ANIMAL SAMARITANS ANNOUNCES 17TH ANNUAL MEN OF THE DESERT FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON THEME AND MODELS
Record-Breaking Desert Tradition Returns December 6 with Dazzling New Theme "Disco Dogs," New Fashion Director Neil Cohen, and an All-Star Runway Lineup
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. October 13, 2026– Animal Samaritans invites animal and fashion lovers to the 17th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show & Luncheon, returning to the iconic Palm Springs Air Museum on Sunday, December 6, 2026. This year's event introduces an electrifying new theme, Disco Dogs, and welcomes acclaimed stylist Neil Cohen as the event's incoming Fashion Director. The event will be co-chaired once again by
Brandon Boswell, Steven Henke, and David Romnes.
Now in its 17th year, Men of the Desert has grown into one of the Coachella Valley's most celebrated philanthropic traditions, a sold-out afternoon of fashion, laughter, and generosity that in 2025 drew more than 500 guests and raised nearly $300,000 for Animal Samaritans' life-saving programs. Over the history of the event, funds raised have helped save the lives of more than 17,000 animals in the desert region.
Get Ready to Boogie: Introducing "Disco Dogs"
The 2026 edition arrives with a theme that is equal parts nostalgia, glamour, and pure fun: Disco Dogs. Styled entirely through local desert boutiques and curated through Neil Cohen's distinctly fresh point of view, this year's runway promises to be a high-energy showcase unlike anything the event has delivered before. Expect bold personalities, standout looks, and, as always, the kind of unapologetic joy that only the Coachella Valley can produce.
"Disco Dogs is about joy, pure, infectious, room-filling joy. We're going to bring a level of energy and creativity to this runway that reflects the spirit of this community. Every look is going to tell a story, and every story is going to be one worth celebrating."
— Neil Cohen, Fashion Director, Men of the Desert 2026
A Fresh Creative Vision: Neil Cohen Named Fashion Director
Animal Samaritans is proud to announce that Neil Cohen will serve as Fashion Director for Men of the Desert 2026. Cohen brings with him a career built at the intersection of high fashion and editorial storytelling, having worked alongside bold-face brands and leading style publications, as well as a genuine love for the desert community he calls home.
Cohen's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Men of the Desert, one that builds on a legacy carefully cultivated over many years. In a deliberate and meaningful choice, Cohen will spotlight independent, locally owned boutiques and desert retailers to provide the wardrobe for this year's runway, turning the spotlight toward the small businesses that make the Coachella Valley's fashion scene distinctive and alive.
Featured Fashion Partners
This year's runway will feature looks from some of the desert's most distinctive retailers and brands, including:
- J.McLaughlin
- Mr Turk
- Mojave Flea
- Market Market
- Faherty
- Peepa's
- Shops at 1345 featuring VKTRBLAK
- Shop Phylum
- Shop Super Simple
- Covet
- COMMA Concept Store by Dan Ward
- Revivals
- Fine Art of Design
- Mitchell's Palm Springs
- Arqive
Jewelry: Renae Madore
Eyewear: Caddis
Meet the Men of the Desert 2026
Men of the Desert is built on a simple and powerful premise: real men from the Coachella Valley community, not professional models, take the runway alongside their beloved canine companions to raise money for animals in need. The result is one of the most joyful and authentic events in the desert's social calendar.
This year's runway lineup features an exceptional group of Coachella Valley leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and community advocates:
Ted Gibson
Celebrity Hairstylist and Co-Founder, Ted Gibson Beauty Wellness Science
Ted is one of the beauty industry's most respected stylists, having worked with some of the world's most recognizable celebrities and served as resident hair expert on TLC's What Not to Wear. Today he combines beauty, wellness, and healthy aging through his innovative wellness-focused beauty company.
Kyle Stjerne
Chief of Police, Palm Springs Police Department
Chief Stjerne brings more than 24 years of law enforcement leadership and service to the Palm Springs community. A graduate of Harvard Kennedy School's Public Leadership Credential program, he is committed to innovation, community engagement, and public service, while also championing causes that strengthen the community he serves.
Bruce Titcomb
Retired Elementary School Principal and Volunteer Reading Mentor
A part-time Palm Desert resident and retired elementary school principal, Bruce has dedicated the past nine years to helping young students improve their reading skills through Read With Me. He spends his winters in the Coachella Valley and is passionate about education, community service, and giving back.
