Palm Springs
Unwavering Commitment to Excellence

Corporate Social Responsibility Team Building Suggestions

"HANDLE WITH CARE" PACKAGES

Here’s a wonderful care package that comes from the heart. Non-perishable food items, clothing, sports equipment, toys, family games and more are all possibilities in this personalized care package.

HANDLE WITH CARE PACKAGES

Teams find clues, answer trivia and barter for information as they win all the ingredients to make up this incredible gift. Personalized cards, paintings and Polaroid photos are all part of this package -- just wait till we bring in some of the recipients to surprise our participants! Local homeless shelters, military families, children’s group homes, and children with disabilities are just a few of the local charities that we have worked with!

"BUILD A BIKE"

BUILD A BIKE

How about the most feel good program ever! Groups are given a bicycle that is new, but not assembled. They must put it together, name their team and come up with a team theme song. Teams will barter for parts, come up with creative ways to win parts and sell their completed bicycle to the judges. The event is not over yet. See the faces on your team as a bus of children arrives from a local boys and girls club and it’s revealed that these bikes will be donated to those very same children. This feel good program is exciting and rewarding for everyone involved.

"PAINT A PICASSO"

Time to exercise the left brain, time to get those creative juices flowing. With a large blank canvas, teams are commissioned to paint a masterpiece that will be donated to a children’s hospital or shelter. Each team would paint a picture given various positive messages, i.e. “Sunshine,” “Hope,” “Smile”…etc. to incorporate into the piece.

PAINT A PICASSO

Equipped with smocks, brushes, paints, rubber gloves, canvas and ideas, participants collaborate, design and create their version of fine artistic expression - Maximum participation is created while several team members name their creation and present its features and benefits to the recipient organization’s representative who will join us for “closing ceremonies.”

"CLEAN AND GREEN"

CLEAN AND GREEN

Time to get on the GREEN bus before it leaves you behind! This incredible community involvement program can take place at a local park, school or entire neighborhood! Teams are given the details of their project along with rakes, shovels, bags and all tools necessary for success! Plant trees, build community awareness, and restore beauty to an older school or children’s home! Your guests will be matched up with the appropriate project that fits your group size and timing.

"BUILD A DOG HOUSE"

Imagine teams tirelessly working together to build a small doghouse. There are decisions to be made regarding structural integrity, roof angles, “welcome” sign, siding, paint color and more! These beautiful houses come into creation only through team collaboration and hard work. Teammates support each other as their creation takes shape and the final pieces come together. Now with a team name and a welcome slogan to hang above the doorway, we are nearing completion.

BUILD A DOG HOUSE

However, we realize that we are not quite done. A local ASPCA charity arrives and our teams are in for a big surprise! Participants have created an amazing heartfelt moment as they donate these Dog Houses to some of the area’s neediest “best friends!” The wagging tails and sweet kisses are plentiful as our new “homeowners” visit with each team and presented with their new “digs.”

"BRUSH WITH KINDNESS"

Are you ready for a truly incredible adventure? Help a family in need to repair their home. Armed with hammers, paint brushes, shovels and teamwork the transformation begins. Building picnic tables, planting gardens, painting inside and out. What an incredible day with your team, taking on projects, planning, and executing what needs to get done. The smiles are truly a mile wide when you step back at the end of the day and take it all in. Now it is time to celebrate with your team and the recipients of your incredible work, a job well done. Other projects might include a home for children with disabilities, or a local soup kitchen/shelter.

Note: Projects can be designed from half-day to multi-day events. Pricing and projects are planned and coordinated according to the number of attendees and budget parameters. Please inquire for specific pricing.

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Happy Holidays from BRIER & DUNN



As part of BRIER & DUNN's sustainability initiatives, we're sending you this year's Holiday Greeting electronically.

We would like to take this time to extend our appreciation to all our clients. Often we become so preoccupied with our everyday routine that we forget about others not as fortunate as ourselves. For this reason, we have made a donation on your company's behalf to Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization.

