The Most Exciting Auction Lots of 2022

After two years of pandemic, 2022 marked an almost complete return to in-person fundraising, and the re-emergence of live auction “irrational philanthropy.” Crowds were excited to be back in the room together, and auction committees pulled out all the stops to put together creative and enticing auction lots, making it the perfect time to bring back our annual tradition of recapping the most exciting auction lots of the year.

The types of lots that succeeded had varied greatly through the first two years of the pandemic. This year, trips were back in full force, as people started traveling again and pent-up demand for vacations revealed itself in bidding behavior. In-person entertainment opportunities also reclaimed a top spot in auction popularity and profitability. People really want to be social, engage and interact. It follows that buy-in lots (also known as “buy-a-spots,” “count me ins” or “pay to play parties”) have emerged as one of the most popular and exciting live auction lots in 2022.

Get creative! The most exciting auction lots don’t have to be expensive, they just need to offer exclusive access to experiences, relationships or both.

This year’s list of exciting auction lots includes a sampling of each of the above, as well as some experiences and relationship-based lots. For the purposes of this list, “exciting” is an arbitrary assignation focused on each lot’s uniqueness, creativity, and the buzz generated at the event. Sale price impacts the decision, but only relative to how other lots sold at the same event. I have, however, included some opening bids and final sale prices for the very first time in this series.

Knowing where bidding started and where it ended up can help understand how exciting the bidding was for some lots. The single most exciting and memorable auction lot of 2022 was a lot that underscores how sometimes it is not the content of the lot, but the intentions of the bidders that makes for an exciting auction.

But comparing pricing between events can become a dangerous, and ultimately unhealthy, practice. Don’t get hung up on how much other events make, and instead utilize this list to create fun and exciting lots of your own! The goal of this list is to help inspire creativity (and profitability!) at your fundraising auction.

And with no further preamble, here are the most exciting fundraising auction lots of 2022 (click on the + symbol to the right to expand each lot’s description):

• Sushi, Sake, and Karaoke

  Treat 50 of your closest friends to an exclusive Karaoke and Sushi Party at The Center. Sing your favorite songs from the main stage, enjoy sushi boats from local favorite Way Yum Sushi and drink chilled Soto Sake.

  Hosted by professional singers and The Center's own Rachel and Brynn.

  Opening Bid: $1,400

  Sale Price: $7,000 (X2)

• Name the Baby Otter!

  The honor of naming the Museum’s new baby river otter could be yours! You will also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour from the wildlife team plus a special encounter with the baby otter. Find out why a group of otters is called a romp!

  Opening Bid: $500

  Sale Price: $12,000

• Last Last Chance for Dinner from Chef Philippe

  Our beloved Head of School is returning to a well-deserved retirement. Before his departure, he is giving us one last chance at his coveted dinner. Over the years, between his lots at Gala and SDV, Philippe has dazzled and delighted guests with 36 dinners.

  Philippe’s dinners have become a cherished tradition and are famous among the school community. Now, it’s the last one ever, for real this time! Philippe will be returning to retirement, permanently. Here’s your final opportunity to enjoy this part of the school’s history.

  As with his management of the school, Philippe brings equal parts efficiency, skill, and grace to his kitchen masterpieces. You will be treated to a sumptuous gourmet meal, prepared by Philippe in the intimacy and comfort of your own home. Enjoy a delicious dining experience where Philippe will also personally select the perfect wine to accompany each course, and he will guide you through his wine choices.

  This is not your run-of-the-mill dinner party. This is a wine-paired treasure! Philippe personally hand-carries wine back from France, specifically for this dinner. He is extremely knowledgeable about wine and puts great thought and care into his selections, just as he does with his culinary creations. This evening is sure to be a feast for your palate!

  Don’t miss out on this truly special experience before it’s going, going… GONE!

  Opening Bid: $2,400

  Final Sale Price: $42,000

• Big Brothers & Big Sisters 49er Match Gift

  Being a Big is a big commitment – a commitment that can stretch a big’s creativity and budget. Bigs truly bring out the best in their Littles by exposing them to new experiences. And the responsibility is usually on the Bigs to fund these ventures.

  Except for now: right now we are looking to you to partner with us to help send Matches to a 9ers game. For a home game in the upcoming regular season, your $1,000 donation will provide transportation to and from the game, a pair of seats for one Match, and food and drinks at the game.

  Thanks to BBBS supporter JK and the 49ers!

  Donation amount: $1,000/match to send them to the 49ers game

• Ruby Mountain Heli-Skiing Adventure

  Imagine a mountain range that fuels your soul makes you feel alive. With 15 peaks above 11,000 feet of elevation, the jaw dropping Ruby Mountains are an off-the-beaten path gem offering more than 200,000 acres of skiable terrain with an average dry snowpack of 300 feet. With wide open glaciated bowls, limber and white bark pines, and aspen forests, there is terrain for everyone.

  So remote you will be helicoptered into this backcountry skiing adventure. With a limit of 16 people per tour, and 4 to 1 guide to client ratio, the Ruby Mountain Heli Skiing guest experience provides a private atmosphere with attention to detail, on the mountain or at the lodge.

