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Charter Oak Cultural Center's 2008 Gala Auction Items

Original Pew from Charter Oak Cultural Center when it was Beth Israel

Enjoy the beauty of an original pew from Connecticut’s first synagogue.  Hand-crafted in the late 19th century, this is not only an elegant piece of furniture, but a conversation piece as well.  Generations prayed, sang and celebrated on this pew.  Bring this wonderful energy of blessing into your home.

Private music lessons for one student for one year

Four Night Beach House Getaway in Narragansett, Rhode Island        

Enjoy a relaxing weekend at a beautiful beach house in Narragansett, Rhode Island for up to 4 adults at "Whitecaps", a year-round beach home constructed in 1999-2000.  The house features an unobstructed ocean view, 2 guest bedrooms, each with a queen size bed and private bath, gazebo tower with swing, outdoor hot tub and basement home gym with cable tv.  One mile from Scarborough Stage Beach, 500 feet from picturesque Bass Rocks and close to Point Judith, Block Island and Newport.  Includes "Whitecaps" T shirts. Available September 12, 2008 through June 1, 2009 by mutual agreement.

John Alves shopping and dinner

Spend a special day and evening with the best Portuguese chef in town. John Alves will take 6-8 people on a Saturday shopping trip at the Portuguese markets in Hartford. John will then spend the afternoon at one of the participant's home giving a cooking lesson on Portuguese specialities, then all will enjoy a fabulous dinner with Portuguese wines.  The evening will culminate with a special rare Madiera dessert wine. Included is all food and wine for 6-8 people. 

Vermont ski house

at Stratton Mountain for Martin Luther King long weekend. Sleeps 6 adults and up to four children.

Oil Portrait from Bradford Portrait Studios

A Week at Villa Hikaru, a staffed beachfront hideaway in unspoiled Treasure Beach, Jamaica

For a group of up to eight, anytime between now and November 15 (except June 16-24.  Week must be selected no later than May 18).  You'll be pampered by Miss Vanessa, our cook-housekeeper and Miss Roxann, who will shop for you to your tastes (about $120/person for the week), and prepare and server three superb meals a day.  Visit www.villahikaru.com for details and be sure to see the video on page three.  Treasure Beach is a series of fishing villages in which tourism still plays second fiddle to fishing-- even though the late-May literary festival (www.calabashfestival.org) draws international attention.  You'll have a private 50 foot lap pool, tennis court and croquet court and snorkeling when the sea is calm.  There are things to do away from the house  (www.treasurebeach.net) but relaxation and swimming at home are the themes.  Your winning bid entitles you to a copy of Don's memoir, Near A Far Sea-- A Jamaican Odyssey; read the first chapter at the villa website or at www.nearafarsea.com to get a taste both of the book and of this unique place.

Gift Basket From The Shoppes at Farmington Valley

Merchandise and gift cards from numerous stores at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley including: Cultural pearl earring studs – Monarch Jewelers - $150 value
An original Margarita Carreras translucent hand painted plate from The Spirited Hand Gift Gallery - $85 value
$50 Flatbread Company Gift Card
$50 Simmer Restaurant and Lounge Gift Card
Green Tangerine Spa & Salon “Slice of Life Spa Package” - $130 value
Asian Cooking at its best – WOK, bamboo steamer, iron teapot, Asian knives, cookbook, bamboo platter, cooking oils, Asian sauces, chopsticks and more – Sur La Table - $400 value

Dark Grey Pearl Strand 65"

65" 7.8 mm dark grey pearl strand with sterling clasp.  Thin elegant strand can be worn as a choker, a bracelet or long and knotted.

5 course wine dinner for 6 at Sauce in Glastonbury With Chef Michael Kelly

Enjoy a 5 course dinner for 6 with wine at the newly opened restaurant Sauce in Glastonbury.

Chocolate Cooking Class at the Pond House for 6 people

Everything you always wanted to know about cooking with chocolate!  Cooking class for 6 at the Pond House.  What a great way to have fun with your friends.  How sweet it is!

Cooking class at East West Grille for 8 people

Thai & Vietnamese Cuisine at its finest.  Enjoy cooking classes for up to 8 people at East West Grille on New Park Avenue in West Hartford.  Classes arranged for a Monday evening.