We hope this contribution will enhance the lives of fellow Americans in need during the holiday season.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Your Friends at BRIER & DUNN
San Francisco & Palm Springs

THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO: WE'RE WALKING (San Francisco)

In everyone's favorite city, walking activities are an excellent way to save money
while still enjoying all the pleasures that San Francisco has to offer.



Our acclaimed teambuilding activity GARTH (Great American Rolling Treasure Hunt) is now available in a "city walk" format. Share high-spirited fun and camaraderie with your team associates as you uncover surprisingly educational and entertaining secrets of the city.

Additional walking tours include Epicurean Delights of San Francisco, SOMA, Chinatown, and North Beach - all offering value opportunities. Come explore these exciting and diverse neighborhoods.

EL PASEO ART WALK (Palm Springs)

Home to over 20 unique, world-class galleries, this leisurely-paced walking tour along beautiful El Paseo offers something for everyone.



Aside from great art, BRIER & DUNN has partnered with a variety of terrific gallery merchants to offer some very cool complimentary gifts, as a way of enhancing the creative experience. Enjoy a glass of champagne, wine or bottled water and receive a goody bag filled with artist note cards and enticing discounts at participating galleries.


New Happenings

In San Francisco & Wine Country:In Palm Springs:

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (San Francisco)



The World's Greenest Museum is home to a variety of gregarious animals and flying friends, certain to lower anyone's stress levels.
Step inside a living 4-story rainforest, where dripping water sets the beat for a symphony of croaking frogs and chirping birds. Peer into one of Borneo's bat caves, meet chameleons from Madagascar, and climb into the tree-tops of Costa Rica to find free-flying birds and butterflies. Finally, descend in a glass elevator into the Amazonian flooded forest, where an acrylic tunnel allows you to walk beneath the catfish and arapaima that swim overhead.
The stunning Steinhart Aquarium is home to Tuxedo-clad penguins -- everyone's favorite friend. Over 12 unique settings to entertain your guests.

GO WILD AT THE LIVING DESERT (Palm Springs)

A popular desert attraction, The Living Desert has long entertained, educated and delighted thousands of our guests who tour each year. And now there's a variety of special enhancements available to heighten the experience.

Perfect for groups ranging from 20-45 guests, two of our favorites include a morning program -- "Lattes with Leopards" -- and an afternoon option -- "Savanna at Sundown" -- both guaranteed to bring rave revues.

Lattes with Leopards

Looking for a very special way to start the day? This is it!



The morning begins with a guided riding tour of the zoo and gardens through the world's deserts, followed by a delicious continental breakfast or brunch at the District Commissioner's House. This intimate venue is located in the park's African section known as Village WaTuTu and offers a unique "behind-the-scenes" adventure viewing of the exquisite and endangered Amur Leopards, Khan and Kishka.

Savanna at Sundown

We begin the afternoon with an expedition across the Sonoran and the Sahara on a guided walking tour. With over 450 desert animals and 200 acres of landscaped gardens and protected wilderness, guests will experience nature like never before.

After the tour, join us at the beautiful Chase Gallery & Reception Garden for a private Wildlife Wonders Show. Featuring a myriad of desert animals at play, the show's highlights include a special visit with the outrageously adorable Fennec Fox, Pharaoh.



After the show, guests will take a short walk to "Africa" for Savanna At Sundown, a private giraffe feeding with the remarkable Reticulated Giraffe family!



Add some light snacks, hors d'eourves, champagne or refreshing drinks for a memorable Happy Hour with nature's "gentle giants."


JACKALOPE RANCH (Palm Springs)

The newly-opened Jackalope Ranch features a mouth-watering menu full of progressive Southwestern cuisine with an emphasis on outstanding BBQ. The stunning 21,000 square foot restaurant occupies 6.5 acres and has seating for up to 600, not including the lawn areas!



Three private dining rooms with fireplaces and patios, sprawling grounds with lush landscaping, a fully-equipped palapas bar, a double waterfall and sculptures throughout makes this a multi-use event venue unlike any other in the desert.