  The latest equipment is included with your stay. All guests are provided access to some of the best powder skis and poles currently on the market, along with airbag backpacks from Scott, transceivers from Mammut, and all required avalanche equipment.

  Truly escape the crowds at our privately owned lodge at the base of the Ruby Mountains, located at 7,000 feet with inspiring 360 degree views of the Ruby Mountains to the south and east and the Great Basin Valley to the north and west

  From the moment guests arrive at the lodge they are welcomed by our staff with a friendly and warm greeting. Get settled in your room, set up with skis and gear, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail from the Ruby 360 Bar overlooking the Great Basin, meet the guides and talk ski conditions and indulge in our nightly dinner service with anticipation of sitting in an A-Star and flying into the Rubies in the coming morning.

  This package for two includes 3 nights lodging – double occupancy, all meals, designed and prepared by renowned chef Francy Hoyer and her team, ski equipment rental, Elko Airport shuttle, and complimentary Great Basin or Ruby Mountain beer are included.

  Vertical guarantee of 15 runs, with option to ski up to 18 at no additional charge. Season runs from mid-January through mid-April.

  The guests would be responsible for any extras such as the arrival night dinner, bar tab, single room upgrade, extra skiing, store purchases, etc.

  Opening Bid: $6,000 Value: $11,992

• 2023 Masters Weekend

  Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience at the 2023 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club!

  This all-expenses trip includes:

  • Two (2) people to enjoy tickets for either either Saturday; April 15th or Sunday; April 16th

  • (2) Delta Business Class Vouchers.

  • Airport Transportation

  • Overnight accommodations for one night at a luxury guest house

  • Daily meals

  • Special Gifts.

  Opening Bid: $5,000 Value: $15,000 Final Sale Price: $36,000

• A NAPA Galactic All Star Wine Trip

  Two Couples will be flown first class to NAPA and then enjoy 4 days and 3 nights at the exclusive Cardinale Villa. This beautiful home is on the grounds of the fabulous Cardinale Winery in Oakville, California.

  Promontory tasting!!! This "can't get access" winery is a very special experience. Promontory, owned by the Harlan family is hidden in the hills of Oakville and is one of most beautiful sites in NAPA. Promontory is truly a world apart from the Napa Valley that most people experience. Within this secluded canyon there are two distinct fault lines, roughly demarcating the boundaries between volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic soils. This diverse geology is stretched across 500 feet of elevation, on a multitude of dramatic slopes and panoramic exposures.

  Bryant Tasting- Don and Bettina Bryant have built one of NAPA's most incredible wineries on the Western Slope of Pritchard Hill. This rare opportunity to try these beautiful wines will truly be an out of this world experience. Bryant Estate wines are currently harvested, blended, and produced entirely by hand from grapes planted and grown on the original 13-acre estate, as well as on neighboring vineyards on Howell Mountain, Las Posadas, and Madrona.

  Cardinale- during your stay the Winery will host you and your guests to a lunch and wine tasting of the wonderful Cardinale Wines. Cardinale was born in 1982, with a mission to produce a singular Cabernet Sauvignon from the highest quality vineyards in NAPA Valley. All sub-appellations of the region were to be considered, and grape sources change from year to year to create the most distinctive wine from each vintage. Made by the extraordinaire Chris Carpenter for over 20 years, Cardinale is a NAPA All Star!!

  The Matheson- the hottest new dinner, wine and entertainment venue on the planet - is located in Healdsburg and is owned by everyone's favorite Healdsburg native and Chef extraordinaire Dustin Valette. You will enjoy a chef inspired meal prepared by Dustin and his team and get to enjoy the soon to be "out of this world" famous Wine Wall where you can sample up to 50 wines from all over the worlds by the glass!!!

  Private Limo Service- during your stay in NAPA you will be chauffeured to and from your wine tastings in a private car.

  Opening Bid: $15,000 Value: $25,000 Final Sale Price: $60,000

• Dinner for 8 by Stuart Brioza Chef/Owner of Atomic Workshop Presents Restaurant Group Featuring State Bird Provisions, The Progress, and The Anchovy Bar

  For this memorable evening, Stuart brings his celebrated cooking style into your home. A locally focused and seasonally driven menu will be complemented by exceptional wines and the genuine hospitality of our service team. Expect a truly priceless experience!

  All food and wine costs are included.

  Value: $5,000/Private chef and wine experience — Priceless

  Opening Bid: $5,000 Value: $5,000 Final Sale Price: $100,000 X2

• Paella Party for 20

  Enjoy great food in a beautiful location with live entertainment. 20 lucky bidders will be able to buy into this party catered by local favorite chef Antonio Asayrian at the beautiful Szabo vineyard in Penn Valley.

  Buy-in: $150/person: 20 people

• TAKE ME TO CHURCH

  Enjoy camping under the sun and the stars as you paddle your way down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

  On this gorgeous 3-night, 4-day rafting excursion courtesy of Sonoma’s own Lombardi Wines and Middle Fork Rafting, owned and operated by the historic Middlefork Lodge, you and seven of your friends are invited to join winemaker Tony Lombardi in discovering the rugged beauty of the Frank Church Wilderness, a 2.3 million acreage nestled in the heart of central Idaho.

