Our biggest, funnest fundraiser of the year, the Annual Holiday Auction, is this Friday. Here’s what you need to know.

Come early
The Auction kicks off at noon sharp on Friday. But if you show up at 12 you’ll miss a chance to schmooze with pals, grab seats of your choice, enjoy libations and generally add to the festive ambience. So if you can, please plan to show up by about 11:40 or sooner.

Bring a generous heart—and friends with same
Last year our club gave over $67,000 to local community organizations. That money has made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of Richmond residents—babies, young families, students, seniors. (Check this out.) Making that kind of impact depends on all of us. It depends on you.

Haven’t donated yet?
There’s still a small handful of you who haven’t pitched in yet. (See sidebar here.) Please do it now.
Click either the “Post my item” button near the top of the Auction page, or to make a monetary contribution, the “Donate” button. You can also send Stacey an e-mail describing your gift.

Got a Live Auction item?
Have you planned a unique social experience for the Auction? Great! To help our team effectively present it in the Live Auction, please send an email to Stacey today with a brief description.

That’s it! See you Friday.



Holiday Gift Shopping That Benefits Your Community
Richmond Country Club
1 Markovich Ln, Richmond
Festivities start promptly at 12 noon

You make the difference! Your contributions to our Holiday Auction raise the money we donate to local schools and community organizations (Which? See sidebar on Projects page). So join the band: come to the Auction, invite guests, and of course, bid on some of the fun and sometimes even useful items listed below. Check back to watch the list grow day by day.

We know that every Richmond Rotarian will want to pitch in. Please click the Post my Item button 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. We request a donation of $100 or more. Either way, your generosity helps to build a better community.

The Bottle of Muscatel

Once upon a time the retail value of a bottle of Gallo Muscatel was around two dollars. But today “The Bottle” has accrued a fundraising value of approximately $13,800! The concept is as simple as it is beguiling: each year a Rotarian invests in the venerable object, increasing its total generated value and earning the high honor of having his or her name memorialized in Dymo tape on the bottle.
The Sister Bottle
In contrast to The Bottle of Muscatel, The Sister Bottle—this year, Turkish brandy—is meant to be enjoyed socially by those discerning persons who possess it. Each person who contributes to its purchase earns the high standing that comes with having their name embossed (yes, Dymo tape) on the outer box. If that is not one form of immortality, the word has no meaning.
Contractors’ 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. They can be frozen (the cookies, that is).

Instant A’s Fan Kit
Josh G makes it easy to root for your team with an Oakland A’s tote bag full of A’s paraphernalia, including two bobbleheads, a blanket, a cap, a rally towel and a flag.
Still Hungry?

Sticking to the healthy foods theme, Stoney has come through again with a welcome gift of a McDonald’s gift certificate. A $50 certificate feeds a lot of guests when you’re not into cooking.
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 2018
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.

Wine’s healthy too, right?
Especially if it’s prescribed by a doctor. Dr. Dan Tanita is offering a case of fine wine to our auction. What kind? You’ll have to come to find out.


A Mediterranean vacation
Sid and Delpha Chauvin invite you to think big and exotic: 8 days and 7 nights on the isle of Crete. For your consideration, a 1 bedroom condo (sleeps 4) from May 18 to May 25, 2019. This includes lodging only, you must include your own transportion. For more information, visit Creta Blue Suites. No travel visa required, only passport.


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.


Tickets to an Oakland A’s Skybox party
Simon Ellis offers 3 pairs of tickets to an A’s game Skybox party, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Sept 22, 2019, 1PM. This includes hosted food and beverages. It’s the last home game of the season between the Texas Rangers and the A’s. The game is a ways off so this will either be a very import one or meaningless, but it will be a great party regardless.


Classic buffet dining at Lefty’s, San FranciscoEdgar DeLeon offers a major league gift you can share with your 20 best friends: $400 in gift certificate for 20 complimentary dinners at Lefty’s Ball Park Buffet and Cafe, 145 Jefferson St., San Francisco. Let’s party!


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 late Rotarian Jim Young.

Ride Along with Richmond Police Department
Proceeds from this gift specifically support the Richmond Fire and Police Holiday Program. The Police Department provides the food for the families and the Fire Department provides the toys and bikes for the program.

A case of Teaderman wine
Rotarian Stan Teaderman makes some of the best wine in Sonoma County. Stan has once again donated a case of his fine product. Great holiday gift!

Irish Whisky Tasting
Josh Genser turns the spotlight on Irish Whisky for the 11th annual Richmond Rotary Whisky Tasting event. You will learn about the distilleries of the Emerald Isle and the methods that make their products among the finest in the world. As always, the whisky is accompanied by fine food for both the winning bidders and their designated drivers. Good for up to twelve tasters.


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 Guadalajara
James Lee offers a gorgeous, modern 4,000 sq. ft. home with a built in BBQ garden roof. Seven 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


Hike around Angel Island
Connie Tritt invites Rotarians to join her and a guide for a hike around Angel Island. You’ll learn about the history of Angel Island, from its earliest inhabitants, the Coast Miwok, up to the 20th century, when immigrants were housed at the Station before being sent to facilities on the mainland—all the while enjoying fantastic views of the San Francisco Bay.


