Carapace Diem: Raffle Winner Seizes the Tortoise

Larry Handt of Pennsylvania won the raffle for Mark Rossi’s beautiful life-sized bronze of a desert tortoise. Larry bought raffle tickets while visiting the Desert Museum. Enthralled by the sculpture, he bought more tickets online after returning home.

In all, 344 raffle tickets were purchased. We want to thank everyone who bought a ticket; the money you spent on your purchase helps fund your Museum and those we serve.

The Desert Museum is 2,347 miles from Larry’s Pennsylvania home. It would take a live desert tortoise, which averages 0.2 miles per hour, 117,350 hours — or about 13½ years — continuous travel to reach her destination. It will only take the sculpture a few days shipping to complete its journey!

Special thanks to renowned artist Mark Rossi and Mark Rossi Studio for providing the sculpture and to Mark and Frankie Holbrook for underwriting its cost.