  Along the way you’ll imbibe some of Tony’s most beloved cellar selects, including the very rare and extremely coveted Lombardi Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, a 60-bottle annual allotment not sold on the open market. This one-of-a-kind river experience accommodates eight guests and includes chartered airfare for your party in addition to food and wine pairings for all meals. Here, in the heart of the undiscovered American West, you’re guaranteed to find your highest self.

  Opening Bid: $25,000 Value: $50,000

• Michelin Dinner Party for 10 from Truffle Shuffle

  Take this in...an all-inclusive luxury-ingredient-filled private dinner party for you and your ten closest friends in your home prepared by Michelin-trained chefs. This experience will include canapés and cocktails, a coursed dinner for 10, and wine pairing.

  Truffle Shuffle founders, Jason, Tyler, and Sarah met while working together at The French Laundry and have taken their passion for cuisine and hospitality into the start-up world launching Truffle Shuffle in 2018. Truffle Shuffle is now backed by Shark Tank's Mark Cuban.

  Opening Bid: $4,000
  Value: $10,000
  Final Sale Price: $24,000 X3 ($72,000).

• NetJets….Fly Me to Albany {BAHAMAS, that is}!

  Embark on an unforgettable trip to Albany, Bahamas, with NetJets, our official sponsor for private jet airfare and the worldwide leader in private aviation. Eight guests will enjoy three nights at the oceanside luxury resort community located on the beautiful island of New Providence in The Bahamas. Combining inspired design, luxury amenities, warm hospitality, and a stunning natural landscape, Albany, Bahamas, is modern island living at its best.

  Rated by Forbes as one of the most exclusive resorts in the world, Albany is a 600-acre oceanside luxury resort community located on the beautiful island of New Providence in The Bahamas. Albany and its rare collection of amenities provide an exceptional way for residents and visitors to enjoy the pleasures of island life. For families, businesspeople, and couples alike, Albany is a quiet island getaway, sportsperson’s paradise, elegant retreat and genuine community.

  Opening Bid: $25,000 Value: $50,000 Final Sale Price: $60,000

• Carmel-by-the-Sea Getaway

  Whisk away to Carmel for a relaxing mid-week getaway for two. Stay two-nights at the elegant Carriage House Inn, tucked away on a quiet side street just south of Ocean Avenue. Enjoy lunch for two at the lodge at Pebble Beach with expansive views of the iconic 18th hole.

  Treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at Anton & Michel Restaurant. And don’t forget the wine tasting! Visit Bernardus Wines for a Reserve Wine Tasting of five Bernardus Wines hand-selected by winemaker Dean De Korth. Drop in to Wrath Wines to pick up two bottles selected just for you. And last, but certainly not least, take home a case of Dahlkemper Farms olive oil.

  Opening Bid: $1,300 Value: $2,600 Final Sale Price: $300,000

I’ve included that final “bonus lot” because it was, quite honestly, the most exciting lot I sold all year. Sometimes it isn’t the value of the lot, but the commitment of the bidders that creates excitement, and it serves as a good reminder that it isn’t just what you have to sell, but who you have to bid on it. So create exciting auction lots, and bring in the bidders to make that excitement happen.

Auction lot idea: “The Wine Spectator Top 100”

Wine is consistently one of the top-selling categories of auction lots in fundraising auctions, and the vast majority of charity auctions we conduct feature at least one or two “wine lots.” People like their wine and are often more than willing to overpay for it in support of a good cause.

But not every committee is comprised of wine lovers with expansive wine cellars, and sometimes coming up with a good wine lot is a daunting challenge. Committee members often don’t have the wines and don’t know which wines they should purchase to donate.

We’ve worked with a number of committees to come up with ideas for lots that can be achieved without necessitating a deep and expensive cellar. Lots that can be assembled at minimal expense to your individual committee members, but for which the collective perceptual value is very high. One lot that is the easy to replicate and consistently yields solid results is “The Wine Spectator Top 100.”

Every year Wine Spectator releases its list of the top 100 wines of the year. It isn’t simply a list of the 100 highest scoring wines from the previous year; the editors of Wine Spectator base their list on “quality, value, availability and excitement.” All important criteria when assembling an auction lot!

Wine is perennially popular, especially wine with provenance. 

What this means is the wines on the Wine Spectator Top 100 are readily available and relatively affordable. Thirteen of the top twenty wines on the list have a retail value of $50 or less. Only eight of the entire list cost $100 or more.

I recommend creating a lot of at least ten bottles. “Ten of the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines” has a nice ring to it and is an achievable goal for most committees. Avoid duplication by agreeing as a group which wines you’ll be targeting individually. This ensures people have a clear direction and clearly defines the goals of the lot.

Here’s a dirty little secret: although it is nice to target the top ten wines on the Wine Spectator list, you really don’t have to have all wines from the top of the list. Wines from anywhere in the top 100 will work – as long as a few of them sniff the rarified air of the top of the list.

From a bidder’s perspective, the fact that someone else has pre-assembled a group of highly qualified wines makes this lot appealing. If the retail value is relatively low it, great! That gives people the opportunity to earn a higher tax deduction if they pay over value. And the many times I’ve sold variations of this lot, the final sale price has outperformed retail value.

