2019 Hope Gala Live Auction Preview
Entire Box at ATL United Match Against Montreal Impact
Grab your stripes and see Major League Soccer’s Best of the East—last year’s MLS Cup winners Atlanta United FC—battle the Montreal Impact June 29 at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Located near the center of the end zone, suite 145 is big enough to hold 22 of the most rabid fans and comes with five Red Deck parking passes. Dine in the suite: standard food and alcohol are included. With ATL United’s new head coach—superstar Dutch legend Frank de Boer—plus a title to defend and record-breaking League attendance, this game promises unforgettable kicks.
Value: $5,000
Special Thanks: The Sargent and Miller Family
Restrictions: Suite is not transferable, only redeemable for June 29th game. Redeem by June 1st.
Eared Dove Hunting for 2 in Cordoba, Argentina
Despite its grand 19th century façade, Pico Zuro Lodge is an ultra modern launch pad for dove shooters located minutes from 200K+ acres of steep hills, sunflower fields, creek beds, sorghum plots and never-ending flocks. The luxe accommodations are super 5 Star and all-inclusive: daily à la carte menus, premium wine selections and open bar. The four-day shoot comes with personal field assistants and guiding service. At night? Retreat and recharge under the stars at the outdoor fire pit and hot tub or in the Lodge’s game room, lap pool, dry sauna or massage room.
Value: $4,980
Special Thanks: Travel First Horizons
Restrictions: Package is for 3 nights/4 days for 1 room with twin beds. Confirm upgrade to private room for $300. Excludes airfare, airport transfers, gun rental, shooting license, shotgun shells and gratuities. Historical tours, shopping trips and horseback riding are available for a fee.
3 Bottles of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon Whiskey: 15, 20 & 23 Year
A shot at nabbing one bottle, let alone three, of this legendary elixir is less likely than winning Powerball. Heck, some stores in some states resort to a lottery to decide who gets a bottle of this once-yearly released bourbon. And then people pay thousands more than retail. Why? It is darn good. Pappy uses wheat for a softer, sweeter profile that’s oh-so-caramely. Plus, it is scandalous. During Prohibition, Pappy snagged one of six U.S. permits to produce “medicinal” whiskey, giving him the back stock needed to create an aged bourbon whiskey. Bottoms up!
Value: PRICELESS—a set of three is a unicorn
Special Thanks: Eagle Rock Distributing Company
In-Home Private Party for 10 Prepared by Chef Chris Hall
Invite besties to this in-home dinner by renowned chef Chris Hall. Chef may argue his claim to fame is being husband to Roller Derby’s Polly Atomic, but foodies know him as the deft toque of Atlanta staples Warhorse, Local Three and Muss & Turner. Hero with an apron—his charitable work is nationally recognized—Chef will construct a six-course menu from the season’s freshest fare impeccably paired with libations he brings. Doubtful a lull between bites, but if so, Chef loves The Dude, Dusty Rhodes, fine cigars, brown whiskey, piña coladas and getting caught in the rain.
Value: $2,500
Special Thanks: Chris Hall
Restrictions: Allow 45 days notice when booking event. Date dependent on Chef’s schedule. Not redeemable on major holidays or during December. Expires March 2020. Gratuity not included.
Rare Russian River Valley Wine Experience in Sonoma for 6
This is where you unplug, unwind and reconnect with nature, cherished friends, the food on your plate and the wine you drink. Universally praised by travel experts and oenophiles alike, this extraordinary all-inclusive stay at Thomas George Estates, a small lot producer of artisanal wines, is simply the best of the best. Enjoy four days on the lauded estate with daily tastings, special dinners, picnics, wine safari and cave tours—all amid unparalleled lush valley views. Lodging is the three-bedroom/three-bath Pinot House (private pool!) with each meal impeccably taken care of and every need anticipated.
Day 1
•Arrive in the afternoon
•3:30pm to 5:00pm – Tour of the Winery and Cave and Barrel Tasting with TGE Winemaker
•5:30pm – Reception at the winery with Sparkling Wine and Hors d'oeuvres
•8:00pm – Dinner at the Farmhouse Inn
Day 2
•9:30am – Breakfast in Healdsburg followed by a walk around town
•1:00pm – Wine Safari on Baker Ridge Vineyard followed by Single Block Pinot Noir tasting in the Cave
•8:00pm – Dinner at Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg
Day 3
•10:00am – Breakfast on Baker Ridge Vineyard
•1:00pm – Tailgating picnic in each of our TGE Vineyards
•7:30pm – Dinner in the Library in the Cave
Day 4
•Brunch in the Picnic Grounds of the Winery
•Depart
Value: $15,000
Special Thanks: Thomas George Estates
Restrictions: Selected dates subject to availability of Pinot House. Airfare and airport transfers not included.