New Happenings

In San Francisco & Wine Country:
  • Legendary Silver Oak Cellars is now available for larger groups for dinners and wine tastings in Napa Valley.

  • Bon Appetit's 2005 Best Chef, Michael Minna has opened his RN74 restaurant in San Francisco.

  • New Outdoor Exploratorium Museum on display in SF. (Find out how you can use the Golden Gate Bridge as a thermometer!)

In Palm Springs:

  • Devane's restaurant, specializing in East Coast Italian cuisine, opens second location in Old Town La Quinta.

  • Photo Safari Workshop offers picture perfect tips and advise.

  • Top-notch concert theatre, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, features world-class entertainers with seating for up to 2000.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY EVENTS

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team-building events and environmental-consciousness activities are destined to become an integral component of client programs we offer from here on out.

Here are two smashingly successful activities to consider:

Brush with Kindness!

Are you ready for a truly amazing giving experience? Imagine boarding a bus, traveling to a facility for the elderly, or to a foster children's home in disrepair. Equipped with a willingness to give, appropriate tools and teamwork the transformation begins.

By building playgrounds, planting flowers, painting fences and taking on non-technical repairs, your team will have the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life! You name it! We can make it happen!

CARE-FULLY Giving!

Here's a wonderful giving back event that comes from the heart. Teams gain items for their unique care package by answering trivia questions as well as competing in light physical challenges. Non-perishable food, household items, games and toys, clothing, school supplies and more are just a few of the contents in this Care-fully filled, personalized package.

Recipients could include local families in need, military families, homeless shelters, etc.

New Happenings

In San Francisco:In Palm Springs:
  • Serano Ranch now open for equestrian events and team-building

  • Expansion of the El Paseo Shopping District is underway, adding 60,000 sq. feet of new upscale retail and restaurant space.

  • New spouse program "BREAKFAST & BIRTHSTONES" sparkles.

Paint the Town Red

Red hot art, cool blue martinis, over-sized floating balloons and vibrant lighting provided the backdrop for this dynamic team-building event.

Paint the Town Red

Local artists provided the initial inspiration by painting an array of San Francisco icons on 25-foot-long graffiti boards. Equipped with smocks, brushes, paints, canvas and ideas, team members were then "commissioned" to create their own unique "street art" masterpieces.

Festive entertainment included body painters, a lively Jamaican steel drum band and talented tattoo artists.


Wild West Evening on the San Andreas Fault

A corporate group recently relived the California Gold Rush era of the late 1800's as they journeyed to a western ranch located in the awesome Mystery Canyon area along the San Andreas Fault Line.

Wild West Evening

Greeted by a lively country and western band, guests moseyed over to the saloon and grabbed an ice cold beverage along with tasty chips, salsa and homemade guacamole.

A variety of on-going activities kept the group entertained as they set out on jeeps exploring the canyon with flashlights, panned for gold, tossed horseshoes, played a game of pool, tried their luck at blackjack and took aim at the old-time shooting gallery!

Wild West Evening

As the sun disappeared behind the mountain range and with the campfires lit, the wranglers sounded the dinner bell. Guests feasted on a delicious barbecue dinner complete with all the trimmins'.

After dinner, dancing under the stars continued and a great Western night in the desert was enjoyed by all.


BRIER & DUNN at IT&ME in Chicago

We look forward to being in Chicago for IT&ME, September 23-25. Be sure to stop by and say hello at the BRIER & DUNN Booth, #945 in the California section.

New Happenings

In San Francisco:In Palm Springs:
  • Merv Griffin Estate (La Quinta) now available for events
  • Regency Ranch (Rancho Mirage) debuts October 1
  • New restaurant Lavender (La Quinta) to open late Fall
In the Wine Country:
  • Historic/Designer Home opens for special events
In Half Moon Bay:

An Evening at the Moroccan Casbah (San Francisco)

Next year's incentive trip to Morocco was the theme for a major insurance company's gala evening. This historic San Francisco building was the perfect venue to experience the captivating magic of Morocco.