Have a favorite go-to wine lot for your fundraising auction? Let us know in the comments below!

The top 10 most exciting lots of 2016

At the end of each year I comb through every auction lot I sold and compile a list of the “most exciting” lots I sold that year. It’s an arbitrary assessment, based on the uniqueness of each lot, the creativity that went into the lot, the buzz generated at the event, and how much it sold for. A lot doesn’t have to be a huge seller to be included here; it just has to be exciting.

In 2016 the Warriors remained one of the best-selling tickets in the Bay Area, Hamilton became understandably hot, and chefs and vintners remained the rockstars of fundraising auctions.

One interesting trend was the continued growth of buy-in parties. As buy-ins gain acceptance at more and more fundraising auctions, committees and donors are becoming better at assembling creative buy-in experiences. This year three buy-in experiences made the top 10, including a SWAT team experience that generated over $50,000!

Once again, the goal of this post isn’t to inspire you to duplicate these lots. My goal is to inspire you to create your own stellar lots, so I can include them in my next best-of list!

So here are my most exciting fundraising auction lots of 2016, presented in no particular order.

On Broadway

Enjoy a trip to New York City to see Broadway’s most sought after show, Hamilton: An American Musical on Broadway.

This package includes two round-trip main cabin seats to New York on Virgin America, accommodations for two people for two nights and three days in New York. A collection of Kendra Scott jewelry to get you ready for the show, and two tickets to see Hamilton on May 13th at 8:00 pm at Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Escape From Alcatraz! 

Experience one of San Francisco’s great unsolved mysteries for yourself! Join Water World Swim and First Graduate’s Ann S. on an adventure that people rarely have the opportunity to explore—an Alcatraz to San Francisco swim. Perfect for those in triathlon training, or just another day in the life of the average thrill-seeker, this package includes transportation by boat to Alcatraz. Before the main event, you’ll receive one private swimming lesson, along with one group practice. Then set out on the San Francisco Bay for the most memorable journey of your life!

Buy-In Lot: Napa County Sheriff SWAT Team Adventure!

This daylong session is as real as it gets without being in harm’s way. Ten adults will live out their fantasies and partake in a day of heart-pounding adventure with tactical training, demonstrations, instruction in the use of special weapons, and SWAT Team assault exercises.

This truly unique opportunity includes Sheriff’s Department transportation from a central point to and from the SWAT training site in Napa County.

Firearms instruction will include a variety of specially selected weapons under the supervision of SWAT team experts. Besides sharpening your aim, our “good guys” will expose you to a simulated SWAT team invasion where you will be asked to play a role that will test your instincts and judgment under pressure.

Travel lunches will be prepared, but water will be the only drink served. Only the guns can be loaded during the exercise!

Following your heroic day on the range and at the assault building, you’ll unwind at a special reception at Trinchero Family Estates in St. Helena. Fine wines and tasty food will be served so that the whole team and your instructors can raise a toast to your bravery and valor! Your performance will be critiqued and awards will be presented by Napa’s finest, including Sheriff John Robertson himself.

We recommend you get a good night’s sleep the night before this exercise!

Opening bid: $5,000 per person

Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski with Peay Wines – Dinner for Eight in Your Home

Chef Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of San Francisco’s James Beard award-winning State Bird Provisions and The Progress will bring their modern, original culinary sensibilities to the table as they collaborate on a five course feast for eight guests in your home.  The unique and delicious dishes are sure to have your guests talking about Old World traditions and New World inventions as if they are natural companions – much like these talented chef-proprietors themselves! And, of course, a special dinner calls for a special wine.  Andy Peay will introduce his handcrafted wines.  Peay wines come from a vineyard ideally located to produce superior fruit to which the Peay family adds their wine making knowledge. 

PLUS! Stuart is throwing in guaranteed reservations at State Bird Provisions for the next year. Any time you want to eat dinner, give them a call and you’ll be in!

 “Sully”– New York Movie Premier and After-Party

Walk the red carpet like a star at the New York premier and after-party of the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures film, “Sully,” from Director Clint Eastwood, starring Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart and Laura Linney.  Not only was Sully the inspiring keynote speaker at our gala last year, you may also remember him for serving as Captain during what has been called the “miracle on the Hudson.”  This upcoming film details Captain “Sully’s” once in a lifetime experience, and this package is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The winner of this package will receive:
● First class roundtrip airfare for two (2) to New York
● Two (2) tickets to the movie premier & after party, date TBD
● A 3-day, 2-night stay at the Marriott Marquis

Luxuries in the Wild

The ten lucky travelers who snag this lot will escape the realities of everyday life and spend four memorable days floating down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness with the best outfitter in the Northwest, Far and Away Adventures. This unique experience is like a deluxe safari on the river … high-end luxury “glamping” with exceptional, personalized service in some of the most remote and stunning terrain in the country. Accompanying you will be your favorite rock stars of wine, Kosta Browne. Dan Kosta himself will be in attendance to keep you satiated with some of the most sought-after selections from their vineyards.

Start each morning with a tasty breakfast cooked and served by your guides. Spend the day however you wish. Maybe enjoy a few hours each day fly fishing under the direction of an expert guide, or explore the hiking trails and old mining cabins along the shore. Cool off with a swim alongside the rafts. Paddle your own kayak for kicks. Marvel at the wildlife in Impassable Canyon. Or just float along in peace, basking in the pleasures of such an awe-inspiring place.

