Holiday Spirit Shines as 849 Restaurant & Lounge Hosts Annual Charity Wreath Auction in Palm Springs

The holiday season is officially underway in Palm Springs, where 849 Restaurant & Lounge hosted its annual holiday wreath auction on Tuesday evening. The event began at 5:30 p.m. and quickly drew a full house, with community members eager to bid on dozens of creative, hand-crafted wreaths—all while supporting two meaningful local causes.

This year’s auction benefits both the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, and attendees wasted no time showing their generosity. Reporter Thalia Hayden was on hand amid the excitement, sharing a look at the vibrant crowd and the artistry behind the 26 wreaths up for bid.

“Just check it out behind me,” Hayden said from inside the bustling lounge. “They’re about to start bidding on the wreaths. Here’s a beautiful one right here—just spectacular creativity.”

Each wreath carried its own unique theme, ranging from classic Christmas décor to whimsical designs like flamingos, roadmaps, and even animal-inspired pieces honoring one of the event’s beneficiaries. A Grinch-themed wreath also drew plenty of attention among spectators.

Although Mike Thompson was called to the stage before he could be interviewed, Barrett—filling in with little notice—shared appreciation for the overwhelming community support.

“The wreath auction is really just the start of the holiday season for us,” he said. “It’s amazing to see the turnout tonight, plus the creativity and artistry from the community members who donated dozens of wreaths. Themes range from traditional holidays to pop culture to animals, with some wreaths even including toys for the shelter pets.”

One well-known tradition made its return this year: the “849” rule. If an attendee simply must have a particular wreath, they can shout “849” to purchase it immediately for $849, bypassing the bidding process entirely.

“We’re very happy to be back at 849 Restaurant and Lounge for the wreath auction,” Barrett explained. “If someone doesn’t want to risk losing a wreath they love, yelling out ‘849’ guarantees it’s theirs.”

The festive evening blended creativity, community, and charity—resulting in a successful fundraiser that supports both local LGBTQ services and the animals who depend on the Palm Springs shelter.

As Hayden wrapped up her coverage, she noted the overwhelming positivity filling the event space: “Such a great event tonight raising money for a great cause.”