Original Todd Murphy Painting
Like a 19th century naturalist, Todd Murphy travels the far reaches of the world, collecting, photographing and fastidiously cataloging everything from melting glaciers to birds to exotic fruit. These studies become the complex narratives he weaves into hauntingly poetic pieces coveted by prestigious museums and celebrities alike (i.e., Elton John, Spike Lee, Jon Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio and more). Join the A List with this rare original painting, Scarlet Ibis. Murphy only produces about 10 original pieces a year, most of which are purchased before he evens completes them.
Value: $25,000
Special Thanks: Todd Murphy
Restrictions: May not be returned or exchanged. Piece is approximately 37¼” x 37¼” and framed by Myott Art Studio.
Fly-Drive-Race: VIP Race Experience for 4: Ferrari for 1 for a Weekend
Drive a Ferrari for a weekend and Fly with 3 guests to Atlanta Motorsports Park by private plane as VIP guests of Adam Merlin of Merlin Auto Group (the largest independent Ferrari sales and service center in the country). At AMP meet the pro-drivers, then off to skid pad training, track time in the driver's seat, and hot laps as the pro’s wingperson—all in a Ferrari and BMW M3 racecar. Finish strong with lunch in a private suite. And the swag bags? A $600 score: racing gloves, jacket and more.
Value: PRICELESS
Special Thanks: Merlin Auto Group and Atlanta Motorsports Park
Restrictions: To be scheduled at mutually convenient time before 12/31/19. All participants must be age 25+ and sign waivers. Weekend Ferrari is for one person from 3 p.m. Friday to noon Monday (on a different weekend from experience). Not to exceed 500 miles total. Winner must provide full insurance coverage.
Progressive Dinner for 8 at Biltong Bar, Yebo Beach Haus and Cape Dutch
Dish on legendary restauranteur Justin Anthony’s South African flavors with a progressive dinner at his acclaimed Atlanta restaurants. Start at Biltong Bar in Buckhead with impossible craft cocktails and charcuterie or a sampler plate. (This is THE place for all natural, organic beef jerky and savory hand pies.) Next up: appetizers and globally sourced South African wines at Yebo Beach Haus, the Hamptons-meets-SoCal resto in Buckhead for Atlanta’s cool kids. Final destination: South Buckhead for entrees, dessert and more wine at lavish Cape Dutch with its traditional South African braai (grill) as its pièce de résistance.
Value: $3,000
Special Thanks: Justin Anthony and True Story Brands
Restrictions: Two weeks minimum required for scheduling. Package is not valid on any holiday (including Valentine’s Day). Expires May 4, 2020.
Five Nights/Six Days for 4 on a Private Tropical Island in Cambodia or in Portugal’s Northern Wine Country
Private oceanfront villas on Krabey Island, a droplet of beach paradise in the cerulean Gulf of Thailand, OR spacious rooms in dreamy Douro Valley, a World Heritage Site where winemaking is 2,000 years old? Be chill and live well at one of these Six Senses boutique resorts, each blessed with acres of wow-worthy views. Included are two rooms/villas—think SoCal eco-chic (Krabey) and New York cool (Douro) —and €500 to award-winning natural spas and more. Must-dos: Serene outdoor pools, snorkeling (Krabey), aerial yoga (Douro), or feasts at chefs' farm-to-tables, and indulging in historic marvels.
Value: $10,000
Special Thanks: IHG and Six Senses Resorts
Restrictions: Includes two rooms averaging 500SF each at Douro or two oceanfront villas averaging 1,000SF each at Krabey. Occupancy of two people in each room or villa. Daily breakfast for four people included at both resorts. Transportation to/from Sihanouk Airport included (Krabey). Douro Valley does not include airport transfer. Grape stomping at Douro is seasonal. Reservations subject to availability. Expires 6/30/2020.
Precious 8-week-old Goldendoodle Puppy: Rocky
Call it puppy love. Two of the five smartest dogs in the world—golden retriever and poodle—meet cute and make the perfect pet: the lovable goldendoodle. Combining the clever, yet silly side of the poodle with the placid, loving and loyal nature of a golden, your guy, Rocky, is a chip off the block. Full of charisma, outgoing and confident, Rocky is a low-shedder (typical of the breed), easy to train (again, typical) and one excellent cuddler. Likely to average 50 pounds full-grown, Rocky comes with well-baby vet care until he is six months old.