As the light fades each day and you lounge by the banks of this gorgeous river, glass of your preferred Kosta Browne wine in hand, Steve Lentz, chef extraordinaire from Far and Away Adventures, will delight you with delectable organic gourmet dinners. After your meal and more outstanding wines, share stories and laughs around the campfire before falling into bed under a blanket of stars, tired and fully satisfied, only to wake up and do it again the next day. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

[Editor’s note: The Warriors were so hot in 2016 that I had to cheat and include two of their lots, just for contrast]

Warriors #1: Everybody Say...“WARRIORS!” Playoff Tickets!

Make a big splash with Steph and Klay and three of your friends

Head to Warrior’s ground for round 2 of the NBA playoffs with three of your blue and gold wearing friends! Golden State is having an epic, record setting season and is well on its way to another NBA Championship! You’ll take a limousine to and from the game from your home and have awesome lower level seats in the Oracle Arena. And you won’t even have to worry about what to wear—included in this package is an official Steph Curry All-Star Jersey!

Warriors #2: Warriors Game in Style: Helicopter Ride to Warriors Game for Four

Talk about arriving in style! Four people will enjoy a scenic helicopter ride from the Santa Rosa Airport to the Oakland Airport and a short limo ride to your seats at the Golden State Warriors game! You’ll sip on libations from Jackson Family Wines on your way there and enjoy the Jackson Family Wines wine area on the mezzanine.

Name Our Red-Tailed Hawk & Enjoy a High Desert Adventure for Four

The High Desert Museum’s most recent addition to the wildlife collection is a two month old red-tailed hawk that will be part of our stellar Raptors of the Desert Sky outdoor flight show. You can name this magnificent bird and learn about it and other soaring species during a field trip led by our Curator of Natural History and Curator of Western History. They will both accompany you on a two-day journey through eastern Oregon’s sagebrush steppe. It is a landscape rich with history—the ancient homeland of Native Americans once traversed by lost emigrant wagon trains, the scene of conflict between U.S. Cavalry and desert tribes and, for a time, the domain of California cattlemen and their buckaroos.

Naming opportunities often make for extremely engaging auction lots, especially with a program as beloved as the High Desert Museum's "Raptors in Flight".

You’ll venture to Steens Mountain where subalpine landscapes of aspen-fringed meadows rise above the desert, with a spectacular view from the summit. There you will enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking glacial-carved canyons. We’ll visit places like Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, the chain of desert lakes in Warner Valley, the Warner Mountains, and Paradise Valley. This trip will take place during the late spring or early summer of 2017.

Your chosen name will be publicized on the Museum’s website and in our member newsletter. You will also receive a certificate of naming with a photo.

Buy-In Lot: Lunch with the Leading Ladies of Napa Valley

Back by popular demand! Beth Nickel of Far Niente Winery invites 25 ladies to join her and other Leading Ladies of Napa Valley in Beth’s lush garden on the grounds of Far Niente Winery. Joining Beth will be none other than Margaret Duckhorn, co-founder of Duckhorn Vineyards; Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery; and Delia Viader, founder of Viader Vineyards & Winery. Be ready for a lavish afternoon of wining, dining and entertaining tales of their Napa Valley histories. With each course of the meal, the wines will flow and these ladies will dish, divulging wine country secrets and stories.

In addition, each will bring a favorite wine from her winery to give each guest as a memento of this most magical afternoon. Remember, what’s heard in the garden stays in the garden! This is a $1,000 per-person buy-in lot for 25 women. Date is not changeable.

Buy-In: Wing & Barrel Ranch Clay Shooting and Lunch with Charlie Palmer for 16

Escape to an exclusive and incomparable private hunting club in the heart of the wine country with 15 of your friends for a day of shooting, exceptional food, and fine wines at Wing & Barrel Ranch. Life-long friends Darius Anderson and Mike Sutsos, Jr. have spent their lives traveling the world following their passions, and these experiences are where the vision for this extraordinary club was born—combining a passion for the sporting life and all that surrounds it. Wing & Barrel Ranch brings together the best of shooting, food, wine and the wine country lifestyle. As renowned shooting coach Chris Batha’s only West Coast Sporting Clays Course, it features 15 fully automated fields, each containing three shooting stations. Please note that no experience is necessary and that everything (ammunition, guns and instruction) will be provided for you and your guests.

Guests will also sit down to an unforgettable lunch prepared by the legendary Charlie Palmer, Wing & Barrel Ranch’s Culinary Advisor and one of the most highly regarded chefs in America, critically acclaimed for his signature Progressive American Cooking. Lunch will be accompanied by delicious wines from Kosta Browne and CIRQ. You are invited to embrace a way of life, share the experience and surround yourself in this private setting created to make legendary memories. Join us on your journey towards realizing your finest passions.