Tour of the Chick Austin House

Autographed copy of Gene Gaddis' biography of Chick Austin and a tour of the Austin House by the author himself (maximum ten people).

Photograph by Marc Abrahms

Pencil Etching of Hartford by “Welling”

Vintage pencil etching of Hartford by renowned artist Welling

Original piece of Stained glass from Charter Oak Cultural Center when it was Beth Israel

Unique original piece of the stained glass window in Beth Israel Synagogue which is the Charter Oak Cultural Center today.

Signed self portrait of Barbara Walters

Take home this unique one-of-a-kind signed self portrait of Barbara Walters.

Elbert Weinberg Sculpture
"Boy's Reflection"
Bronze
10.5 x 5.5 x 2.5

This playful and original series of "mirrors" ranges from a boy looking with adolescent dissatisfaction at the reflection of his own face, to mythology, to circus themes.

Vintage Poster from the Stage Theater

Woody Herman appearing in person at the Stage Theater in Hartford, Circa 1930.  Vintage poster in a gold frame.

Wooden handmade bowl

Handcrafted wooden bowl by artist Irv Kurtzman. 

Acoustic Guitar

Last chance to get one of these beautiful guitars made by Kaman. 

4 signed copies of Susan Campbell’s book “CT Curiosities” Including a visit to a book club to discuss the new book.

Signed Ella Grasso Biography

Signed copy of Ella: A Biography of Governor Ella Grasso by Susan Bysiewicz

5 Can You See What I See books signed by Walter Wick

13 beautiful I Spy and Can You See What I See books signed by artist Walter Wick.

8 I Spy books signed by Walter Wick

13 beautiful I Spy and Can You See What I See books signed by artist Walter Wick.

Dinner at Ginza for 6 people

Extraordinary Evening! This 5 course dinner is for 6 people in a private Tatami room with General Manager, Alex DePratti, discussing sakes.  Each course featuring a different sake and unique sushi bar entrée.  The dinner will take place on any convenient Tuesday night. 

Dinner for 4 including wine at The Back Porch on Long Island Sound in Saybrook

Dine on the beautiful Long Island Sound in Saybrook, CT at the fabulous Back Porch Restaurant.  Dinner for 4 includes wine and a lovely sunset.

O'Porto Restaurant Gift Certificate

Enjoy a dinner at O'Porto, Hartford's premier Portugese restaurant featuring exquisite native cuisine, including paella, garlic shrimp and world class flan to name just a few.

Two $100 gift certificates to Dish Bar and Grill

Enjoy lunch and dinner at Hartford's newest and hippest restaurants-- Dish.

Hors D’ourves for 10 people at Sally’s Fish Camp

Enjoy an evening of hors d'oeuvres at Sally's Fish Camp for 10 of your friends.  Arrangements must be coordinated with Debbie Lepri at 860-278-8852.  Donation is not valid for alcoholic beverages, tax or gratuity.  Letter must be presented upon arrival.

Black and Peach Little Girl Cultured Pearl Necklace & Bracelet

Little Girl Pearl Necklace and Bracelet set.  Sterling silver clasp. Necklace 10", bracelet 5".

Pink and White Little Girl Cultured Pearl Necklace & Bracelet

Little Girl Pearl Necklace and Bracelet set.  Sterling silver clasp. Necklace 10", bracelet 5".

Unique handmade neck piece & matching earrings

blue and white porceline

Lux Bond Green- 3 stranded pearl necklace

Ladies triple strand sterling silver rolo link necklace with fresh water pearls.

Necklace from Philip David Jewelry

Handmade necklace of carnelian and garnet with oxidized sterling clasp.

Bali sterling silver and Cinnebar, bone and jade necklace by Jackie Trieber

One of a kind hand made piece of jewelry art.

White Cultured Pearl Strand 68"

68" 7.8mm white cultured pearl strand with 14 kt yellow gold toggle clasp.  Wear this as a bracelet, choker or long and knotted.

Multicolored Cultured Pearl Strand 61"

61" 7.8 mm multi-color pearl strand with sterling clasp.  This elegant strand can be worn with virtually any style clothing in multiple configurations.  Wear as a choker, long and knotted or even as a bracelet

Red Coral Necklace

Beautiful red coral necklace encased in a lovely silk box.

