Dinner in the Dark 2018 Live Auction
Dinner in the Dark‘s live auction is like no other! With charming master auctioneer Mike O’Farrell to guide you, our committee has gathered amazing experiences, travel, and more! Get your bidding arm in shape!
FROM KIM’S KITCHEN TO YOURS!
What’s better than receiving a little piece of Southern California on your doorstep once a month for a whole year? Kim’s creations have won multiple awards and each month she will send you a package valued between $35 and $45 of seasonal jams and treats that will have you waiting by the mailbox. From homemade blueberry or cherry jams to Cherry Garcia cookies and more, this is a gift that keeps on giving, all year long!
Details: Kim will mail a package to you anywhere in the continental U.S. One package per month, for 12 months. Pick up the first month’s gift tonight, or let us know and we will mail it to you.
Value: $500
Donors: Kim Christiansen
MORE MYSTIC MARRIOTT: DINNER, OVERNIGHT STAY AND THE RED DOOR
EXPERIENCE FOR TWO
Come back another night to enjoy dinner at the award-winning Octagon restaurant along with an overnight stay and a little pampering for you both at The Red Door Salon & Spa.
Details: Reservations are required by calling 860-326-0320. Non-transferable and non-extend able. Not valid for cash. Dinner not to exceed $200 value. Gratuity not included. May be redeemed Sunday through Friday nights, based on availability. Certain restrictions and additional blackout dates may apply. Must present certificate upon arrival.
Value: $550
Donor: Mystic Marriott, Octagon Restaurant, Red Door Spa
CRUISIN’ ON MAMIE, OUR FAVORITE LOBSTER YACHT
Your private cruise on board Mamie begins from the dock at scenic Mystic Seaport Museum. From there, the boat cruises down river to Noank and Fishers Island Sound. Once in the Sound, why not have a picnic lunch anchored off a secluded beach followed by a swim? Or, you could tie up alongside a restaurant and get a traditional New England lobster lunch followed by shoreside explorations. You choose the adventure.
The cruise is available to a group of six or fewer guests, and you get the whole boat to yourself for four hours. BYOB food and drink is encouraged! The boat provides a cooler with ice and water to keep drinks and food cold. They also have all the eating and drinking utensils you may need including bottle openers and wine coolers. Mamie has a below-deck area that includes a head (bathroom).
Details: Charters available June 1, 2019, through Columbus Day 2019 and may be booked directly with Mystic Seaport Museum. Dates and times based on availability.
Value: $600
Donor: Mystic Seaport Museum
“TEARDROP” BY JEFFREY P’AN
Bring home a little bit of Mystic and a little bit of Murano with this beautiful original piece created by American glass artist Jeffrey P’an. This 11-inch tall purple teardrop was created in 2018. The teardrop was created using a combination of traditional glassblowing techniques combined with Jeffrey’s modern twist. Jeffrey P’an studied in Murano, Italy, and founded Prescient Studios in 1994 upon his return to Mystic. Today, Jeffrey’s work can be found in all corners of the world, and Studio Jeffrey P’an is a design house, artist’s workshop, and factory in the tradition of the factories of Murano.
In addition to Jeffrey’s one-of-a-kind sculptural work, all manner of glass-related work is performed—from jewelry making, to cut crystal, to glassware and repairs of historical pieces by an expanded team of apprentices and specialists. The winner may take home this gift tonight, or Studio Jeffrey P’an will ship this piece free of charge to your home.
Value: $650
Donor: Jeffrey P’an
DIRECT FROM MIKE’S WINE CELLAR
Look what we took from Mike’s wine collection! Valued at more than $1,000, this package includes:
- 2012 Caymus Vineyards 40th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon ($240)
- 2009 Louis Roederer “Cristal” Brut Champagne ($200)
- 2012 La Castellana Super Tuscan Blend ($125)
- 2013 Williams Selyem “Bucher Vineyard” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($100)
- 2009 VinRoc Napa Valley Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon ($90)
- 2010 Clos de L’Oratoire Saint – Emillion Grand Cru Classe ($75)
- 2003 Chateau Raymond – La Fon Sauternes ($65)
- 2012 Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($55)
- Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne ($42)
- 2004 Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja ($40)
- 2007 La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva Rioja ($30)
- 2011 Portia Ribera del duero Crianza Tempranillo ($28)
- 2013 Bourgone Passetoutgrain Cuvee Desite Burgundy ($18)
Details: Dirty old wheelbarrow and flashing police light not included.
Value: $1,100
Donor: Michael Mondello – Former SSH Director
SIMPLY MAJESTIC PRESENTS
This exquisite three-piece set from Simply Majestic’s Classic Designer series includes a sterling silver double circle pendant, matching hoop earrings and a cuff bracelet. The pieces are a woven style with simulated diamonds.
