Holiday Wreath Auction at 849 Restaurant Raises Funds for LGBTQ Center and Animal Shelter

A beloved holiday tradition took center stage Tuesday evening as 849 Restaurant and Lounge in Palm Springs hosted its annual holiday wreath auction, drawing a festive crowd and raising money for two vital community organizations.

The event, which began at 5:30 p.m., benefits both the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Guests filled the restaurant’s outdoor patio, eager to bid on one-of-a-kind wreaths created by talented local artists and supporters. This year’s display features 26 handcrafted wreaths, each serving as both a piece of art and a symbol of community spirit during the holiday season.

Co-Owner Willie Rhine shared the history of the event, noting that this auction has been a hallmark in Palm Springs for more than three decades. It originally began at the iconic Streetbar on Arenas Road before growing too large and eventually finding its home at Eight4Nine Restaurant about eight years ago. Now, Rhine says, "...it’s bigger than ever."

“We have over 225 people on the patio waiting to bid on these wreaths,” he said. “I get to be the auctioneer, and hopefully we’ll make lots of money for some amazing charities.”

The evening is filled with energy and holiday enthusiasm as bidders compete for their favorite creations, knowing their dollars are helping provide essential services for local residents and animals in need.

NBC Palm Springs reporter Thalia Hayden joined the excitement live from the event, highlighting crowd favorites and the remarkable craftsmanship behind the wreaths. She’ll have more updates during the 6 p.m. broadcast as the bidding continues and the total funds raised come into focus.

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