Last September, The Rotary Club of Idyllwild and AstroCamp hosted their inaugural fundraiser, "Dinner Under the Stars," a four-course feast served outdoors beneath Idyllwild's vast, dark skies.
This year, the two nonprofits are back with another event, only this one's a killer.
Taking place Sept. 12, the Idyllwild Rotary and AstroCamp will present Dinner & Murder Under the Stars, an immersive event that begins with an optional zipline adventure, includes a live murder mystery and ends with a guided telescope viewing.
AstroCamp's atmospheric 115-year-old dining hall — the oldest building in Idyllwild — will be the setting for the four-course Italian meal and the mystery. The Jest Murder Company of Los Angeles will transform the historic venue into
a live-action game of "Clue," complete with suspicious characters, hidden motives and a mystery waiting to be solved. During the opening cocktail reception, guests may volunteer to step into character and become part of the performance or sit back and watch the events unfold.
"We wanted to create a fundraiser that was something really different than what we've done in the past and what is done in Idyllwild," said Brian Straka, AstroCamp's site director and one of the event's organizers, via press release. "This is going to be a completely unique experience from the moment guests arrive."
Last year's event raised more than $10,000 for AstroCamp scholarships and the Idyllwild Rotary Charitable Fund. Proceeds from this year will help provide scholarships to attend AstroCamp so kids can experience hands-on science, outdoor adventure and the wonder of the night sky.
"AstroCamp wanted to start getting involved in the community more, and The Rotary Club was a perfect partner to help," Straka told The Desert Sun. "Hosting an event with them and helping them raise money for their charitable fund, which also supports other nonprofits in the area, is a win-win. It's great to see so many of their members attend the event or volunteer to help out. They've been wonderful partners."
Auction items include weekend getaway packages to Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs, including lodging, dining and activities.
"Last year showed us how enthusiastically the community will come together when great food, a memorable experience and an important cause share the same table," Straka said. "This year, we are raising the stakes — and adding a murder."
Dinner & Murder Under the Stars will take place Sept. 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. and is open to guests age 12 and older. Tickets are $125 per person and include the cocktail reception, interactive murder-mystery performance, dinner and telescope viewing. Participation in the mystery is optional, and no acting experience is necessary. For more information or to purchase, visit idyllwildrotary.com/dinner-under-the-stars.
AstroCamp is located at 26-800 Saunders Meadow Road in Idyllwild.
About AstroCamp
Located in the mountain community of Idyllwild, AstroCamp provides immersive science education and outdoor adventure programs designed to inspire curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Its hands-on programs introduce young people to astronomy, physics, space exploration and the natural world. Learn more at astrocamp.org.
About The Rotary Club of Idyllwild
The Rotary Club of Idyllwild brings community members together through service, charitable giving and projects that strengthen Idyllwild and expand opportunities for young people and families. Learn more at idyllwildrotary.com.
As philanthropy editor at The Desert Sun, Winston Gieseke writes about nonprofits, fundraising and locals who give back. Reach him at winston.gieseke@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: AstroCamp, Idyllwild Rotary to host dinner and murder fundraiser