Dane Koch
Chief of Retail, Logistics and Volunteer Services, DAP Health
As a member of DAP Health's executive leadership team, Dane oversees retail operations, logistics, and volunteer services that generate critical support for the organization's mission. With more than 35 years of leadership experience, Dane is dedicated to creating opportunities for others and strengthening community connections.
Eric Reinitz
Founder, EMR Systems Communication
A third-generation printing professional, Eric founded EMR Systems Communication in 1985 and has spent decades advancing innovation within the electronic publishing industry. A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, he remains active in both trade and philanthropic organizations and splits his time between Palm Springs and Fire Island Pines.
George Wells
Retired Global Pet Nutrition Executive and Inventor
George spent much of his career developing and marketing specialty pet foods for animals with health challenges. A holder of numerous patents in feline and canine health, he brings a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of pets and their owners. Today, the Toronto native and Palm Springs resident shares his life with his beloved dogs.
Jeremy Wingerter
Senior Director of Major Gifts, Eisenhower Health Foundation
Jeremy works with generous donors to advance healthcare throughout the Coachella Valley. A full-time Palm Springs resident, he enjoys tennis, croquet, architecture, vintage cars, and spending time with Beatrice, his beloved rescue dog.
Joseph Ambrose
Retired Architect and Design Professional
A Palm Springs resident for nearly two decades, Joe previously led an interdisciplinary architecture, planning, interior design, and landscape architecture firm in Beverly Hills. He enjoys the desert lifestyle, fitness, community engagement, and sharing life with his three pets.
Raul Ramirez
Real Estate Entrepreneur and Community Volunteer
With more than 45 years in business, Raul built a successful career in real estate after helping pioneer global markets in the produce industry. Active in local charitable causes, he is also a familiar face in desert fashion and advertising campaigns and brings tremendous energy and personality to everything he does.
David Savin
Orthopedic Surgeon, Desert Orthopedic Center
Dr. Savin specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery and is dedicated to helping patients maintain active lifestyles. A husband and father of two, he is proud to support Animal Samaritans and its mission to improve the lives of animals throughout the community.
Tony Ogrodnick
General Manager, BIGHORN Golf Club
Tony has spent more than three decades with BIGHORN Golf Club, including roles as Director of Golf and General Manager. A longtime desert resident and devoted dog owner, he enjoys pickleball, fantasy football, investing, and spending time with Oakley, Bailey, and Roxy.
Sean Grider
Co-Founder and Co-Owner, My Desert Dogs
Sean and his husband Enrique founded My Desert Dogs to provide a safe, welcoming daycare, boarding, and grooming experience for local pets. A lifelong animal lover, Sean is committed to serving both dogs and their owners while helping strengthen the Coachella Valley's pet-loving community.
Tickets and Sponsorships
Tickets for Men of the Desert 2026 are now on sale. Given the event's history of selling out, early purchase is strongly encouraged. Sponsorship packages are available now at multiple levels.
For sponsorship details, please contact Jarred Ellis, Director of Development and Philanthropy, at 760-797-7439 or jellis@animalsamaritans.org. For more details on this exciting event, please email events@animalsamaritans.org or call 760-332-5027.
Tickets: animalsamaritans.org
About Animal Samaritans
Animal Samaritans believes in the healing power of animal-human connections and views all living creatures with compassion and respect, with a primary focus on dogs, cats, and the people who love them. Through spay/neuter services, adoption programs, and community outreach, Animal Samaritans works to ensure that every animal in the Coachella Valley has the chance to live in a loving home. To learn more or to donate, visit animalsamaritans.org.
About Men of the Desert
Men of the Desert is the premier annual charity fashion show and luncheon benefiting Animal Samaritans, held each year at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Now in its 17th year, the event features real men from the Coachella Valley community walking the runway alongside their canine companions in a celebration of style, community, and generosity. In 2025, the event set an all-time attendance record with more than 500 guests and raised nearly $300,000 in a single afternoon.
Men of the Desert 2026 Sponsors
Leader of the Pack
- The Carl Jud Foundation
- GED Magazine
- Eisenhower Health
- Brandon Boswell Diamonds
- Jan Salta
- Roberta Thompson
- Connoisseur Media
- The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation
- Mary Anne Mills
- Cruz Eberle Foundation
- Palm Springs Life
- NBC Palm Springs
Photos and additional media assets are available upon request.
###
