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George L. Mountainlion Bolo Tie

This beautiful solid silver bolo tie features the original Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum George L. Mountainlion logo. This one-of-a-kind design was handcrafted by docent Abe Lackow exclusively for the Museum. Of a limited edition of 100, less than 3 are left. This elegant accessory is a great way to show your support for the Museum, and is appropriately sized for a man, woman, or child.

Donated by: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: priceless

Night at the Museum: Sleepover at the Packrat Playhouse!

Enjoy your very own private sleepover at the Desert Museum in the Packrat Playhouse!! Bid to win this unique experience for a group of up to 10 kids (or adults!). The evening will include live animal visits, night walks, and fun activities in the playhouse. Dinner, snacks, and breakfast included.

Available dates and times are at the discretion of the Desert Museum. Expires 4/28/26. Please allow at least one month’s advance notice when making arrangements.

Donated by: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: $1,500

Wedding Vase

Take home this lovely black-on-black pottery wedding vase made by Maria Martinez from the San Ildefonso Pueblo. Maria Martinez is one of the best-known and most influential Native potters of the 1900’s. She became famous for her creative pottery and traveling to museums, World Fairs, and other events throughout her lifetime.

Maria learned to make pottery from her aunt Nicolasa Montoya. Around 1919-1920, Maria and her husband, Julian Martinez, created the “black-on-black” style of pottery. This unique process allowed matte designs to be painted on a stone-polished surface, and fired black. At the time, this unique and distinctive style of pottery quickly became a success, and by 1922, it was made by nearly every potter at San Ildefonso Pueblo. It helped to change the economy of Pueblo as pottery became a successful career.

Many of you may remember long-time Desert Museum docent Doris Manning. She became a docent at the Museum in 1987 and she embraced the mission of fostering love, appreciation and understanding of the Sonoran desert with enthusiasm and passion for over 30 years. At age 99, Doris received the highest honor available when she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Back in the 1930’s Doris’s uncle took a trip to Santa Fe, NM and bought this beautiful vase, which her family hopes will bring great support to the Museum in memory of Doris.

Donated by: Doris E. Manning Estate; Value: $2,000

Private Chef for a Night!

Experience a memorable evening of fine dining as a private 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 gourmet menu of four courses, paired with wines. Craft Culinary Concepts staff will take care of all the evening’s service details. You and your friends can simply enjoy!

Donated by: Craft Culinary Concepts and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: $1,750

Yucca Rostrata

This large, stately Yucca plant is coveted for its sculpturally symmetrical form and soft blue-grey coloration. After many years, this species of yucca will grow a trunk, giving it a palm-like appearance. Native to Texas, Chihuahua, and Coahuila, this is a hardy species adapted to the dry conditions of the high desert. The flexible leaves are not as pointy or sharp as other species of yucca, making this specimen an ideal plant for a back yard pool or patio area.

Donated by: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: $1,200

Name that Owl!

A new beginning for this raptor! If you are the winning bidder, you get to choose the Museum’s new rescue owl’s name. For its lifetime! This male great horned owl will be part of the Interpretive Animal Collection to provide Sonoran Desert education to thousands of visitors each year.

Think of all the possibilities! Name him after your child, spouse, grandchild or grandparent, a special friend, colleague, hero or mentor, a much-loved place, or some other kind of “favorite.”

The Museum will adopt the winning bidder’s submitted name, however, the Museum reserves the right to reject any name it may find to be inappropriate. Once approved by the Desert Museum, this owl’s name will be posted on social media for all to enjoy.

If you are the winning bidder, you must provide contact information (email address, physical address, telephone number) for ongoing communications as the submitted name is processed. The winning bidder may choose to remain publicly anonymous.

If the winning bidder chooses to submit the name of someone else (such as a friend or family member), the winning bidder must submit a written release from this other person giving permission to use their name.

Donated by: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: priceless

Special Giving Moment! Make a bid to support the Young Naturalists Certificate Program!

Bid to support the Desert Museum’s Young Naturalists education program! This unique educational opportunity invites 6th-8th graders to dive deep into the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, while developing valuable skills in science, art, and outdoor exploration. Students gain confidence and build connection with nature through hands-on activities like plant, animal, and mineral identification, nature conservation practices, and nature journaling. In addition to fostering a love for the environment, the program provides a pathway to future careers in science and conservation. By earning an official Young Naturalist Certificate, students not only enhance their knowledge of the desert, but also gain crucial life skills, including teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. We invite you to invest in the next generation of environmental stewards, empowering young minds to thrive, connect, and envision their role within our natural world!