Details: This gift is donated exclusively to Sofia Sees Hope and no cash, credit or exchanges are permitted in the store.
Value: $1,100
Donor: Simply Majestic
MIXOLOGY WITH A MASTER
Party for six people
A unique educational opportunity to warm you this winter! Two-time James Beard Award winner and Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, also known as King Cocktail, will come to your home and teach a party of six how to mix the perfect punch,eggnog, and a winter cocktail. Includes one of Dale’s books on mixology and a bottle of his aromatic bitters made in France. Dale is a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from Food & Beverage magazine and the Founding President of the Museum of the American Cocktail. He is credited with re-inventing the bartending profession, setting off a cocktail revival that continues to flourish.
Details: Winner is responsible for purchasing liquor and providing food for guests. Mixology party dates are subject to availability between January 1, 2019, and December 1, 2019, and must be mutually agreed upon and confirmed at least six weeks in advance. Dale will travel just about anywhere in the world, but the winner is responsible for Dale’s travel and lodging expense beyond a 50-mile radius of the Mystic Marriott or Nassau, Long Island.
Value: $3000
Donor: Dale DeGroff, King of Cocktail
ESCAPE TO ANTIGUA
Seven nights for up to four people
Enjoy this getaway to Antigua in the British Virgin Islands, where crystal waters lap more than 360 white sand beaches and ocean breezes carry the scent of jasmine and hibiscus. This getaway is for up to four people in a beautifully decorated two-level waterfront villetta in Jolly Harbor. It’s an easy stroll from your home for the week to all the exceptional restaurants, nightlife, beaches, weekly sailing regattas and access to land and water sports.
The villetta is newly renovated and features two bedrooms, 1.5 baths, open floor plan on the main level with a fully equipped kitchen, and a large terra cotta patio overlooking the water and boat docks. Perfect for outdoor dining and watching the sunset.
Details: There is no expiration date on this gift and the winner may postpone travel until any year in the future. No blackout dates. Dates are based on availability.
Value: $2,400
Minimum bid: $2,000
PARK CITY, UTAH IN SNOW OR SUN (OR BOTH!)
Seven nights for up to seven guests
Park City lies east of Salt Lake City in Utah. Framed by the craggy Wasatch Range, it’s bordered by the Deer Valley Resort and the huge Park City Mountain Resort, both renowned for incredible skiing.
Stay in Park City Parks Edge, a new luxury three-bedroom, three-bath condo that sleeps up to seven guests! This 1,671-square-foot property features a top-floor large master bedroom suite with a king bed, a large private bathroom with stone shower, soaking tub, and dual vanities. It offers great mountain views and private decks overlooking the mountains and surrounding open space. Across the road is the community clubhouse with pool table, full kitchen for entertaining, a large outdoor hot tub, a community pool, a well-equipped workout room. It’s an easy drive to ski, hike, mountain bike, or stroll the historic downtown for shopping and dining!
Details: This is for a seven-day rental from Saturday to Saturday. The owner is flexible if other days are required. Blackout dates include December 24 to January 1. Expires June 1, 2020.
Value: $2,000 to $3,000+ based on season
Minimum bid: $2,000
CARIBBEAN VILLA IN MONTSERRAT
Seven nights for six guests
Montserrat is a small, tranquil island described as the “best-kept secret of the Caribbean.” Unwind in a villa with three king-sized bedrooms, a private outdoor pool, outdoor terrace with dining area overlooking the ocean. Located in Salem, Montserrat, the area is known for its black sand beaches, coral reefs, cliffs, and shoreline caves to explore. For the more adventurous, visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, schedule a guide (we recommend “Sunny”) to visit the restricted side of the island, or hike up into the mountains. For lunch, ask John for the best roti on the island—tell him Laura sent you. In town, you can enjoy local bars and restaurants, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, motor boats, and shopping.
Details: This package includes a seven-night, eight-day stay. Dates are subject to availability. Blackout dates include Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holiday weeks. Travel must be booked within 12 months and traveled within 24 months.
Value: $4,300
Minimum bid: $3,500
UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN
Seven nights for four guests
Situated at the top of two ancient Tuscan hills are the Etruscan towns of Pitigliano and Manciano, both with breathtaking views in all directions. This package includes seven nights of accommodations for four people in Manciano or Pitigliano, Italy, located 1.5 hours north of Rome on the southern edge of Tuscany. You may choose from among more than six different villas. Wondering how much fun this is or need pointers on the area? Ask any of the four couples who won this before and gave rave reviews!
Details: There is no expiration date on this gift and the winner may postpone travel until any year in the future. No blackout dates. Dates are based on availability.
Value: $4,550
Minimum bid: $2,500