Elegant palm trees, stately urns, gold lame and brightly colored fabrics created an exotic ambiance. Special lowered seating tables, surrounded by jewel-tone pillows provided an authentic dining atmosphere while guests savored chicken tangine, beef kabobs, couscous and fresh hummus. Festive entertainment included snake charmers, ethnic dancers, magicians and palm readers. This magic carpet ride was an evening these "winners" will remember for years to come.

Click here for more featured activities.


Evening of the Stars (Palm Springs)

Just the name Palm Springs suggests the glamour of Hollywood celebrities past and present. And tonight, your guests will be honored by an evening of glitz and glamour designed especially for them.



The spectacular sights and sounds - from dramatic spotlights to screaming fans to celebrity look-alikes - all play a part in tonight's "award winning" performances.

New Happenings

In San Francisco & The Wine Country:In Palm Springs:

Chefs on Parade



While foodies compete for reservations at San Francisco's finest restaurants, BRIER & DUNN brings renown chefs directly to our guests. Suzette Gresham from Acquerello, Roland Passot from La Folie and the Rosenthal brothers from Town Hall were the noteworthy celebrity chefs at our recent "Chefs on Parade: A Food and Wine Extravaganza."

Mouthwatering delicacies served at "Chefs on Parade" included Suzette's exquisite Lobster Ravioli with truffle oil and Roland's Duck breast stuffed with pistachios and plump fresh cherries.

To complement the incredible food, winemakers from Silver Oak, Duckhorn and Cakebread shared their wine-making knowledge and bottles of their vintage wines.

BRIER & DUNN maintains close relationships with local restaurants, allowing us to bring together these celebrity chefs.

BRIER & DUNN at IT&ME in Chicago

We look forward to being in Chicago for IT&ME, Sept. 25-27. Please stop by BD's booth #2518 in the California section and say hi!

Absolute Aqua (Half Moon Bay)



The beauty of the sea in Half Moon Bay was the theme for this Gala Dinner. Live waterfalls decorated the ballroom walls at the Ritz Carlton while guests dined at their own water-themed tables. Each square table was adorned with glass blown aquamarine accents and stunning Phillip Stark acrylic chairs. Centerpieces consisted of various shaped glass vases which gave the illusion of underseascapes that sat on Nile Blue satin linens. Completing the designer look were giant acrylic trees that reflected the brilliant blue water light. It was an evening that absolutely awakened everyone's senses.

Click here for more featured activities.


Sightseeing with a Twist (San Francisco)



The Great American Rolling Treasure Hunt (GARTH), a perennial team-building activity, got an automotive sales force exploring San Francisco as they've never seen it before.

Chinatown, North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf served as the destinations where participants found unusual items, interacted with locals and took creative photos of their exploits.

This event consistently builds camaraderie and creativity within each team. It's an ideal way to spend an afternoon in 'Everybody's Favorite City.'

La Piedra at Southridge (Palm Springs)



Perched high on a ridge above the canyon floor of Palm Springs is Southridge, an ultra-exclusive private community with fewer than 20 homes.

Developed over 30 years ago by the late actor William Holden, Southridge enticed such celebrity residents as Bob & Dolores Hope, Stefanie Powers, and Steve McQueen. It was also home to the "The Fugitive" star, actor David Janssen, whose estate "La Piedra" ("The Rock") was seven years in the making. Sculpted entirely from 600 tons of precisely-laid Idaho quartzite, it is truly an architectural gem.

Recently the setting for a select group of top-tier award recipients, cocktails and canapés were served on the upper veranda adjacent to the putting green just above the stunning pool. As dinner approached, guests were escorted through the home to the back patio overlook, where they dined while enjoying the soothing sounds of a Native American flautist. The evening concluded with planetary stargazing supplied by high-powered state-of-the-art telescopes complementing a crystal clear evening.

La Piedra is accessible by sedan or limousine only and can accommodate up to 40 persons.

Click here for more featured activities.


At The Coconut Grove (Palm Springs)



A recent awards gala recreated the quintessential Hollywood nightclub, the Coconut Grove.

