Live Auction Items
7-Day North Carolina Oceanfront Home Rental
Oak Island, NC has you in mind!
Start to plan your Family Gathering, Celebration, or other Special Event.
Come enjoy comfort and modern style in a brand new oceanfront home for a memorable 7 day getaway on the North Carolina coast full of relaxation and fun!
This spacious 5 bedroom home sleeps 16 guests - 4 bedrooms with their own private bath, TV, and king sized beds; and a fun custom built bunk room with 4 twins and a queen. There are two south facing decks where you can enjoy spectacular sunrises with your morning coffee and beautiful sunsets as the day winds down. You are steps from the beach or you can float in your own private saltwater pool. Gather in the luxurious main floor open concept living/dining/kitchen area or in the cozy 2nd floor sitting room. Access all levels via the stairway or elevator.
Oak Island offers a relaxed family friendly beach getaway featuring miles of sandy shoreline, two fishing piers, restaurants, shops, and markets. There is also the Lighthouse, a Golf Club, and the Middleton Park Complex which offers tennis, pickleball, basketball, splash pad, playground, and skatepark.
Donated by: Rebecca and Jonathan Silver
Fair Market Value: Memorial Day through Labor Day is $15,000 per week
Availability: May 1, 2027 - December 31, 2027
La Vie en Rose - Gourmet French Dinner with Bordeaux Wines at Lakeside Home
Enjoy a gourmet meal centered around the cuisine of Chef Scott Como of Baker Hill Golf Club and aged Bordeaux wines. This evening is for 6-8 people, plus you will be joined by your hosts Ralph Earle and Jane Mendillo. The menu will feature four courses specially created to pair with 20+ year old wines from Ralph and Jane’s cellar.
Chef Scott, and his cohort Chef Austin, have combined experiences ranging from Michelin and James Beard Winning restaurants in Boston and New York, to the shores of Nantucket. They recently returned from Paris where they gathered ideas for this special meal. The evening will focus on paying homage to the classic cuisine of France while twisting together ideas from their New England restaurant heritage, local ingredients, and vast culinary journeys.
Jane and Ralph are looking forward to sharing their house and their wines with you for this special night!
Donated by: Jane Mendillo and Ralph Earle
To be scheduled at a mutually convenient time between Thanksgiving 2026 and January 30, 2027
La Dolce Vita - 4-Bedroom Tuscany Villa for One Week
Spend a week at a centuries old villa in central Tuscany in November 2027. Casale san Giuseppe is located on the 4,000-acre estate of Castello di Casole, one hour south of Florence and 30 minutes west of Siena. With easy driving access to san Gimignano, Montalcino, Lucca, Florence, Siena, Pisa, the Chianti region, and the val d’Orcia, it is ideally situated for exploring the Tuscan countryside. The estate is home to the Belmond Castello di Casole hotel (a 5-minute walk from the villa) and the superb Tosca restaurant as well as more casual dining. With a delightful concierge service, the villa also has great access to dozens of great restaurants as well as bespoke experiences such as spa treatments, guided vineyard and tasting tours, cooking, art, language and ceramic classes.
The 4-bedroom villa (sleeps 8-10) was recently completely renovated into a luxury villa and has spectacular views of the hill town of Casole d’Elsa and of the Elsa River valley. So if you’re seeking a calmer stay, you can enjoy the Italian custom of “dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing) with a glass of wine, cheese and prosciutto by the pool.
Donated by: Jane Mendillo and Ralph Earle
Available week of either Nov 1-8 or Nov 8-15. Retail value $25,000+
Alice Hay Dining for Eight
This is a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience to step back in time and enjoy a gourmet dinner in the historic Main House dining room. Held in the same room where John and Clara Hay and Alice and Clarence Hay entertained famous visitors and friends… perhaps the likes of President Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling, or Henry Adams.
The Dining Room is an excellent example of the Colonial Revival style interior design which was introduced by Alice Appleton Hay, who grew up on the Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA. The balance in the room is impeccable. French doors on the south side of the room provide a beautiful view of the Rose Terrace, garden wall and fountain, and vista to Lake Sunapee.
Enjoy cocktails on the Veranda and a private house tour as part of this charming evening. Dinner will be catered by a local chef with carefully paired wine for up to 8 guests.
This is a priceless and unique opportunity as the dining room is open only a couple times every couple of years to guests for a private dinner.
