This is my personal invitation for you to be my guest at the Richmond Rotary Holiday Auction on December 8, 2017, 12:00 noon, Richmond Country Club, 1 Markovich Ln, Richmond, CA 94806. If you participate in the auction, I’ll buy you lunch! I will also listen to all your complaints and suggestions about the City of Richmond – a twofer, and I’m paying for it!
Please let me know if you are coming so we can save you a place.
Proceeds from the auction support a wide variety of community and international projects. Click here for a list. The support can take the form of roll-up-your-sleeves-volunteering, financial assistance, or both. Last year we supported over $30,000 of local community projects.
In addition to biddings at the auction, you can also contribute an auction item by clicking on the “Post My Item” button on the Auction Page to send us your item’s description, which we’ll post on this page. Or if you prefer, click the Donate button to make a tax-deductible donation using PayPal or your credit card. Either way, your generosity helps to build a better community.
Donations of auction items continue to come in, but the list includes:
The Bottle of Muscatel
This original retail value of the bottle of Muscatel was around two bucks. But by now it has accrued a fundraising value of over $13,000! Had you bought $2 of stock in Microsoft 30 years ago, you wouldn’t have done so well. Each year a member “invests” in Richmond Rotary’s stock, increasing the bottle’s accrued value and earning the honor of having his or her name memorialized in DynoTape on its package.
But note: you can buy it but cannot—must not—drink it. After purchasing this Holiday Auction tradition, the Bottle of Muscatel waits quietly in your closet, ready to step up to the auction block the following year.
Lunch
Erle and Jonathon once again toss down the gauntlet. Can the Club’s die-hards outlast one another despite the abuse to which they’ve subjected their bodies to over the years? Up to 10 people. Minimum bid $200.
East Brother Lighthouse Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
East Brother Lighthouse, or more accurately a Light Station, is a beautifully restored California Victorian Lighthouse Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Inn perched atop an island in the strait that separates San Francisco and San Pablo Bays.
The lighthouse offers the rare combination of both a “lighthouse dinner, bed & breakfast” and an “island dinner, B&B,” and is a unique California destination.Though only a ten-minute boat ride to the island, the lighthouse inn seems to be a world away from the lights of the nearby cities.Guests will also be treated to a full tour of the island, taking in all of the buildings. They’ll be regaled with the history of the island and its life as a lighthouse up to the present day. Its value is $415. See www.ebls.org for more information.
Doreen’s Cookies
Don’t arrive at your holiday party empty-handed. This perennial favorite, 5-6 dozen scrumptious chocolate chip cookies in a festive wrapping, will delight a crowd of hungry revelers. Can be frozen (the cookies, that is).
Sid’s Eggnog
As usual, the best elixir for loosening the bidding propensities and checkbooks of the annual auction participants. It has earned the title of BEST due to the failure of the competition to even show up !!! As anyone can attest, the beverage is priceless.
Here’s to your Health in 2017
Certificate for 3 month Family Membership (2 adults and children in same household) at the Hilltop Family YMCA. Includes gym bag, water bottles, ear buds, t-shirt, and you are ready to go! $330 value.
This one’s also good for your health!
Erle Brown, ever conscious of the salutary effects of pressed and fermented grapes, offers a magnum of Carmenet 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon. Stored in temperature controlled cellar. A perfect way to kick off the new year with a group of health-conscious friends and family.
$200 Fogo de Chão Gift Certificate
Oscar Garcia invites you to enjoy Fogo de Chão, the premier Brazilian steakhouse in the United States. Choose among a variety of Brazilian cuts of meats, and a traditional assortment of Brazilian food. Great holiday present. Locations include in downtown San Francisco and San Jose.
Catahoula Coffee – Caffeine Delight
Several bags of quality beans roasted to perfection from Catahoula Coffee, located in our favorite scenic coastal hamlet of Richmond Heights. Also included are a potpourri of Catahoula tchotchkes for a totally delectable caffeine experience!
One week stay on the St. Lawrence River in Quebec
Jon Lawlis and Darlene Quenville would like you to go away…to an idyllic farmhouse located one hour west of Montreal, in St. Anicet, Quebec. Note that it is only available in June or September. This beautiful 100+ year old farmhouse is situated on 5 acres with historic 200-year-old barns. Located in St. Anicet, Quebec on Lake St. Francis on the St. Lawrence River. Beautiful views and waterfront access. Great for families. Click here for pictures and full description.
