The Irwin Family of The Australia Zoo and “Crikey! It’s the Irwins” and Rainn Wilson of “The Office” will attend the High Desert Museum’s 32nd Annual High Desert Rendezvous on August 28.
The Rendezvous is one of the longest-running fundraisers in Central Oregon, featuring auction items, a raffle, and a free online show.
Terri, Robert and Bindi Irwin and Bindi’s husband, Chandler Powell will attend the event virtually.
Rainn Wilson will also show up virtually, as a frequent visitor of Central Oregon.
He is best known for playing Dwight Schrute on “The Office” and is now running the podcast “Metaphysical Milkshake”.
An online preview of all silent and live auction items can already be viewed at highdesertmuseum.org/hdr.
Raffle tickets can also be purchased through the link at $20 each, which can win a variety of fine wines selected by the High Desert Museum Board of Trustees.
The Platinum Winner will take home 30 bottles of wine valued at $1,500.
Silent auction items include a private performance by classical pianist Meagan Iverson, a Sunriver staycation, and handyman services from Neil Kelly.
Bidding on silent auction items opens Friday, August 20 and closes Monday, August 30.
The live auction will take place online Thursday, August 26 through the day of the event, and includes items like taking over the owner’s suite for a Portland Timbers soccer game, enjoying a private villa in Cortona, Italy, and a three-day trip to Napa Valley.
Guests can also expect to witness an obstacle race between a porcupine, turkey vulture, badger, and chickens.
“Rendezvous is essential in supporting our educational programs year-round,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D.
“We look forward to our community coming together in support of our mission–to wildly excite and responsibly teach through innovative, interdisciplinary experiences, creating lifelong learners throughout the region and beyond.”
Owner and CEO of the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC Merritt Paulson and Nike’s Vice President, Connected Marketplace Heather Paulson are the 2021 Rendezvous Honorees.
The couple has supported the High Desert Museum since 2016.
“We enjoy our visits to the High Desert Museum and make it a destination whenever we are in the Bend area,” Heather said. “The immersive, hands-on experiences and knowledgeable staff result in a really unique and inspirational museum.
“Our daughters love the opportunity to interact with the owls and watch the playful otters. The museum is a true Oregon treasure!”
Viewers can also host in-home Rendezvous parties and purchase a $150 party in a box, complete with appetizers and dessert for six, as well as a floral bouquet.
The High Desert Rendezvous, sponsored by First Interstate Bank, helps support the Museum’s educational programs, bringing science, cultural, art and history education to lifelong learners throughout the region.
Learn more about and register for the High Desert Rendezvous at highdesertmuseum.org/hdr.