Donated by: Tracy & Mark Wood, Sue & Don Elliott
Available mid-June to mid-October (2026 or 2027), timing to be coordinated with Fells Office
Downtown Condo in Whitefish, MT – Gateway to Glacier National Park
Whitefish, Montana is often referred to as the “Gateway to Glacier” due to the town being only 30 miles south of Glacier National Park. This picturesque town is all things Montana. Filled with great shops, quaint cafes, and some of the best dining in Montana, a stroll through the historic community is an adventure in itself. You’ll feel like you’re walking through the Old West with a bit of modern flare.
This downtown condo is in a great location. A short 2 block walk from the many Whitefish boutique shops and fine dining options, and only a forty minute drive takes you to Glacier National Park. The high ceilings allow for a lofted bedroom with a king bed. The great room features a combination dining room and living room with a queen size sofa sleeper and a partially divided fully equipped kitchen with high quality state-of-the-art appliances. The condo is available for one week and sleeps 2-4 comfortably.
Check out local shops, galleries, and the historic train depot. Enjoy hiking on the Whitefish Trail, relax at Whitefish City Beach, or venture to Glacier National Park for stunning scenery. Visit local breweries and distilleries. Or simply relax in this special town in the Northern Rocky Mountains.
Donated by: Nancy and Peter Keenan
Luxury Sailing Trip at Marblehead
Enjoy a luxury cruise around the Marblehead waters and surrounding seacoast aboard a beautiful Hinckley 40 Bermuda sailboat. Marblehead is the sailing capital of the world and the birthplace of the American Navy!
Take time to explore this historic and beautiful coastal town. The Historic District streets are lined with hundreds of homes dating back to the Revolutionary War. In addition to the incredible history, experience waterfront views, the Marblehead Lighthouse, boutique shopping, charming streets, local artists, and a laid-back vibe. The Abbott Hall, with its iconic clock tower, stands sentinel over the town like a proud parent. Inside hangs the famous “Spirit of ’76” painting, which depicts three Revolutionary soldiers marching with fife and drum—a national treasure tucked away in this small coastal town. For a sweet tooth, go to Stowaway Sweets. Dating back nearly 100 years, Stowaway Sweets has an excellent reputation for its delicious hand-dipped chocolates.
This package for 2 to 4 people also includes dinner at a fine, local restaurant and a night at the elegant Eastern Yacht Club, one of the oldest and most notable private yacht clubs in America and around the world.
Donated by: Christina & Ralph Sweetland
Garden Design & Installation with Pellettieri Associates
Work with the award-winning team at Pellettieri Associates to bring your dream garden to life. Choose from an exclusive collection of custom-designed gardens, including Cut Flower, Lunar, Kitchen, Pollinator, Avian, and more. Their design professionals will meet with you to discuss your vision, evaluate your property, and help select the perfect location to ensure your garden thrives. Looking for something different? The value of this package can also be applied toward a custom landscape project or the enhancement of an existing outdoor space. Create something beautiful, personal, and lasting with one of New Hampshire’s premier landscape design/build firms.
Pellettieri Associates, Inc. is a local architecture design/build firm serving clients throughout Northern New England for over 40 years. They focus on high-end, residential, lakefront, and hilltop properties, transforming a typical landscape into a truly remarkable outdoor entertaining space that families and friends will enjoy for generations. Work with them to enhance the natural beauty of your home, while creating a unique and stylized environment tailored to fit your lifestyle.
Garden space of 10’ x 20’ with value of $8,500
Donated by: Pellettieri Associates
Wine Tasting with a Master Sommelier
Join John Blazon, a Master Sommelier, for an intimate evening of wine tasting. The wines, which will be some of his personal favorites he has chosen from his worldwide travels, will be expertly paired with select cheeses and charcuterie to highlight the event. The evening will be captivating, fun, and educational with one of the most accomplished Master Sommeliers from the New England area.
The event will be hosted at the elegant, lakeside home of Barbara and Jim Sadowsky, a beautiful setting on Lake Sunapee with wonderful views.
This is an event not to be missed as you are guided by an engaging storyteller who will help you discover and explore many amazing wine flavors!
John Blazon, Master Sommelier (MS), is a Lowell, MA native and 43-yr veteran of the Food and Wine Industry. In 2004 he received his MS diploma and became the 59th MS for the American Chapter.
He is the former Vice President for The Spire Collection of Jackson Family Wines as well as the former Wine Director for Walt Disney World. John earned his Hospitality degree from the University of Massachusetts.
John has traveled the world and educated many to the enjoyment of high-quality wines in conjunction with managing and directing the opening of restaurants, hotels and country clubs throughout the East Coast. In 2003, John was recognized as Wine Professional of the Year by Sante magazine and in 2006 “Sommelier of the Year” by STARWINE.
This event is for 10 people.