Docent-Led Tour of the Marine Mammal Research Center
Count on Liliane to come up with the most enlightening opportunities in our auction line-up. The Marin Mammal Center is the first and world largest institution of its kind located at the gorgeous Marin Headlands Golden Gate national Recreation Park. Adults and children will enjoy this unparalleled experience. Tour can accommodate up to 12 people.
Guided tour of labs of the US Department of Agriculture
Liliane also provides a chance to get an inside look at the workings of the USDA. In addition to insuring food safety, the USDA conducts research into a wide range of subjects. This guided tour of USDA’s Western Regional Research Center will introduce you to some of these, including production of domestic rubber, biological control of weeds, development of healthier processed foods, and more.
Portrait by artist Alan Blavins
A one-of-a-kind work that you’ll appreciate forever: a framed pencil or oil painted portrait of yourself, your family, or you and your grandchildren. Our resident portraitist, Alan Blavins, will create this work from an emotionally charged photograph (high resolution, please). See examples of Alan’s painting and a pencil drawing made for the family of Rotarian Jim Young, now passed.
Whisky Tasting
Develop discernment in distilled spirits at the 10th annual Richmond Rotary Whisky Tasting! Next year we will learn all about Rye and, of course, taste six varieties of fine Rye Whiskies. As always, the whisky is accompanied by fine food for both the winning bidders and their designated drivers. Good for up to twelve tasters.
Richmond Police Department vehicle replicas, circa 1923
From the vault of Joe Bagley, we are pleased to present two Richmond Police Department truck and car coin banks, in 1/25 scale replicas, circa 1923. If you’re a collector of Richmond memorabilia, don’t pass up this one.
South Lake Tahoe House
Henry Moe offers this rustic, cozy and family-friendly South Lake Tahoe home, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fireplace and a deck. Sleeps 6 comfortably. Fully stocked kitchen, TV’s, wifi and propane BBQ on the deck. 5 minutes to the Lake, 10 minutes to Heavenly Valley Ski Resort and 15 minutes to stateline, casinos, gondolas and Heavenly Village Shopping Center.
Beautiful Home in a Gated Community In Guadalajara
James Lee offers a gorgeous, modern 4,000 sq. ft. home with a built in BBQ garden roof. Two nights and three days, 4 beds, 4 baths. The gated community has a full amenities such as full size pool, two grass tennis courts, full basketball court, soccer field, gym, game room, and skateboard ramp. Only 10 miles to downtown Guadalajara, Mexico
Beautiful Christmas Basket
Darlene Quenville offers a beautiful large Christmas Basket stuffed with chocolates, ornaments, and other goodies.
McDonald’s Gift Certificates
Expecting a crowd to watch the football game? Got a house-full of grand kids that need lunch and you’re in no mood to cook? Well, have it your way: gift certificates to McDonald’s. Stoney once again offers sack-fulls of the All-American fast food.
Richmond Art Center class
Here’s a great opportunity to unlock your creative capacities.The Richmond Art Center has donated a 9-week art class. Visit the RAC’s website to see the wide range of classes offered. Thanks, Ric.
An introduction to painting
Join fellow Rotarians on a Saturday morning painting event where you will learn the proper techniques for painting still life in color. Ric Ambrose will teach the class, and Connie Tritt will supply breakfast treats and mimosas.
Hike on Mt. Tamalpais
Enjoy the beauty of Mt. Tamalpais and it’s views of the Bay and surrounding counties with friends as you hike along the mountainside. Stop for lunch along the way as your tour guide points out flora and fauna. She will also review the history of the mountain and the trails we will be walking.
Foursome at Berkeley Country Club
It was formerly known as the Mira Vista Country Club, but regardless of what you call it, this course remains one of the most scenic in the Bay Area. Treat your friends or relatives to a memorable day on the greens. Alan Blavins, who generously donated this gift, requests that you observe proper golf attire, as shown on right.
Flight 1967, departing from Richmond
Join us in a celebration of California’s legalization of marijuana, beginning in January 2018! We invite you to a high altitude 1960’s Party, with appropriate enhancements provided. Transportation by the Jefferson Airplane, Pink Floyd, and (assuming an uneventful landing) the Grateful Dead.
Captain Nick promises the No Smoking sign will not be lit during the journey. In-flight hot meals, plus M&M’s and Snickers. Entertainment supplied by you in the form of a few choice 35mm slides, a picture of yourself in the late 60s, a cherished LP, or a good story from the era. Finally a word on passenger safety: Consider attending with a designated driver or arranging for a Lyft for safe passage to your final destination. Maximum 8.