Gemstone Necklace

A gemstone necklace with pink tourmaline, rose quartz, pearls, and Bali silver.

One Hour Massage

Treat yourself to a one hour massage from Avon Massage Therapy Center

4 hours handyman

4 hours with handyman Frank Valente.  No job too big or too small.

 HEAL *  CLEAR *  TRANSFORM -2 sessions with Julie Saffir

Two 80 minute, energy healing sessions with sought-after therapist, Dr. Julie Saffir.  With seventeen years of experience with a license in marriage and family therapy, Dr. Saffir has training in Body-Centered Gestalt Therapy, Thought Field Therapy, EMDR, Reiki and Shamanic journey.  Her office is located at Hartford Family Institute’s Center for Healing Arts, 17 South Highland Street, West Hartford.  (860) 217-4240

Sight Seeing Flight for 1-3 People- 60 min.

Soar to new heights! This is an opportunity of a lifetime to see New England from a different perspective. Enjoy the dazzling sights of the East Coast in a Cessna plane. This private, hour to an hour and a half tour for 1-3 people, is priceless.

Hartford Family Institute- Human Relations Course

This could change your life!  The Human Relations Program at Hartford Family Institute will give you the tools to delve into your deepest self and there find fullness of life, a richer experience of emotion, a more compassionate heart. Only new students are eligible.

Hartford Family Institute- Professional Training Program

Want more out of life? Hartford Family Institute Professional Training Program in Body-Centered Gestalt Psychotherapy is designed to help professional counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, body workers, nurses and health professionals become more embodied and grounded clinicians.  We teach each student to work from his/her spirit, skill, self awareness and integrity, integrating theory in a deep way.  Students are supported in accessing their own places of wisdom, creating an energetic invitation for the client to do the same and the possibility for deep and profound healing. Only new students are eligible.

One hour computer consultation

Give your computer a much needed spring cleaning! One hour of computer support services/trouble shooting, in your home.

Night at the Marriott

Gift certificate for a one night weekend stay

Double A Charter Limousine for 6 hours not including tip                                                       

6 hours of limousine service in the Hartford area.  Not including tip for driver.

Tooth Whitening Session

Brighten up your smile with a professional teeth whitening.

Tooth Whitening Session

Brighten up your smile with a professional teeth whitening.

One hour of decorating/color consultation with Janice Weinstein of The Spirited Design

Make an old room look like new! 1 hour consultation with Janice Weinstein, Interior Decorator and Redesigner.

Facial or Pedicure from Room With a Doo

Choice of a facial or pedicure at the beautiful upscale salon in West Hartford- Room With A Doo

JCC Full Membership

Full membership to the Mandell Jewish Community Center to include parents and children, Men's and Women's Spa upgrades, and a summer membership to the Swim and Tennis Club in Bloomfield.  Features include two swimming pools, a full gymnasium, a fitness center with cardiovascular and strength training equipment, Pilates, circuit training, racquetball courts, group exercise programs on land and in the water, childcare facilites and a rehabilitation center run by the Mt. Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital of Saint Francis Care.  Trained and experienced personal trainers are available to work with members on their fitness goals.  This prize is available only to people who do not have a current membership to the JCC and have not been members for at least 18 months.  This certificate must be redeemed within 6 months.  Contact person for winning bidder: Lia Wald 231-6308 email lwald@mandelljcc.org

Horseback Riding Classes at Ethel Walker School

Enjoy three private hour-long horse back riding lessons with The Director of Riding at the Ethel Walker School, Rick Caldwell. The lessons will be conducted on Walker’s expansive indoor ring and pastoral grazing grounds, depending on the skill of the rider. In keeping with our program ethos, each lesson will include instruction in the complete care of the horse. Whatever your skill level or interest, these lessons will offer you a challenging, supportive, and fun exploration of Walker’s acclaimed riding program.

New England Dance

Two months of dance

Women’s Callaway FT-i Driver

The Callaway FT-i Women’s Driver was named to the Golf Digest 2008 Hot List of must haves.  Only 1,000 of these limited edition drivers have been produced and each are individually numbered, making this club a highly sought after and collectible item.  Proceeds from the sales of these clubs are being donated to the Callaway Golf Foundation Women’s Cancer Initiative. 

