Ring in 2026 at our Carnival-Themed New Year’s Eve Gala and Fundraiser

Welcome to Brothers of the Desert **New Year's Eve Legacy Gala and Fundraiser**! Get ready to ring in the New Year in style. Join us on Sunday, December 31, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the stunning Riviera Resort and Spa Ballroom at 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

Prepare for a night of celebration and giving back as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. Our Legacy Gala and Fundraiser is the perfect opportunity to come together with friends, family, and the community to make a positive impact while having a blast!

Indulge in a night filled with delicious food, captivating live entertainment, and an atmosphere that will leave you in awe. Dance the night away to the beats of DJ Space, or simply relax and enjoy the company of your family and friends in our elegant venue.

By attending this event, you'll not only have an unforgettable New Year's Eve, but you'll also be contributing to a worthy cause. The funds raised during the gala will be used to support Brothers of the Desert's Scholarship Fund and other educational programs, making a difference in our community.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate the New Year in style while making a positive impact. Grab your tickets now and join us for a night to remember at the **New Year's Eve Legacy Gala and Fundraiser** in Palm Springs, CA!

Tickets are $225 per person , $425 per couple, and $2,150 for a table of ten (10). Each ticket includes dinner with wine and a champagne toast at the stroke of midnight. There will be entertainment and dancing. Note: We are currently offering a 15% discount on all ticket types and tables through the end of November. Use promo code BOD2025. Final price includes fees.

Brothers of the Desert is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit membership organization with the mission of empowering Black gay men and our allies through advocacy, education, social connection, philanthropy, volunteerism, and mentorship.

Again, all proceeds will benefit Brothers of the Desert's community initiatives including our youth scholarships and free community wellness programming. If you are unable to attend, please consider donating to Brothers of the Desert as part of your end of the year tax charitable contributions.

Donate to Brothers of the Desert

This event is open to everyone who would like to support our organization. Please share this event with family, friends, and associates who you would like to invite and bring in 2026.

For more information about the programs and services we offer, please visit our website.

Brothers of the Desert Website

Gil Gerald is a naturalized U.S. citizen of Afro-Caribbean ancestry who was born in the Republic of Panama, Mr. Gerald began a journey in LGBTQ+ activism shortly after graduating from the Architecture School at Pratt Institute. During a storied career, his many achievements include: co-founding the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays; founding board member for both the Human Rights Campaign Fund and National Minority AIDS Council; and steering committee member for the 1987 National March on Washington for LGBT Rights, among many others. Mr. Gerald is a member of Brothers of the Desert and is currently writing his memoir.

Lauren Joichin Nile is an author, keynote speaker, organizational development trainer-consultant, and retired attorney, Ms. Nile has used her counseling skills to aid the disenfranchised through the Maryland Legal Aid Society, Women's Equity Action League, and National Treasury Employees Union in Washington, D.C. Ms. Nile also was deployed by the U.S. State Department to speak about cultural diversity abroad, conducted sexual harassment training at the White House during the Clinton administration. As Director of Training for the National Multicultural Institute, Cal State Northridge and Cal Poly Pomona, her emphasis was in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She has authored numerous articles, two books, and was recognized in 2019 with the Greater Palm Springs Pride Spirit of Stonewall Advocate of the Year Award.

Joe Hawkins is a community organizer based in Oakland, California, Mr. Hawkins has helped to create impactful services for the state and LGBTQ+ community over 40 years. His achievements include co-founding Oakland Pride and co-founding and serving as CEO at the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center. His work has brought numerous accolades including an appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and recently the Visionary Award from Horizons Foundation and an Oakland mayor's proclamation naming a day in his honor. Mr. Hawkins is a military veteran, husband, father and grandfather.

Grace Garner is a second-generation Palm Springs resident, Ms. Garner is serving her second term as a Palm Springs City Council member representing district one. Ms. Garner made history as the first Latina elected to the City Council. During her tenure on the council, she has championed increasing affordable housing, improving community facilities, creating more youth-focused programming, and addressing neighborhood needs. Ms. Garner is proud to serve the vibrant and diverse residents of Palm Springs.

DJ

DJ Space & Big Al are experienced DJs that have played at thousands of events. We have the leading mobile disc jockey service in the Los Angeles area! Choosing the right DJ is crucial to your event's success. A professional Disc Jockey can read the crowd, determine which songs to play and how to keep your guests motivated to make sure everyone has a great time! DJ Space will entertain guests yet at the same time create long lasting memories of your night! Everything else can be perfect, but if the music is not great, the party will fizzle.

DJ Space and Big Al specialize in planning the most extravagant, Wedding Receptions, Birthday Parties, High School Dances, Proms, Homecomings, Fashion Shows and Corporate Sponsored Events, which accentuate the best of your style and taste.

Hotel Information:

Take advantage of the special Brother's only discount if you book your stay at Riviera Resort and Spa Palm Springs using the link below or by calling 866-403-1929. The reservation cutoff date is December 22, or before if the block of rooms is sold out. All reservations require a credit card on file to hold the reservation.

Riviera Resort and Spa

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs, 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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