and renewable source of support. You help give our animals and gardens the best possible care and help support our mission of desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.
Observing some of the world’s endangered desert plants and animals in a natural setting is truly a unique experience. In the coming season, we hope you can enjoy the many valuable member benefits that come with being a member of The Living Desert.
Not a member yet? Join today! JOIN OUR PACK!
African painted dog