A hands-on introduction to firearms
Ever wonder how it feels to shoot a gun? Curious about the difference between a revolver and a pistol? Then this experience is for you. We will spend an hour reviewing terms, handling, inspection, loading and unloading, and the basic of shooting: sight picture, squeeze trigger, stance and breathing.
We will then proceed to the Richmond Rod & Gun Club’s 25 yard range. There you will have the opportunity to shoot a variety of handguns. They include a 2 different semi-automatic pistols, a 10/22 rifle, and 2 different revolvers. This item includes range fees, eye and ear protection, targets and all ammunition. Last year we started at 9 AM and ended at 12:30 PM.
Note: persons convicted of any felony, certain misdemeanors or subject to a restraining order are NOT eligible to participate as it is a criminal offense for any such person to handle a firearm.
Bayside BBQ
Join us for our annual BBQ by the bay with drinks, amazing views, and good company. It will take place on a Saturday or Sunday in the late afternoon.
Case of wine
Dan Tanita has donated a case of Duoro, a quality red wine from Portugal. Wine Spectator has rated Duoro with 90 points. Retail value, $200.00.
Tour of Richmond Refinery & Lunch
Paricia Canessa invites you to an exclusive, private, vehicle tour of Chevron’s Richmond Refinery. Learn about how the refinery played a critical role in the U.S. economy during World War II and continues to have an impact. Tour must be scheduled on a Friday and subject to operation schedule. Up to 5 people.
San Francisco Symphony Tickets
Stacey has donated 2 tickets to see Emmanuel Ax perform with San Francisco Symphony on Friday, January 12, at 8 PM at Davies Symphony Hall. The program: Beethoven’s Leonore Overture, Mozart Piano Concerto No. 14, the Schoenberg Piano Concerto, and Richard Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks. More information.
Fleet Week Sail
Shana and Mark Howe invite you to watch the Fleet Week air show from the water on our sail boat, lunch and drinks provided. Past acts include the Blue Angels, trickster bi-planes, parachuters, and big jets. Although not confirmed, the likely date is Saturday, October 6, 2018 (the only Saturday of Fleet Week) from 11-3 (tide depending). Limited to 8 guests.
Vacation stay in Manzanillo, Mexico
Enjoy a fun-filled week at Jerry Feagleys private condo in Manzaniillo, Mexico, near the famed Las Hadas Hotel, where the movie 10 was filmed.
Vintage wines from Viansa Winery, Sonoma County in wicker case
Jim Findley looked way deep into his closet and found 3 enticing wines: Piccolo Viansa 1999 vintage, a California Sangiovese; a 1999 vintage Prindelo; and a 1990 vintage Athena. These are all 750ml bottles.
Enjoy the beauty of the Mendocino Coast
Listen to the sounds of the crashing surf and the barking sea lions. This is what you’ll experience at the “Ocean House” situated on the Mendocino coast. Mike Winter’s vacation home has 3 bedrooms and 2 plus baths. It can accommodate 6 people. New kitchen, built-in BBQ, fireplaces, entertainment center, bar, and enclosed garage. Internet and cell service available. Wow.
Couch Potato Special
Couch potato special: Last year it was baseball, this year it’s basketball! Jan and Byron Brown invite you to get off your couch and come sit on theirs! We will be serving Firehouse Texas Chili, beer or wine, and a Golden State Warrior Game on the tube. Good for 8 people.
International holiday basket
Mey Saechao has assembled an exceptional holiday basket that includes three bottles of wine (Italy, France, Australia) and yummy treats from Peru, Japan, Holland, Morocco, England, and Brazil. Your tummy will be happy and pleased!
Firehouse dinner
Here’s a hot ticket. Again this year, Pam Jones has arranged a dinner at a Richmond firehouse for 20 people at $100 per person. The fire chief and his crew will be cooking.
Epic Pub Crawl
This year, past-president Josh Surowitz continues the Richmond Rotary tradition by offering the legendary Pub Crawl. We’ll meet at the Albany/Solano Avenue area and stroll from classic bar to bar. Josh will buy the first drink at each local spot and some food along the way. At the end of the evening, we’ll make sure you get a ride home if needed! Not to be missed!
Alignment for one vehicle
Gonzalo Ochoa offers this critical automobile service, valued at $300 to $350, depending on the make of the car. It’s a smart way to roll into the new year.
Two cases of Teaderman Wine
A welcome gift from the famed Teaderman Family Vineyard. Stan offers a case of Cabernet and a case of Sauvignon Blanc. These are excellent wines.
Specific Richmond Rotary donations from last year shown below:
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