Suggested Opening Bid: $1,000 per person

Bonus Lot: Escape to Vegas for Three Nights

Las Vegas and Elton John for Two
Your stylish Las Vegas escape begins at the modern, upscale five star Vdara Hotel and Spa, an all-suite, gaming-free hotel located in the new City Center complex, near the Bellagio Hotel.  Indulge in your grand luxurious suite located on the 53rd floor with a large spa-style soaking tub. The highlight of your escape will be the Elton John concert at Caesars Place on February 18th.  Sir Elton himself is providing you with his personal seats, plus two backstage passes to the green room.  End your escape with a dinner at the award winning Michael Mina Restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel, a gift certificate of $250 provided.  Plus we are including a $500 gift card on Southwest Airlines.  What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!  

Registration open for San Francisco workshop, October 26

Registration is now open for our upcoming San Francisco fundraising auction workshop: Raise More, Right Now: Advanced Fundraising Auction Strategies
This in-depth fundraising auction workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 26th at the Log Cabin in the Presidio in San Francisco, California. It is presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions, Beth Sandefur Events, Greater Giving and The Lux Productions. 

This in-depth, highly interactive workshop will provide you with advanced strategies to raise more with what you already have. Learn how to get attendees to commit to supporting you before they arrive, new techniques for marketing your auction, new revenue enhancers that encourage spending, and more. Session topics will include:

• Storytelling for your mission
• Creating successful auction lots
• Revenue enhancers, beyond the raffle
• Strategies to refresh your silent auction
• New technologies to stretch your audio visual budget
• Marketing your auction

Hands-on mobile bidding session
Many organizations are looking for information about the most buzzed about trend in events: going mobile. This workshop session will include an overview of Greater Giving’s Mobile Bidding and Storefront functions. We’ll discuss how mobile bidding impacts your event and how you can incorporate raffle and other multi-item sales into your event using storefront.

Expert roundtables
The workshop ends with a 1-hour series of small group sessions with each member of our expert panel. We will break into groups by organization type, and spend an hour drilling down on the topics that matter to you most. Ask questions and get answers that are relevant to the needs of your specific event with experts in the field of fundraising auction planning, implementation and performance.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 - the Log Cabin in the Presidio, San Francisco
9:00am – 3:00pm
Check-in begins at 8:30am
Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Click here to register.

The most exciting auction lots of 2015

Our annual compendium of the most exciting auction lots we saw at fundraising auctions is back, with a whole new list of creative and engaging items. This year we saw the Warriors become the hottest Bay Area sports team; on the court and on the stage. Chefs continued to be the rock stars of the fundraising world, as food-related lots continue to get more and more creative.

The Taylor Swift tour was so popular, we saw packages of tickets to her concert succeed at six different events across the nation. This year, we had so many lots to choose from, we opted not to limit it just to 10, and instead included the 15 lots we thought would best serve as creative examples.

As always, the goal of sharing these isn’t to get you to replicate them. The goal is to inspire you to create your own stellar lots, so we can include them in our next best-of list!

So without further ado, here are our most exciting fundraising auction lots of 2015, presented in no particular order.

Six Tickets to U2 and a Meet and Greet with Bono. Seriously!!

What can we say? It’s a U2 concert with five of your best friends. Oh and you’ll hang out with Bono beforehand. Enough said.

Conditions: Concert date is May 19th, 2015 at the SAP Center in San Jose.

Visit the Set of Modern Family and Lunch at the Fox Commissary

Watch an actual episode of the award winning show “Modern Family” being filmed on the set of 20th Century Fox Studios.  See the Emmy and Golden Globe winning actors and writers create one of the most popular sitcoms on television, and get a chance to meet some of the cast in person.

Enjoy lunch at the legendary Fox Commissary, home to stars ranging from Rita Hayworth to Mel Brooks and many more.  Arrive via Southwest Airlines, (your certificate is good between any two cities within the Southwest Airlines system in the continental US and expires 4/1/2016).  Stay overnight at Hollywood’s favorite luxury hotel, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, and be transported to and from the lot in a chauffeured town car.

Golden State Warriors Honorary Player Experience and Owners' Suite

Give your child the experience of being introduced alongside the Warriors starting lineup as an honorary player! He or she will be part of the team huddle, tour the Warriors locker room and receive a Warriors jersey of the player of their choice. Then, enjoy exclusive use of the Owners suite to watch the game with 18 of your closest friends and family!

Restrictions: Honorary player experience limited to 2 people; children must be between 8-16 years old. Owners suite includes 16 seats and 4 standing room tickets for a maximum of 20 people. Mutually agreed upon game; game exclusions apply. Non-transferable.

Behind the Scenes of “Check Please!” with Leslie Sbrocco

Behind-the-scenes of "Check, Please! Bay Area" in the KQED Studios for a group of four: watch a live taping, get tours of the studio, and meet our emcee this evening, Leslie Sbrocco. Leslie is one of the 100 most influential people in the wine business. She has won a James Beard award, three Taste Awards, and three Emmy awards.

She’ll welcome you in to the KQED studios and give you a VIP tour of the studio. Then you’ll get to watch the live taping of the show and meet the cast and crew. Afterwards, head over to the Mission Rock Resort for a lovely lunch.

[Note: Leslie was the emcee of the event, and did a fantastic job of establishing relationships with people long before she took the stage. Her lot sold spectacularly well because people were supporting her as much as the organization.]

Taylor Swift!

Winners gonna bid, bid, bid!

