Live Auction Items
Bottle of Muscatel 50th Anniversary
In 1976, at his first Rotary Auction, Erle Brown donated a bottle in a paper bag. Not knowing what was in the bag, Hank Covell bid $10. Everyone had a good laugh that Hank spent $10 for a $2 bottle of Gallo Muscatel. Hank decided to bring it back the next year and resell it… Each year, the winning bidder places their name on the bottle and it is auctioned off again, Fifty years later that bottle of Muscatel by conservative estimates has raised over $20,000 for community and international projects.
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.
Doreen’s Famous Homemade Cookies
A beloved Rotary holiday auction tradition! Doreen’s homemade cookies are always a highly anticipated favorite and one of the auction’s most popular offerings. Baked with love, care, and a generous sprinkle of holiday magic, these delicious treats have inspired some spirited bidding year after year. Don’t miss your chance to take home a batch of these legendary cookies and continue a sweet tradition that brings our Rotary community together! Priceless tradition. Delicious results. And always worth bidding on!
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 retail value is $525. See www.ebls.org for more information.
An Elegant Dinner, hosted by Menbere and Jean Yves
Our dear friend Menbere, the former owner of Saluté’s Restaurant, will host an extraordinary dinner with champagne and wine for 25 lucky guests. Desserts will be prepared by her husband Jean Yves of Galaxy Desserts. The dinner will take place in Menbere and Jean Yves’ beautiful waterfront home by the Richmond Marina, with its beautiful view of the Bay.
Spring Fling
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a wonderful afternoon at Ruthie’s home! Join us on the last Saturday in May for an afternoon of delicious food, refreshing drinks, great music, and even better company. Enjoy the beautiful setting, catch up with friends, and make new memories while celebrating the season together.Come hungry, bring your good cheer, and get ready for a fantastic afternoon of fun and fellowship! Last Saturday in May at 3pm.
Rechenauer Oktoberfest
Put on your lederhosen and dirndl and join Nakele and Alto Rechenauer at their home for an Oktoberfest celebration. Come and listen to live music from a Bavarian band and enjoy traditional bratwurst, sauerkraut, tri-tip, chicken, potato salad, and of course, beer. Max of 50 guests.
The Firehouse Dinner
Richmond firefighters are once again offering to cook you a hearty dinner in their firehouse. Enjoy food and fellowship with the men and women whose sole job is your safety.
Half-Day Sailing Adventure on San Francisco Bay
Join Shawn for an afternoon of sailing on his 35-foot boat, “Wind Horse.” No experience necessary! Get involved in crewing the boat, or sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights. Date TBD based in Spring 2027 based on participant schedules.
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.
 
Dessert Cakes
Each table will have the opportunity to bid on a cake for dessert for their table. Guests at each table can pool their money to determine a collective bid amount for their table’s dessert. Retail value $50.
VIP viewing at the Solano Stroll in Albany
Experience the excitement of the Solano Stroll from the comfort of a private second-floor terrace overlooking all the action! Enjoy a prime view of the festivities, watch the crowds, entertainment, and colorful parade of activity below, while relaxing above the hustle and bustle. It’s the perfect way to enjoy one of the East Bay’s most beloved street festivals in style! A unique experience with a view you won’t want to miss!
NO DUCK Memorial Lunch
Rich Granzella and Richmond Sanitary held a luncheon at Trader Vic’s in Emeryville for many years for local politicians and community leaders. Mark Howe would like to invite 10 guests to join him for a fabulous luncheon at Trader Vic’s as a tribute to the NO DUCK lunches of days gone by.
Cabin at Lake Tahoe
Cozy and rustic family home in South Lake Tahoe, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully stocked kitchen fireplace, deck, fire pit, all linens provided. Located close to the lake, Heavenly Ski Resort, shopping, restaurants and casinos. Accommodates up to 6 people (sorry no pets). The only blackout dates are Christmas and New Year’s Day. Must be used before December 13, 2027. 3 Days 2 Nights. Minimum bid $600.
A Wine and Cannabis Country Escape for Two
Escape to the beautiful Anderson Valley for a relaxing two-night stay at The Madrones, a charming boutique retreat nestled in the heart of wine country. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, unique accommodations, and a behind-the-scenes cannabis farm tour for an exclusive look at Northern California’s cannabis culture. A one-of-a-kind getaway combining relaxation, discovery, and a taste of the Mendocino lifestyle! Retail Value $985. Minimum bid is $600.
Portrait by Alan Blavins
 
A one-of-a-kind work that you’ll appreciate forever: a framed pencil portrait of yourself, your family, or you and your grandchildren. Our resident portraitist, Alan Blavins, will create this work from a high resolution photo.
Throughout the Auction
Sid’s Infamous Eggnog
Sid Chauvin again contributes his ‘Magical Elixir’ for which no description can do justice. One must partake to understand and enjoy!! Quart bottles to take home as well as abundant tasting opportunities at the Auction.
Red Wine and White Wine
To enhance your Richmond Rotary Holiday Auction experience, bottles of red wine and white wine will be at each table, courtesy of Alan Blavins.
Silent Auction Items
Around the World Goodies Basket
 
