25th Anniversary Silver Palm Edition at the Iconic Dinah Shore Estate Celebrates Community, Visibility and 25 Years of LGBTQ+ Equality
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/26/26 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Palm Springs • Coachella26 – Valley is preparing for an extraordinary milestone as its 25th Anniversary Garden Party, Silver Palm Edition, has officially sold out three weeks ahead of the November 7 celebration during Palm Springs Pride Weekend. The highly anticipated gathering will take place Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the historic Dinah Shore Estate in Palm Springs, bringing together community leaders, philanthropists, advocates, allies and supporters for an afternoon celebrating 25 years of progress, connection and commitment to LGBTQ+ equality. Under the theme “Celebrating 25 Years of Community Stronger Together,” this year’s celebration recognizes the individuals and partnerships that have sustained the Garden Party for a quarter century.
While individual tickets and co-host packages are sold out, a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available.
Two influential figures whose careers have helped shape LGBTQ+ arts, philanthropy and visibility will be recognized during the anniversary celebration.
Acclaimed photographer and philanthropist Michael Childers will receive the HRC Community Impact Award, honoring his remarkable artistic legacy and decades of charitable contributions to the LGBTQ+ and Coachella Valley communities.
For more than five decades, Childers has photographed some of the entertainment industry’s most celebrated personalities, producing an internationally recognized body of work that captures the artistry, personalities and cultural moments of generations.
Beyond photography, Childers has generously donated his work to charitable organizations, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for important causes, including DAP Health, the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, the Palm Springs Art Museum and HRC.
Turner Classic Movies host, film expert and author Dave Karger will present Childers with the Community Impact Award.
Marc Malkin, Senior Culture & Events Editor at Variety, will receive the HRC Visibility Award, recognizing his contributions to LGBTQ+ journalism, entertainment reporting and representation.
Malkin began his journalism career at Boston’s LGBTQ newspaper Bay Windows and went on to work for prominent publications and entertainment outlets, including Premiere, the New York Daily News, Us Weekly, New York magazine and E! News.
In 2017, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists honored Malkin with its Lisa Ben Award for his commitment to bringing LGBTQ+ stories into the public conversation.
As a journalist myself, I appreciate how important visibility is, especially when it comes to sharing the stories and accomplishments of individuals whose voices deserve to be heard.
The Hollywood Times recently sat down via Zoom with Brian O’Connor, Chairperson and Executive Producer of the HRC Palm Springs Garden Party, to discuss the significance of this milestone anniversary, the selection of the Dinah Shore Estate and the tremendous community support behind the event.
WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN O’CONNOR:
During our conversation, O’Connor emphasized the importance of volunteer leadership, community partnerships and the continued work of the Human Rights Campaign.
The Garden Party has become much more than an annual social gathering. For 25 years, it has provided an opportunity for the Coachella Valley community to come together, celebrate accomplishments and raise funds supporting HRC’s mission.
O’Connor also explained that sponsorship contributions help cover event production expenses, allowing more of the funds raised through ticket sales and other contributions to support HRC’s work.
This year’s early sellout is another indication of the enthusiasm surrounding the Silver Palm Edition.
Award-winning broadcast journalist and KESQ Desert Chat host Sandie Newton will lead the anniversary program and awards presentation.
Newton has long been associated with the Coachella Valley’s nonprofit and community organizations. Before joining KESQ, she created and hosted NBCares for six years, highlighting local charities and organizations making a difference throughout the desert.
Her connection to the region’s philanthropic community makes her a fitting host for this special afternoon.
The iconic Dinah Shore Estate will provide an elegant Palm Springs setting for an afternoon of celebration, entertainment, philanthropy and friendship.
Guests will enjoy Eight4Nine Fine Catering & Events, the House Wine™ Tasting Experience, music by DJ Disco Boy, and the Garden Party’s signature silent auction.
The afternoon promises opportunities to reconnect with friends, meet community leaders and celebrate the individuals whose dedication has helped make the Garden Party a beloved Palm Springs tradition.
