Big Saguaro Raffle Tickets Now Available

Only 300 Tickets will be Sold at $10 Each10' saguaro

Friends of the Scenic Drive is now selling tickets for their Big Saguaro Raffle.    The holder of the winning ticket  will win a 10' Saguaro delivered from Desert Aura Cactus Nursery to any location in Maricopa County - a $500 retail value . The Saguaro is estimated to weigh more than 1,000 pounds and to be more than 50 years of age. It is the larger of the two cacti pictured. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Only 300 raffle tickets will be sold. Tickets are $10 each. The winning ticket will be drawn at Cookout at the Ranch IV on Saturday, June 5th. You don't have to be at the Cookout to win. Proceeds benefit the Scenic Drive and desert preservation. To purchase a ticket contact Friends of the Scenic Drive. How to Contact Us

This raffle would not be possible without the generosity of

Desert Aura Cactus Nursery

19847 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024

Telephone: 602-569-1702

In addition to providing the Saguaro, Desert Aura will transport the cactus and place it in a hole dug the winner. The site must be in Maricopa County, Arizona and Desert Aura must be able to back their truck up to the planting site. Additional  services and transportation are not included in the prize. Raffle tickets are not tax deductible.

FRIENDS CLEANS UP!

Saturday, April 10th and Saturday, May 8th

Sponsored by Albertson's and Rawhide

On both days, more than 60 residents removed litter from both sides of the six mile Desert Foothills Scenic Drive (the northern part of Scottsdale Road) and Carefree Highway. On April 10th, the volunteers were joined by Scottsdale Mayor Sam Campana,  former City Councilman, Don Prior, and a busload of German visitors. After stopping to enjoy a walk in the desert and a brief look at our exhibit the tourists  continued on their way to the Grand Canyon. 

Volunteers reported to two locations for free coffee and donuts. They were also given litter bags, pick-up sticks and safety vests.  The two locations were:

  • North: Scenic Drive Entry Sign. Located on the west side of Scottsdale Road just south of Carefree Highway.
  • South: Scenic Drive Monument Sign. Located on the east side of Scottsdale Road just south of Jomax.

The successful effort was organized by Edie Shannon, Jo Ann Dean and Carol Myer.  Friends will be announcing next fall's schedule in the near future.