Where is The 1989 World Tour touching down on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 7:30 PM? The PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. Who will be the biggest fans in the audience? The winners of this wonderful package which includes six tickets to see the fabulous Taylor Swift in concert.

Guys' Beer Bus III: I Left My Liver in San Francisco

Back for a liver-smashing third time, the Beer Bus! We've done the North Bay. We've done the East Bay. Now we are going across the Bay. Join us as we visit some of the finest breweries in San Francisco... and on a friggin' limo bus that has beer in it. Yeah, you read that right. A limo bus, with beer, taking you to places that make beer, to drink more beer! Oh, and that's not all. All winners get a year-long membership to the Hillcrest Dad's Beer Club, which includes FREE BEER during our monthly gatherings. So what are you waiting for?

Top 20 guys, bidding starts at $200/guy.

The Buster-Hug! By Jared Emerson

Jared Emerson doesn’t just paint people, he captures moments on canvas, live! Right before your eyes, at our event, Jared Emerson will capture one of Giants fans’ favorite moments: the Buster hug! 

For SF Giants fans, few moments are as memorable, or as endearing, as the BusterHug that closed out the 2014 World Series run. Sure, Buster’s given hugs to other pitchers, but few were as emotion filled as the hug he gave Bumgarner in 2014. You’ll get to see Jared paint it live, and then you’ll have the moment forever on your wall.

[Note: Art is usually a challenge to sell in a fundraising auction. This piece was created in real-time by the artist, and the subject matter was custom-chosen by the organization in advance. The artist wanted to do a different image, and the event was steadfast about wanting the “Busterhug”. It sold for $11,000 – twice!]

Stop, Hammer Time!

Internationally known, award-winning artist and entrepreneur M.C. Hammer has invited you, your friends or colleagues for the experience of a lifetime. Take this unique opportunity to gain one-on-one access to an outstanding performer and icon, to discuss technology or entrepreneurialism, or for the best dance lesson you could ever hope for.

Hammer skyrocketed to fame in the 90s, and has had an incredible journey ever since. From the start, he has constantly worked to reinvent himself, his sound, and his interests. In addition to being a multiple Grammy award-winning and chart-topping musician, M.C. Hammer has initiated several business ventures in music, technology, and often both. The knowledge he has gained during the past decades is the result of a unique perspective and interesting experiences. Don’t miss out on what he has to share.

If you’ve always wanted to learn to dance like a hip-hop idol or yearned to discuss business and technology with an innovator and risk-taker, don’t miss this first-ever offer to the ISTP community. Bond with M.C. Hammer in a small group while he teaches you to cut a rug like a super star, or invite him to share his incredible professional journey with you and your company for a lunch discussion or seminar.

Inclusions:

• 1 hour of time with MC Hammer to discuss business, technology, or dance lessons

• Offer good for individuals, small or large groups—depending on the chosen activity

Backyard BBQ with Jeremy Affeldt

16 guests will join San Francisco Giants pitcher Jeremy Affeldt for an afternoon BBQ featuring some of Jeremy’s favorite dishes. Larkin Street youth will co-host, helping prepare the feast and also ensuring that Jeremy never uses a knife! Grab a tasty plate, sip a cold brew, and chat with Jeremy about baseball, Larkin Street, and life. Hosted at the San Francisco home of Larkin Street board members.

 To be held on a mutually agreeable date with Jeremy Affeldt.

2015 Ford Mustang Convertible

Thanks to South Bay Ford, one lucky bidder will have the opportunity to have their designated driver take them home in his/her brand new Ford Mustang convertible! Ford has completely redesigned the iconic Mustang for 2015 inside and out. The sleek new aggressive profile is reminiscent of the true “muscle car” that the model was born from 50 years ago. This car is a quintessential example of the South Bay lifestyle and perfect for commuting around town or whisking a new graduate off to college.

The ingot silver paint with black convertible top gives it a classic look and will turn heads at every corner. The also redesigned 300hp 6-cylinder engine is designed for pure performance, yet still has impressive 20 city / 30 hwy MPG. Also sporting the select-shift automatic transmission, Ford’s revolutionary Sync audio system, and rear backup assistance, this is a car that puts you in the mood for performance. This auction is all-inclusive: includes the car, tax & license fees.

[Note: We don’t usually recommend selling a car, unless it is donated and is an exciting vehicle. This convertible Mustang met both requirements.]

Rockin' with Linkin Park

SoCal rockers Linkin Park became one of the most successful bands in the world by combining elements of hip-hop, modern rock, and atmospheric electronica into their music. Their popularity is exemplified by the band’s massive online presence. They are the biggest band on Facebook with over 63 million friends and were the first ever band to garner over 1 billion views on their YouTube channel.

Linkin Park is known for having a sound that has evolved as their career progressed. From high-energy alternative rock like “One Step Closer” and “Faint” to modern classics like “In the End” and “What I’ve Done” they have always delivered the goods resulting in over 60 million albums sold worldwide.

Whether you are a Linkin Park fan or just a music fan, this opportunity brings a truly unique experience to create a lifetime of memories. Linkin Park has invited us to a “studio experience” for 10 guests. You will get to hang out with members of the band and get a tour of their Los Angeles recording studio where they are recording their new album.