Foursome at Richmond Country Club
A foursome at one of the most beautiful courses in the Bay Area, donated by the Richmond Country Club. Stacey Street, who requested the donation from the RCC, asks that you observe the dress code shown on right.

Foursome at Berkeley Country Club
Formerly known as the Mira Vista Country Club, this course remains one of the most scenic in the Bay Area regardless of its name. Treat your friends or relatives to a memorable day on the greens. Thank you Alan Blavins for this generous donation.


Enjoy a lunch or brunch at Point San Pablo Harbor
PSPHarbor offers a delightful lunch or brunch for 4, a $150 value, which includes an adult beverage for each. The newly restored Nobilis Restaurant overlooks this historic harbor north of Point Molate.


Sabor a la Calle 23
Merchants on 23rd Street have pitched in with some practical and tasty gift certificates to Portumex Restaurant, Bob’s Cleaners, and Arte de Mexico. Darlene Drapkin has made the revitalization of 23rd Street, a project called Calle 23, a major focus. Let’s support those merchants as they support us.


Developing the best version of yourself
Enjoy a one-on-one coaching session with Kit Pappenheimer, founder of Leadership in Motion Coaching. Kit infuses mindful movement practices into leadership training, private coaching, and team building.


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.


Richmond Art Center class
Here’s a great opportunity to unlock your creative capacities. Rick Ambrose, the director of the Richmond Art Center has donated a Family Membership. To learn more about the Richmond Art Center and what membership gives you, please visit the RAC website. Value $150.Private drawing instruction
In addition to the Family Membership, Ric is also offering a 3-hour drawing lesson and critique. Value, priceless.


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’ll begin by reviewing terms, handling, inspection, and the basic of shooting. We’ll then go to the Richmond Rod & Gun Club, where you’ll have the opportunity to shoot a variety of handguns. Range fees, eye and ear protection, targets and ammunition all included.
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.


Firehouse Dinner
Raise funds to “Buy a Kid a Bike” while enjoying dinner and an evening with Richmond firefighters. Meet at the firehouse for dinner and take a ride in a fire vehicle. Oh, and while you’re there, beware of crazed-looking women wielding fire axes. Safety first.

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Check out Ahn’s Vietnamese Kitchen in Marina Bay
The Anh Vietnamese Kitchen’s menu includes signature items such as Anh’s fish cakes, pho, red rice, shaking beef, shrimp and pork spring rolls with peanut sauce, lemongrass chicken and Bun Cha Gio. Website. Enjoy the fresh air on the patio and some spectacular bay views from anywhere in the restaurant. Enjoy football and basketball in the little area we call “court side”. Visit Anh’s on the web.


Scotch and curry dinner
Pamela Jones and Neville Guard invite you to enjoy a relaxing evening of Indian curries and exotic Scotch and Whiskey. Dinner for 8.


Past-President dinner by Joshua Surowitz with Beef Bourguignon & fine wines
Come enjoy views of the beautiful Carquinez Strait at Maison de Surowitz in Crockett. The four course dinner includes Beef Bourguignon, accoutrements, sweets, and a fine assortment of European wines. Limited to 6.

A
date with CalPerformances
Crossing boundaries of time and space, the arts immerse us in the richness of human experience. Nowhere are world-class arts on display with more vitality and passion than at Cal Performances—music, dance, theater, and more. Nick Despota offers a gift certificate, good for 2 orchestra level seats, for any event in Cal Performances 2018-19 season.


Wine-tasting for 6 at Riggers Loft
Enjoy a wine tasting for 6 at R&B Cellars winery and tasting room, Riggers Loft Wine Company, with winemakers Kevin and Barbara Brown. Taste 5 extraordinary wines accompanied by a gorgeous cheese plate and soak up spectacular views of San Francisco Bay! After your tasting, take a tour of the winery and learn some WWII history as you tour the building. Then experience history-in-the-making with sneak previews and tastings from select R&B Cellars barrels.


Bottle of Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia
Enjoy a bottle of Jose Cuervo Reserva de La Familia, a bottle from the Cuervo family’s private reserve. Each bottle is hand numbered, dated and sealed in wax. The packaging itself is a collectible piece of art, considering that a different Mexican artist is commissioned each year to design it. Enjoy this one of a kind bottle that only recently began to be sold in the US.


Fleet Week Sail
Mark Howe invites 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.


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, with a spa on the deck overlooking the ocean. New kitchen, built-in BBQ, fireplaces, entertainment center, bar, and enclosed garage. Internet and cell service. For up to 6 people.


Movie Studio Tour and Photo Shoot
Eight guests can enjoy a unique experience – a movie studio tour with a viewing and talk by renowned film director Rob Nilsson, along with a professional photo shoot at Meets the Eye Studio in San Carlos. Lunch including wine and other beverages is included.


Get serious about dessert
Jim Findley’s gift can’t miss: $100 worth of Fenton’s Creamery gift certificates: 10 certificates at $10 each.


To everything there is a season
Want to live in a greener and more beautiful world? You can start right in your own backyard with this donation from Jan Brown: four $25 gift certificates to Annie’s Annual—that’s a new selection of plants for every season.