Having a home in Palm Springs myself, just down the street from the estate, I particularly appreciate the choice of this historic property for such an important anniversary.
One of the most exciting elements of this year’s celebration is the Garden Party’s signature silent auction, featuring an assortment of travel opportunities, dining experiences, art and unique items.
For the first time, HRC is offering early online bidding beginning Monday, November 2, allowing both guests and remote supporters to participate before the November 7 celebration.
Participants will be able to explore auction items, create wish lists, follow their favorites and establish maximum bids through the online bidding platform.
The technology will also allow bidders to receive notifications about the status of their bids.
Importantly, supporters do not need to attend the sold-out Garden Party to participate in the auction, providing another opportunity for the broader community to support HRC’s work toward equality and inclusion.
The success of the Garden Party reflects the generosity of individuals, couples, businesses and organizations throughout the Coachella Valley.
This year’s Royal Palm Partners include Bright Event Rentals, the Dinah Shore Estate and Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge.
Queen Palm Partners include Eisenhower Health, Alexandra Glickman and Gayle Whittamore, and the Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest.
Additional partners include Cathedral City Pride, the Transgender Health & Wellness Center, Burba Hayes, local philanthropists and community businesses.
The celebration also recognizes its media partners, including KGAY Palm Springs 103.1, Desert Guide Palm Springs, GEDMAG.com, The Palm Springs Post and The Hollywood Times.
We are delighted that The Hollywood Times is once again among the organizations helping support and promote this meaningful community event.
The Desert Business Association, the Desert’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, and numerous other local businesses and individuals are also contributing to the anniversary celebration.
The entire event is made possible through the dedication of HRC’s award-winning, all-volunteer planning committee.
Although the November 7 celebration has sold out of individual tickets and co-host packages, a limited number of sponsorships remain available.
Packages range from $1,500, including two event tickets, to $10,000, including eight tickets.
Interested businesses and supporters should contact:
Brian O’Connor
Chairperson & Executive Producer
Email: bochrc@gmail.com
Phone: 661-231-5060
For additional event information, visit HRC.org/PSGardenParty.
Planning to Attend? Here’s What to Know
Due to limited neighborhood street parking near the Dinah Shore Estate, organizers strongly encourage guests to carpool or use rideshare services.
Lyft is the preferred rideshare partner for the event.
Guests holding multiple tickets or attending through sponsorship packages are also encouraged to assign tickets to individual attendees before arriving to ensure a smoother check-in experience.
Additional event and arrival instructions will be provided to ticket holders.
For a quarter century, the HRC Palm Springs • Coachella Valley Garden Party has brought people together in support of a common purpose.
The Silver Palm Edition celebrates the generosity, dedication and advocacy that have made the event such an important part of the desert’s LGBTQ+ community.
I have supported the Human Rights Campaign for many years and, as a Federal Club Council member, this event holds special significance for me personally.
As we celebrate the achievements of Michael Childers and Marc Malkin, we are also reminded of the volunteers, donors and advocates whose efforts continue to strengthen the community.
On November 7, the Dinah Shore Estate will welcome a sold-out gathering of friends, supporters and allies for what promises to be a memorable celebration of 25 years of community.
And with the silent auction opening online November 2, the opportunity to support equality extends far beyond the estate gates.
Twenty-five years of community. Stronger together.
Event Information
Event InformationEvent: 25th HRC Palm Springs • Coachella Valley Garden Party — Silver Palm Edition
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Location: Dinah Shore Estate, Palm Springs, California
Honorees: Michael Childers and Marc Malkin
Host: Sandie Newton
Award Presenter: Dave Karger
Entertainment: DJ Disco Boy
Catering: Eight4Nine Fine Catering & Events
Silent Auction Opens: Monday, November 2, 2026
Ticket Status: Sold Out — Limited Sponsorships Available
Information: https://HRC.org/PSGardenParty
By Valerie Milano | The Hollywood Times
