Live Auction

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Dine to Make a Difference

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A dining experience where great minds and great food combine for a great cause…Children's Cancer Research Fund! On Saturday, August 25, 2012, enjoy an intimate summer evening of wine, hors d'oeuvres and a chef-inspired multiple-course meal from Cosmos in the private setting of an elegant lakeside home on Lake Minnetonka.

The dinner will celebrate the University of Minnesota's rich research history and honor special guest Dr. John Wagner, M.D., Children's Cancer Research Fund's chief medical advisor, director, division of pediatric blood and marrow transplantation and director, molecular and cellular therapeutics. Dr. Wagner, who travels the world to support patients and his team's research, will personally share stories of pediatric cancer research developments and answer questions from attendees throughout the evening. The dinner is for ten guests and is graciously hosted and donated by Nancy and John Lindahl, Cosmos Restaurant and Graves Hospitality with special guests Dr. John and Lisa Wagner.

Donated by: Cosmos Restaurant, Graves Hospitality, John & Nancy Lindahl, and Dr. John & Lisa Wagner
Value: PRICELESS

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February Fashion Week in New York City

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This trip is all about style! You and a friend will fly first-class to New York City, where you will enjoy an exclusive opportunity to preview fall/winter 2012 designer collections from famous designers like Badgley Mischka, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan and many more. From the private American Express Skybox at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, join an elite crowd of industry professionals, and American Express cardmembers, on Saturday, February 11, 2012, for New York City's biggest fashion extravaganza! The winning bidder will preview two runway shows and this VIP package also includes food, beverage, and a special gift.

That's not all! Before the show, boost your style by pampering yourself at the fabulous Francky L'Official Salon on Madison Avenue with a haircut and style with Pepe Kerastas. You will also receive a treatment and manicure. Then walk along Madison Avenue and enjoy a makeup lesson at the renowned Kimara Ahert make-up and skincare studio. For some extra fun, you will also enjoy a taping (for up to four guests) of with priority seating at "Anderson", Anderson Cooper's recently launched popular talk show.

While living it up in the fashion week scene, rest and relax in style as you enjoy your two-night stay at the legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel on fabled Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. This luxury hotel combines art deco splendor with the latest technologies and modern amenities. If you would like to enjoy more of the elegance of this New York landmark, you can extend your stay at a special rate.

Donated by: American Express, The Anderson Team, Debbie & Bryon Bequette, Delta Airlines, Francky L'Official and Kimara Ahnert
Value: INVALUABLE

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CHEERS! Experience Exclusive Napa Valley Vineyards

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What do Shakespeare, Spring Mountain, an eighth generation winemaker, and beautiful caves have in common? They represent four of the most beautiful and distinct private vineyards in Napa Valley, California. Delectus, Realm Cellars, Sherwin Family and Saracina Wineries produce some of the most awarded and popular wines in the world. Two guests will fly first-class and enjoy unique experiences with the best that California wine country has to offer.

First up, you will visit the stunning Saracina Vineyards. Enjoy a winery and vineyard tour followed by barrel tasting in the wine caves with famous Proprietor John Fetzer. At age 16, Fetzer presided as family winemaker and led the industry in organic farming and ecological business. You will also be guests at a welcome luncheon on the Vineyard property with proprietors Fetzer his wife, Patty Rock, and winemaker Alex MacGregor.

This visit also includes accommodations for two nights in the Tuscan-inspired Saracina cottage, nestled on a hillside in gorgeous Mendocino County, now designated "America's Greenest Wine Region".

After two refreshing days at Saracina, you and your guest will enjoy a wonderful two-night stay in one of the MacArthur Place's individually appointed designer suites. During your stay, you will enjoy complimentary continental breakfast buffet and an evening wine and cheese reception. Wake up the next day and head out for your private tour of the Delectus Winery with proprietors/winemakers Linda & Gerhard Reisacher.

Next, stop by Realm Cellars for a delicious dinner and beautiful view at the proprietor's home in Calistoga. Realm Cellars has a mission of producing handcrafted Bordeaux varietals in limited quantities from the finest fruit sources in Napa Valley.

Finally, bring your taste of the wine country to an end in Napa Valley with a two-night stay (Sunday-Thursday) at Embassy Suites. Embassy Suites- Napa Valley is located in the heart of Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, conveniently located near historic downtown Napa.

Donated by: France 44 Wine & Spirits, Delectus Winery-Linda & Gerhard Reisacher, Delta Airlines, Embassy Suites Napa, MacArthur Place and Saracina Vineyards - John Fetzer & Patty Rock.
Value: PRICELESS

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Great Barrier Reef Cruise

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Enjoy a six-day cruise departing March 3 or November 15, 2012 to explore Australia's Great Barrier Reef on board the exclusive 100-passenger ship, Orion. During your experience you will have access to the most beautiful areas of this World Heritage site where you will snorkel and swim over pristine and seldom-visited sections of the world's largest ecological structure, alive with corals and teeming with over 1,500 species of fish.

Enjoy complimentary access to many of the facilities offered by five-star Hayman Island – Australia's most celebrated private island destination--including access to the snorkeling heaven, Hardy Reef. Walking trails guide you through the lush rainforest of the National Park all the way to the top of Mt. Kootaloo. You will sail on to Percy Island to enjoy kayaking in this idyllic setting while the crew prepares a fresh seafood beach barbecue.

Aboard the Orion, you will enjoy the beautiful ocean view in your Balcony Suite and the services of 75 experienced crew and 24-hour room service. Also included in your cruise are onboard meals, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programs, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities.