Callaway Hyper X Men's Driver

New in 2008, The innovative Hyper X Driver provides a new benchmark in performance with the introduction of Hyperbolic Face Technology ™, redefining the look, feel and speed at which golf ball leave the clubface.

Royal Precision Standing Golf Bag

Get ready for golf season with this lightweight golf bag.

Two foursomes of golf including carts at Blackledge Country Club, and one foursome at Fairview Farms in Harwinton

Red Sox v. Tampa Bay Devil Rays- 4 tickets

Enjoy 4 tickets to see the Red Sox play the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Monday, September 8 at 7:05 pm

ESPN Golf School for 2 people

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned golfer, the ESPN one-day Golf School will improve your game.  Choose from the Beginners Tour, the 3-Club Tour or the Power Tour at many locations nationally.  Nearby schools are located at Centennial Golf Club, Carmel NY; Pinehills Golf Club, Plymouth, MA; Fox Hop Yard Golf Club, East Haddam, CT; The Links at Shirley, Long Island, NY

Showtime  Jacket

Black leather and wool, authentic Showtime Boxing jacket.

Go anywhere outfit- Tank Top, Sweater and Pants designed by Rebecca Reinbold

The go-anywhere-pant, comfortable and easy! The slight flare of the boot leg cut creates a longer silhouette. Topped with a tank top and sweater wrap. The perfect sweater for a cool summer night. Wear it loose or criss cross with a belt! Cost of fabric not included.

Little Black Dress- Designed by Rebecca Reinbold

The new "little black dress"! Strapless, empire waist with a pleated skirt. Detachable bow at the back dresses it up or down. Cost of fabric not included.

Handmade Rillie Bedspread

Rilley work white bedspread made in the Interior Sindh region of Pakistan.  All handmade and washable.

Pakistani Silk

Beautiful Pakistani silk designed to be made into pants (Shalwar), a shirt (Kamiz), and a scarf (Duppatta).

Kashmiri Shawl

Wool and pashmina, hand embroidered Kashmiri shawl

Laila Rowe Velvet Shawl

Laila Rowe velvet shawl.  Made in India

Fossil Chronograph Watch for Women

Womens stainless steel dress watch. Features brushed/shiny silver case with white silver dial.  Three-hand quartz movement. Packaged in a collectible tin. Water resistant to 100 meters. Limited 11-year warranty.

Fossil Chronograph Watch for Men

Features a brushed silver case with a stainless steel bracelet.  Black dial with white lume and yellow accents.  Chronograph.  Case size 45mm.  10 ATM.  11 year warranty.

Fossil Handbag- Amanda Satchel

Women’s brown leather satchel.  Features one pocket in front with top zip closure.  Accented by polished silver hardware and multiple interior compartments

Fossil Handbag- Camille Double Handle

Women’s brown leather bag.

Artee shirts by Sandy Welch- 4 Shirts

Four 100% vintage cotton tee's, long sleeve and slightly fitted.  All designs are taken from original Sandy Welch paintings. Fashionistas- M, Lipstick- S, Coco- L, Leopard Loafer- XL

2 Tickets to Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Tickets to the smash broadway hit, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, starring our own Anika Noni Rose.  Good Tuesday through Friday only between May 13 and 30.

Hartbeat Ensemble-4 tickets to any performance

Come see Hartford's only professional theater company.  Excludes benefit perforamances.

Connecticut Opera- 2 Tickets

2 Tickets to The Abduction From the Seraglio, Saturday, June 7 at 8:00 pm

Theaterworks- 2 Tickets

2 tickets to the Theaterworks play of your choice.

$160 Gift Certificate to The Bushnell

Hartford Stage- 2 tickets

2 Tickets to The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore, Friday, June 6 at 8:00 pm

Two annual subscriptions to the Connecticut Forum

Two mezzanine subscriptions for The Connecticut Forum's 2008/2009 season.

Talcott Music Festival Table

Gift certificate for one table seating eight at one concert during Summer 2008.  Choice of one of the following three dates: Friday, June 11- "Motown Music"; Wednesday, July 16- "Classical Mysery Tour/Beatles Tribute"; Friday, July 18- "Movie Classics".  Redeemable at the Hartford Symphony Orchestra Box Office Only- Not at the gates.