Value: $2,400
Special Thanks: Montalvo ‘Doodles, Wieuca Animal Clinic
Restrictions: Winner is legally bound to notify JDRF and breeder if puppy needs to be rehomed for any reason. Vet care is until 6 months of age. Sick visits excluded. Breeder will be taking home Rocky tonight for a good night’s rest! Winner must arrange for pickup with breeder as early as Sunday, May 5th or at the latest by Sunday, May 12th.
One-Week Ski-In/Ski-Out Holiday in Big Sky, Montana
Your swank chalet for the first full week in January is perched on Big Sky Resort’s slopes at the base of Lone Mountain. Nestled in an exclusive new development, this 4,000 SF residence features stunning views, chic mountain decor, gourmet kitchen, media room and more. (Among five bedrooms is a kids’ bunkroom- home sleeps up to 12.) Truly ski-in/ski-out, hop on the slopes from your back deck or watch the action from the comfort of your kitchen. Need more? How about an attached garage, multiple outdoor decks, private hot tub and a vibrant mountain village with great restaurants, bars and shops.
Value: $10,000
Special Thanks: Dr. and Mrs. Tom and Carolina Branch
Restrictions: Chalet is only available for use January 4–11, 2020 (7 nights/8 days).
Walk-On Role in an Episode of Netflix’ Stranger Things
It is the fourth and (possibly) final season of Netflix’ mega cult hit, Stranger Things, and evil has not left the town of Hawkins. Feel the chill first-hand as an on-camera background character in one episode. Stranger Things films locally at EUE/Screen Gems Studios, and you will spend a day on set with the cast, crew, directors and producers and perform a non-speaking role in a scene. Netflix reaches 139 million subscribers in 190 countries around the world. Your scene will live on in all of these countries for many, many years to come! Value: Priceless
Special Thanks: Kris Bagwell of EUE/Screen Gems Studios and Iain Paterson of Netflix
Restrictions: Winner must be age 18 or over and will receive approximately two-week notice of the agreed-upon shoot date. To occur in early Spring 2020.
Dinner at Martin’s Garden at Historic Coleman Farms for 12
This incredible, farm-to-table four-course dinner—crafted by Gary Donlick, executive chef of Atlanta’s award-winning icon Bistro Niko—features handpicked bounty from fabled Martin’s Garden at historic Coleman Farms. Located steps from downtown Roswell, Martin’s Garden is a seven-acre idyll owned by the Martins, a family dedicated to selling the freshest organic veggies to their community and donating produce to those in need. There is no better way to bring your friends together than through exquisite food and excellent wine (a dynamite selection to be provided) at this truly bucolic setting.
Value: $5,000
Special Thanks: Shari and Tony Martin, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group
Restrictions: Not valid on Friday or Saturday. Subject to mutually agreed upon date. Expires 5/4/20.
“Together” by Melissa Payne Baker and JDRF Georgia Ambassadors
Fine artist Melissa Payne Baker’s work is perennially showcased in national design magazines and galleries around the Southeast. The heart and soul of her extraordinary work is rooted by everyday life and experiences—especially fitting for this piece, which received a huge assist from JDRF’s youngest heroes battling the 24/7 burden of living with T1D: our Gala ambassadors. Says Baker, "The children took the time to come together to put their touch on this canvas. If we all come together to touch their lives, think of the wonderful possibilities we can open up in their futures!”
Value: Priceless
Special Thanks: Melissa Payne Baker, Huff Harrington Fine Art
Restrictions: Measures 60” x 48” and can be hanged vertically or horizontally.
7 Night Getaway to Diamante Resort in Cabo San Lucas for Eight
Unwind high on a hillside where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific in a sumptuous four-bedroom residence with outdoor living areas, amazing views and more. (Most include a pool, BBQ, fire pit and media room.) Golfers may enjoy 16 rounds at world-class courses designed by Tiger Woods and Davis Love III. (Golf Digest ranks Love’s links among the world’s 50 best.) Also: $1,000 Spa credit, two chef-prepared in-home dinners and airport transfers. With a gorgeous coastline, state-of-the-art gym and spa, and 10 acres of sparkling lagoon, the real question is: What will you do first?
Value: $22,000
Special Thanks: Diamante Resort and Wally Joyner
Restrictions: Exact accommodations (3,500 to 4,000 SF condo, bungalow, penthouse or villa) are based on availability with final decision on room/villa type standing with Diamante resort. Does not include daily food, beverage or gratuity. Expires 5/4/20. Airfare not included.