Donated by: Travel Beyond and Orion Expedition Cruises
Value: $10,590

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2012 Summer Olympics in London

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You and a guest won't want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to attend an event so many dream to see, the Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies! Tickets to this sold-out event are extremely difficult to get.

The eyes of the world will be on London on July 27, 2012 for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games. And you could be there!

You won't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend an event that most people only dream to see—the opening ceremonies of the Olympics! An estimated one billion people will watch this televised event, but you and a guest can enjoy the visually stunning and triumphantly powerful Opening Ceremonies IN PERSON! Take your pick of other events that you have always wanted to see too -swimming, equestrian, track and field or gymnastics. -- as you will also receive a $3,000 stipend to purchase any extra tickets of your choice!

You will fly first-class to London and enjoy seven nights at London's exclusive Blakes Hotel-designed by Lady Weinberg, Ms. Anouska Hempel herself! This hotel has been raved about by countless celebrities as an icon in the London "scene" and is known to be the world's first luxury boutique hotel. Based in South Kensington, it is famous for its design, service and privacy. The bar is also hugely popular with London's fashionable 'it' crowd who regularly pop in for a sharpener! With top class concierge and room service running day and night, your every last wish is their command.

Donated by: Delta Air Lines, Visa and Ms. Berbel Abela & family.
Value: PRICELESS

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Notre Dame Game on a Private Jet

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Having dreams is what makes life tolerable, or so Rudy of Notre Dame fame says. Fulfill your lifelong dream of watching the legendary Fighting Irish take on the Stanford Cardinal on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Notre Dame Stadium.

Tailgate with other Golden Domer fans and enjoy the famous view of "Touchdown Jesus" as you cheer the Fighting Irish to victory from your premier seats on the 30-yard line from the fifth row!

You and three guests will enjoy a relaxing flight to South Bend, IN via private jet to the game and then join in the crowd camaraderie and festivities before you fly home that evening.

Donated by: ANONYMOUS
Value: $15,000

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CRAVE America - Pick Your Party at CRAVE!

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Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience for you and up to 29 guests on the CRAVE rooftop in downtown Minneapolis with appetizers and cocktails OR arrange for a small intimate dinner party for 8-10 in CRAVE's exclusive private dining room at LaSalle Plaza.

The rooftop party includes a chef selection of CRAVE's favorite menu items, open bar (up to 3 hours), and a reserved private space for your party with breathtaking views of downtown Minneapolis and the stylish crowd at CRAVE.

OR

The dinner party includes a customized menu by CRAVE's executive chefs along with wine pairings selected by CRAVE sommelier Timothy Edmunds and hosted in the exclusive private dining room at LaSalle Plaza in downtown Minneapolis.

(NOTE: The value of the rooftop party is $3,000, which includes $1,500 worth of cuisine and $1,500 worth of open bar and reserved lounge seating on the rooftop patio. The value of the dinner party is $3,000 which includes chef consultation, private dining room buy out, wine pairings, dedicated service staff, and food.)

Donated by: CRAVE
Value: $3,000

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2012 NFL Pro Bowl

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You and your guest and will visit the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii on Friday January 27, 2012 to attend the NFL Pro Bowl and enjoy three nights accommodations at a Waikiki Beach Hotel.

To get you pumped up for the game, you and your guest will be able to attend The Official NFL Pro Bowl Tailgate Party which includes an interactive journey through the past decades of the NFL. This exclusive party will highlight the food, sounds and iconic pop culture items that make each decade famous. The party includes seasonal food stations, beer, wine, soft drinks and live entertainment, and you will enjoy appearances by NFL players, Pro Bowl cheerleaders and NFL mascots as well as a special commemorative gift! The annual contest of the AFC and NFC's best will take place Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at Aloha Stadium. So grab your favorite football fan and bid because you won't want to miss this fun and exciting event!

Donated by: Visa, Inc.
Value: $3,500

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Minnesota Twins Spring Training

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Let's turn our hats and rally toward 2012! Your group of four will fly to Fort Myers, Florida and watch as the Twins begin their comeback season with four tickets to a spring training game on a date that will be determined with the winner. At the game, someone in your party will have the opportunity to throw the first pitch! Stay in nearby Naples for six nights and seven days in a two-bedroom suite at the beautiful Bellasera Hotel. Your suite has a full kitchen and dining room, two bathrooms and a laundry room. Bellasera is located at the gateway to 5th Avenue South, where Naples' tropical elegance, charm, and historical beauty are at their finest. The fun continues when the Twins season begins back here in Minneapolis, where you can remember your spring training experience by throwing a first pitch on the home field, on a date to be arranged with the winner!

Donated by: Steve & Teri Bennett, Cambria, Sun Country Airlines, Minnesota Twins
Value: PRICELESS

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US Open Golf in San Francisco

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Since 1895, the US Open has identified the best golfers through a rigorous physical and mental examination on some of the game's most challenging venues. As a continuation of this tradition, The Olympic Club in San Francisco will be hosting the 2012 US Open from June 11-17, 2012. Win this package and fly to San Francisco over Father's Day weekend to one of the most historic golf courses in the country, watching one of golf's premier events that bring together the best in the game. You will receive a pair of tickets to the practice rounds (Monday-Wednesday) and to the coveted Championship rounds (Thursday-Sunday). Along with this package, enjoy four nights in the Downtown San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel, located 20-30 minutes from The Olympic Club and just steps from the Moscone Center, Union Square and other top Bay Area attractions.

Donated by: Alan Onstad, Delta Air Lines and Downtown San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Value: $3,100