Transportation will be provided by private limousine, and the winner will take home a guitar signed by the band. Winner(s) could choose to purchase additional guitars to have signed by the band during their studio visit.

Hog Heaven

Hunt for the big hogs and learn the art of charcuterie. Game on for a first-class pig hunt on the legendary Rockpile Ranch, rich in history that includes notorious outlaws from the Jesse James gang. Spread across 10,000 acres of unspoiled Sonoma County wilderness with steep hillsides and rocky, remote terrain, this famous ranch is a sportsman’s paradise! You’ll kick back with your hosts as an expert wild game hunter and ranch caretaker prepares a late afternoon cowboy steak supper.

Then as the sun fades, head out for your big game hunt from a Jeep as you tour this magnificent property with Pacific Ocean views. Your pig will be cleaned and dressed, and cut, so you can enjoy it when you get home.

Plus, learn the art of charcuterie with a hands-on lesson from Italian Michelin Star chef, Stefano Masanti, who will teach you to make sausages, salami, pancetta, coppa and two different types of lardo from a heritage pig from Regusci Winery! And of course, it wouldn’t be a hunting trip without Scotch, cigars, and storytelling around the campfire to round out the day: “You shoulda seen that boar I wrangled bare-handed!” you’ll boast under the sparkling Sonoma stars. Settle in for the night at the rustic Rockpile hunting cabin and doze off reminiscing of days past when life was a little simpler.

Special Forces Day for Two with Gryphon Group Security Solutions

Over the last 14 years, Gryphon Group has trained over 30,000 American Warfighters, Special Operations Personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force & Marine Corps as well as Federal Agents from 12 Federal Agencies in specialized combat training.

Now it is your turn to experience this incredible training experience with a day-long program at Gryphon Group’s Fort Bragg Combat Training Center. The successful bidder can choose from one of two full-day programs: Anti-Terrorism Driver Training or Anti-Terrorism Weapons Training. Participants must be ages 18 & up.  Donated by Gryphon Group Security Solutions.

Game of Thrones

Do you love the Game of Thrones? Do you love fine wine and great food? Have you ever experienced all three together? The lucky winning bidders will have a once in a lifetime experience enjoying dinner with Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin in the elegant home of our board president. Chef Andrew Cooper, of the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado, will be in the kitchen. Some of Napa's greatest wines will partner with the evening's masterful menu.

It’ll be the first George R.R. Martin dinner where everyone lives happily ever after!

San Francisco Giants Gotham Club Dinner, wines, and a game for four with Rich Aurilla and Dan Kosta

Here’s your chance to see behind the scoreboard! Located inside the out-of-town scoreboard, with unique views to the Field and McCovey Cove, this venue features a stunning bar and a private dining area. A private, members-only entrance along The Portwalk grants members direct and easy access to The Clubhouse and inside the ballpark.

Former San Francisco Giant Rich Aurilia and Dan Kosta will host dinner for four guests at the exclusive Gotham Club featuring wines by Kosta Browne and Red Stitch.

After dinner, head down to the ball park and enjoy the game! Includes transportation from Sonoma County to the game.

Mutually agreeable date.

Peanuts Movie Exclusive Two Ways! Private air to Premier in Los Angeles AND private screening in Santa Rosa!

For the first time ever, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the gang we know and love from Charles Schulz’s timeless Peanuts comic strip will be making their big-screen debut like they’ve never been seen before in a CG-animated feature film in 3D.

First, you and three guests will have an exclusive experience at the Peanuts premiere in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 1st. Travel in style on a Cessna Citation jet, and enjoy overnight accommodations, and limo transportation from your hotel to the premier!

Next, you and up to 80 guests will experience a private screening of the Peanuts movie at the Charles M. Schulz Museum! Bring your child’s class or your family and friends for a fun-filled day including the movie, root beer floats, and chocolate chip cookies, followed by a tour of the Schulz Museum.

The Ultimate Buy-a-Seat Dinner - Four Top Chefs and Exquisite Wines

Join your fellow food and wine connoisseurs in this inaugural, once-in-a-lifetime dinner prepared by four San Francisco culinary icons.  With numerous Michelin Stars, James Beard Awards and Relais & Chateau acknowledgements among them, chefs Nancy Oakes, Gary Danko, Tyler Florence, and Yigit Pura will cook together for the first time ever!  This not-to-be missed dining adventure would not be complete without extraordinary wines from California and France.  When the chefs are not preparing this unprecedented collaborative menu for you, they will join you at the table where you can get to know them and hear their fascinating stories.  Enjoy amazing food, spectacular wine, and possibly make some new friends at the same time!

Only 10 seats will be sold in multiples of two to this extraordinary dinner. Bidding will open at $10,000 per couple. 

Wine pairings will include:

• 2006 Roederer Cristal
• Marcassin Three Sisters Vineyard Chardonnay
• 2004 Leflaive Chevalier ‎Montrachet
• 2002 Comte de Vogüé Musigny Vieilles Vignes
• 1986 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
• 1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
• 1997 Chateau Lafite Rothschild 
• 1989 Chateau d’Yquem

If you wish to bid on more than one pair of tickets, indicate how many pairs by holding up that number of fingers