Guests enjoyed dining among the towering palms, while being entertained by a fabulous "Rat Pack" tribute show that included "Frank," "Sammy," "Dean" & of course, the lovely "Marilyn."

With the rebirth of "swing" along with a desire to reflect upon the "glamorous days of yesterday," the Coconut Grove returned - if only for one night!

At The Drive-In (Palm Springs)

A new twist to a '50s theme party can be found "At The Drive-In." Nearly anyone who grew up in America during the 1950s and 1960s has fond memories of drive-ins. Whether one remembers piling in the car for a family outing as a child, going on dates as a teenager or taking the family out, drive-ins were an integral part of American culture.

Dedicated to keeping that nostalgia alive, 1950s style "car" table facades, complete with blinking headlights and tail lights and topped with loads of snack bar goodies spilling out of popcorn boxes have been created. Throw in a giant portable movie screen, add a fun high-energy dance band and once again the drive-in has etched its place in history!

New Happenings

  • Intercontinental Hotel to open in San Francisco in Feb. 2008
  • Ritz Carlton explores new hotel in Napa
  • Pres a Vi adds new dining options in San Francisco

Bach to Rock (San Francisco)

BRIER & DUNN "rocked" again with its "Bach to Rock" Party.



Guests at the regal City Hall were greeted by heralding trumpeters ...



... and a cast of royal court characters that included colorful strolling jesters, magicians and jugglers.

In the Grand Rotunda, an ever-flowing champagne fountain complemented an elaborate seafood bar featuring caviar, crab and jumbo shrimp.

After congratulatory comments from the VP of Marketing, it was time to change the tempo of the party.



Professional face painters, henna tattoo artists and massage therapists engaged everyone's attention.



Cool blue martini bars, sumptuous sushi and carving stations satiated the most demanding tastes. The City's hottest dance band kept everybody on their feet until it was time to go home. It truly was a spectacular event for these "winners."

Click here for more featured activities.


Castello di Amorosa (Napa Valley)

After 12 years and $30 million dollars spent, Castello di Amorosa is due to open. This impressive castle has 107 rooms on seven levels, is on a scale similar to Hearst Castle and houses the wine production facilities for V. Sattui winery. Skilled craftsmen from five countries have created an authentic replica of a Medieval castle. Five guard towers, impressive frescoes and an enormous barrel room will wow your guests as they experience an incredible vintner dinner for groups up to 250 people.

Half Moon Bay

This idyllic community located 35 minutes from SFO and 50 minutes from the City provides a wonderful contrast to the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. The majestic Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay overlooks the ocean and offers five-star service at its world-class spa.

For those guests looking for a more active experience, Half Moon Bay offers many choices. The rugged Pacific coastline serves as a scenic backdrop for biking, horseback riding and kayaking while the Santa Cruz mountains offer miles and miles of incredible hiking among the towering Redwoods.

Starlite Room (Palm Springs)

Recently a client wanted to create an event around the glitz and glamour that Palm Springs is famous for. To reach that objective we chose to re-create the legendary "Starlite Room" at the Chi Chi. For three decades ('40s, '50s & '60s) Chi Chi was the coolest, hippest club in town, frequented nightly by famous musicians and celebrities.

Our special guests were greeted by classic Hollywood "look-a-likes" who entertained all during an elaborate cocktail reception. Custom dining tables built to replicate the nightclub seating of the Starlite filled the room as guests danced to the sounds of our talented Big Band. In keeping true to the era, the themed menu showcased a spectacular tableside presentation of "Cherries Jubilee" and "Bananas Foster."

GoCar (San Francisco)

GoCar creates "The Amazing Race" through the streets of San Francisco. This awesome, three-wheel vehicle is a cross between a motorcycle and golf cart. TIME Magazine selected GoCar as one of the coolest inventions of the year. A state-of-the-art GPS system directs guests to many points of interest, making GoCar ideal for team-building treasure hunts.

New Happenings

  • "Dancing with the Starz" Party - San Francisco
  • Waterfront five-star restaurants opening in the Fall - San Francisco
  • New Mansion (The Rock) available for special events - Palm Springs