Donated by: Rebecca & Jonathan Silver, Barbara & Jim Sadowsky
Available summer or early autumn, 2027 – exact date to be coordinated with John Blazon, Barbara & Jim Sadowsky, and winning bidder.
Eat, Drink, and Learn the Art of Pizza Making!
Eight lucky people will participate in a hands-on cooking class covering all aspects of pizza making. The class will be taught by a lifelong passionate cook at a lakeside home with a handcrafted indoor wood fired oven. The evening will include learning all the steps and secrets to making delicious dough, preparing the perfect sauce and toppings and of course handcrafting your own pizza.
Whether you have an Ooni or other pizza oven or just a home oven, you’ll come away with the techniques and all recipes to make great pizza and great memories. Wine, salad and an array of delicious wood fired appetizers will be included. Come ready to learn, cook and have a ball.
Restrictions: 8 people, to be redeemed after September 1, 2026.
Donated by: Marcia & Bill Reinstein
Lake Sunapee Cruise & Great Island Picnic
Step back in time as you cruise beautiful Lake Sunapee on an antique wooden boat (circa 1928) named “Nunnie.”
Captain Annie Montgomery will meet you at her mainland home and delight you with her in-depth knowledge of the waters, the land, and the islands as she transports 6 of you around the lake serving delectable hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
You will arrive at Great Island in time for a picnic dinner with gorgeous lake views on the classic porch of Annie’s family’s cottage built in 1905.
To be used in Autumn 2026 or summer/autumn 2027, mutually agreed date
Donated by: Annie Montgomery
Boston Dinner, Hotel, and MFA
This amazing package for two includes a one-night stay at the Eliot Hotel – a Neo-Classical Georgian landmark set on Commonwealth Avenue, an exquisite dinner at Deuxave, and a yearlong Friends & Family Membership to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston.
Timeless Elegance in the Historic Back Bay
The Eliot Hotel is a Neo-Classical Georgian landmark set on Commonwealth Avenue, one of the most beautiful boulevards in North America. Since 1925, The Eliot has grown into a refined hotel of unrivaled personalized service, luxury and comfort. This boutique hotel is ideally situated amongst Boston's many cultural landmarks, universities and medical campuses and areas of technological innovation.
A short walk from the hotel enjoy an exquisite dinner at Deuxave, featuring Modern French cuisine using the finest American ingredients sourced from the best local farmers, fisherman, and foragers. Deuxave, conceived by restaurateur Brian Piccini, is proudly considered one of Boston’s Best Restaurants.
Enjoy a yearlong membership at the MFA, good for general admission, ticketed shows, and special exhibitions. Some upcoming special exhibits include Picasso, Miri, Dali: Unbound; Maverick Kings - Three Visionary Pharaohs of Egypt’s Golden Age, and Renoir & Love.
Also participate in free lectures by curators, free member talks, and programs.
The MFA is the 20th-largest art museum in the world, and contains 8,161 paintings and more than 450,000 works of art, making it one of the most comprehensive collections in the Americas.
Donated by: Pam & Peter Voss
Sonoma & Napa Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience
Experience a remarkable wine tasting for 4 people in Sonoma and Napa Valley. Partake in tastings at five exclusive wineries: The Vineyardist, Copain, Titus, Amici, and Hartford. You will also receive four bottles of exceptional wine, one from each of Copain, Titus (magnum), Amici, and Hartford.
These boutique or family owned wineries offer distinctive, hand-crafted wines in limited production. Enjoy these critically acclaimed wines, often served with food pairings, while you take in the elegant settings and stunning views. This is an exclusive experience as most of these wineries offer only private tastings, by appointment, or members only. The value of tastings and wine alone is over $3,500.
Stay four nights at a fabulous inn, spa, resort, or boutique hotel of your choice. We will provide a list of wonderful options… many of them tucked into the peaceful landscape or quaint towns, surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and beautiful scenery. Or spend a couple nights in one location, and choose a different location for the other two nights. A voucher gives you maximum versatility to customize your stay and select the best way for you to enjoy the quintessential wine country experience. Slow down, savor the surrounding rich history, and take in the cultural amenities.
Included in the package you will have a private driver for 2-3 days (8 hours total) to chauffer you to your tastings at the five wineries.
Flights and ground transportation (aside from the private driver) are not included. The package is for 4 persons, must be used by end of 2027, exact dates subject to hotel/resort availability.
Donated by: Al & Sally Griggs, Rebecca & Jonathan Silver
If you would like to save the John Hay Estate the 3% credit card processing fee, we would appreciate it if you would consider paying by check the night of the gala auction. Thank you!