Separately, this year’s Gala Live Auction will be open for bidding only during the Gala event. Live Auction items are not available for online bidding, but to arrange for a proxy bidder to bid at the Gala for you, please contact us at [email protected] and set your max bid to win one of these incredible offerings, while supporting the Desert Museum!

George L. MountainLion Bolo Tie

This beautiful solid silver bolo tie features the original Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum George L. Mountain Lion logo. This one-of-a-kind design was handcrafted by former docent Abe Lackow exclusively for the Museum. Of a limited edition of 100, only a few are left, and are now a tribute to Abe’s legacy as well. This elegant accessory is a great way to show your support for the Museum, and is appropriately sized for any adult or child.

Special Thanks to: the Lackow Family and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Value: Priceless!

Pahponee Buffalo Pot

This distinctive buffalo pottery vessel is Primitive Fired Pottery – flame and smoke marked but no glazes. Pahponee is a Kickapoo & Potawatomi Nations Clay & Bronze artist, working with clay since the early 1980’s. She is a descendent of the Kickapoo and Potawatomi Nations and her name, “Pahponee” translates to Snow Woman. Her inspirations come from her introduction to White Buffalo and interactions with her elders.

Special Thanks to: Katherine and Gary Swartout
Value: $1500

Private Dinner and Chef for a Night at the Museum

Experience a memorable evening as a specially curated gourmet dinner for ten is prepared at the Desert Museum by the Executive Chef and team of Craft Culinary Concepts. We will collaborate with you to create a memorable menu of four courses paired with wines. Craft Culinary Concepts staff will take care of all the evening’s service details. To be scheduled at a mutually convenient time for donors and Craft Culinary Concepts.

Special Thanks to: Craft Culinary Concepts
Value: $1750

Rock Fig

The Ficus petiolaris, commonly known as a Rock Fig, is a curious specimen with roots that readily curl around objects placed beneath them. In nature, the rock fig can be found all over the state of Sonora in Mexico growing on the faces of rock cliffs, reaching out for any available water. This architectural wonder is drought tolerant and can be grown in partial shade. If given enough natural light and exposure to pollination, the plant might flower and set fruit. The container in this case is a beautiful affair from the artist and designer Larry Kornegay. Complimentary delivery within a 50 mile radius of the Desert Museum

Donor: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Botany Department
Value: $1,600

Grand Canyon Trekking Adventure

Have a once-in-a lifetime adventure, and get your trekking poles out! This guided hiking trip offered by The Wildland Trekking Company in Flagstaff, AZ will be so memorable. Wildland Trekking is one of America’s premier guiding outfitters whose mission is “to be a global leader in the adventure travel industry by providing exceptional hiking adventures, in a responsibly sustainable way, which promotes the conservation of both natural and human communities.” The Wildland Trekking Company serves over 10,000 guests annually with year round multi-day backpacking, lodge-based hiking, base camp, and porter/llama/mule assist treks. This trip, of your choosing, includes any Wildland Trekking Tour for 2 people, with a five day maximum.

Special Thanks to: The Wildland Trekking Company
Value: $4900

One week stay in Maui!

One week vacation in Maui, Hawaii, at The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas North! Enjoy seven nights in a 1 Bedroom Villa - 1 King, 1 Sofa bed, Island View, and Balcony — reserved for the week of October 14-21, 2023. Situated on 26 acres along a pristine expanse of North Ka’anapali Beach, the resort offers superb amenities in a lush garden-style setting. Here you can take in the island beauty while enjoying plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Set dates for Check in at 4:00 p.m. October 14, check out at 10:00 a.m. October 21. Guest is responsible for transportation and all incidentals. Winner will be connected with Villa owner and provided with booking confirmation number.

Special Thanks to: Pat Engels and Dick Medland
Value: $ 6500