No passport required. Just a sense of adventure! Travel the world one delightful discovery at a time! This thoughtfully curated gift basket is filled with an eclectic assortment of international goodies, from sweet indulgences and savory delights to unique beverages and unexpected treasures. Each item has been handpicked to bring a little taste of the world to your home. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite, sharing treats with loved ones, or simply indulging your adventurous side, this basket promises a delicious journey full of surprises. Retail Value $150. The suggested minimum bid is $50.
Foursome at Richmond Golf Club
A foursome at one of the most beautiful courses in the Bay Area, the Richmond Golf Club. Perched on a hill with views of San Francisco, its famous bridges, San Pablo Bay, and Mount Tamalpais, Richmond Golf Club is just minutes from Marin County via the Richmond Bridge, and a gated enclave unto itself. We offer Bay Area golfers a playable, walk-able course with a rich history. Our practice facilities include an all grass driving range, a putting green and dedicated short game practice area. Retail value $400.
You’re Beautiful Baby! High-end beauty products
Enjoy a mystery basket full of high-end Beauty Products donated by Bay Area Girls Club and Project Glimmer. Retail value $350.
A Taste of Napa Valley Elegance! A case of Teaderman Sauvignon Blanc
Enjoy this exceptional, limited-edition white wine from the prestigious Oakville AVA in Napa Valley. Full-bodied and beautifully expressive, this special selection offers a rich, memorable wine experience for those who appreciate distinctive wines from one of California’s most celebrated wine-growing regions. A wonderful addition to any wine lover’s collection! Retail Value $300. The suggested minimum bid is $100.
Richmond Rotary Centennial Notecards
 
Remember the thrill of a handwritten note? You can bring others a bit of joy and local history through this special printing of images from the Richmond Art Center’s “Blossoms and Thorns” exhibit in 2010. Set includes 8 quality photos that capture the melancholy beauty of flowers that thrived in the abandoned greenhouses in what is now known as the Miraflores Sustainable Greenbelt – site of the former Sakai and Oishi nurseries in Richmond. Photographic images are courtesy of local photographers Ellen Gailing, Matt Matsuoka, Fletcher Oakes, and Ken Osborne in honor of Richmond Rotary’s 2020 Centennial. Retail value $20+. The suggested minimum bid is $20
A Toast to the Holidays!
Celebrate the season with this festive wine basket, perfect for holiday entertaining or a cozy evening at home. Featuring a selection of wines and delightful accompaniments, this basket makes it easy to unwind, share good cheer, and raise a glass with friends and family. A wonderful gift for yourself or someone special!. Retail value $200.
Cultured Pearls
 
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your collection! This beautiful Wedgwood silver and black china piece pairs classic sophistication with the enduring beauty of cultured pearls. A lovely addition to any home or a thoughtful gift for someone special. Retail value $100. Minimum bid $50.
A Book Lover’s Delight!
Escape into a world of adventure, inspiration, and imagination with this delightful book basket! Perfect for cozy afternoons, relaxing evenings, or discovering your next favorite read. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting it to the book lover in your life, this basket is sure to inspire hours of enjoyment. The perfect gift for the holidays! Retail value $100.
Invest in Your Health! Three-Month YMCA Membership
Jump-start your fitness goals with a three-month membership for two adults at the Richmond Parkway YMCA! Enjoy access to fitness facilities, exercise equipment, and opportunities to stay active, build strength, and focus on your well-being. Whether you’re looking to start a new fitness routine or simply stay in shape, this is a great opportunity to invest in your health together! Includes: Three-month membership for two adults at the Richmond Parkway YMCA Retail Value: $200. Opening Bid: $50.
An Evening of Beautiful Music
Enjoy a wonderful evening of live orchestral music with two tickets to the next Kensington Symphony Orchestra performance! Experience the beauty, power, and excitement of a live symphony in an intimate concert setting. Whether you’re a longtime classical music enthusiast or simply enjoy a memorable night out, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of live music. The concert theme is Holiday Pop Favorites: The enchanting Prelude to Hansel and Gretel by Englebert Humperdinck, the festive Polonaise from Rimsky Korsakov’s Christmas Eve, and the delightful Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 8 by Arcangelo Corelli. Feel the joy of the season with George Chadwick’s Noel from Symphonic Sketches and John Cacavas’ Christmas Music for Orchestra, topped off with the classic Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson. Retail value: $60.
Includes: Two tickets to the Kensington Symphony Orchestra and refreshments during intermission. Date: Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 PM. See kensingtonsymphonyorchestra.org for more information.
A New Year’s Day Concert at the Historic Altenheim
Start the New Year with an afternoon of beautiful music, German culture, and history at the Excelsior German Center in Oakland! Located on the historic Altenheim grounds in Oakland’s Dimond District, the Excelsior German Center is part of a remarkable legacy dating back to 1890, when San Francisco’s German-American community established the Altenheim Association to create a home for elderly German immigrants. The original Altenheim opened in 1894, and the historic campus has continued to serve the community for more than 130 years. The beautiful grounds include historic buildings, gardens, and the Excelsior building, constructed in 1926, which continues to serve as a gathering place for German cultural organizations and community events. Enjoy a special New Year’s Day concert and champagne toast surrounded by German heritage, music, and the warmth of community. It’s a wonderful way to welcome the New Year while experiencing a unique piece of Bay Area history! Retail value: $60. See excelsiorcenter.org for more information.
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Join the Band! 
