Preview a selection of the fantastic experiences to be auctioned the evening of March 21. Purchase your tickets to the Celebration to be part of the auction action!

Family Tintype Portrait Session

Keliy Anderson-Staley will make up to six (6) 8x10 inch tintypes in a two- to three-hour session.

The tintype process was invented in the 1850s and used during the Civil War era resulting in a one-of-a-kind image on a metal plate. The participating family will be able to choose one of the unique plates and will receive high res scans of all the images that are made. The chosen tintype plate will be signed and dated on the back by the artist.

Expiration: February 2020
Number of Guests: Up to 6 people for a family portrait
Estimated Value: $2,800
Donted by: Keliy Anderson-Staley

"THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG" 

“Extra” Walk-On Role Opening Night Theater Package National Broadway Tour Performance at the Hobby Center

Michael Thatcher, UH School of Theater and Dance alumni and cast member in both the original Broadway production and the tour will make your opening night March 26 a memorable evening:

• Two (2) Show Tickets
• Small Walk-On Extra role (super fun, no acting experience required)
• Autographed Show Poster
• Backstage Tour with Michael - immediately following the show

On March 28, enjoy a private lunch with Michael for you and five (5) of your friends at the Hobby Center’s Diana American Grill hosted by Nancy and Rob Martin.

Show Date: March 26, 2019 only
Lunch Date: March 28, 2019 only
Number of Guests: Two (2) at the performance, Six (6) lunch guests
Estimated Value: $700 and priceless memories
Donated by: Michael Thatcher, Nancy and Rob Martin

Private Dinner with Internationally recognized Curator, Writer and Researcher Steven Matijcio, Executive Director, Blaffer Art Museum

Dinner with Steven Matijcio at the home of Bridget and Patrick Wade

The much beloved 1934 Tudor style Wade family home is filled with Asian influenced architectural detail and whimsy.

The evening includes an open house tour of the Wade’s thoughtfully curated private art collection featuring artists such as Luis Jimenez, Liliana Porter, Al Taylor, Taryn Simon, and many more.

Dinner Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Number of Guests: 16
Cost per Person: $100
Donated by: Bridget and Patrick Wade

Wine Tasting with Master Sommelier Steven McDonald

Moores School of Music alum Steven McDonald of Pappas Bros.—recently crowned one of 250 master sommeliers in the world—will teach a wine tasting class featuring 6 spectacular wines to an intimate gathering of 8 guests in a private home. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for wine lovers.

Expiration: December 31, 2019
Number of Guests: 8
Cost Per Person: $250
Donated by: Steven McDonald

University of Houston Football Game and Tailgate

Experience the excitement of a UH Cougar football game for up to twenty (20) of your friends with an energetic pre-game tailgate party in a prime location next to the stadium. Yummy and popular Chick-fil-A catering, donated by Mrs. Helen Shaffer.

Date: October 12, 2019, UH vs Cincinnati
Number of Guests: 20
Cost Per Person: $75
Donated by: Helen Shaffer, David Bertman and The Spirit of Houston

Salon at the home of Carroll Robertson Ray with Theresa Rebeck, Distinguished Professor of Playwriting and Lyndall Finley Wortham Chair in the Performing Arts

Enjoy lively conversation and cocktails at the home of Carroll Ray with Theresa Rebeck, an American playwright, television writer, novelist and Distinguished Professor of Playwriting and Lyndall Finley Wortham Chair in the Performing Arts in the School of Theatre & Dance. Her work has appeared on the Broadway and off-Broadway stage, in film, and on television. Among her awards are the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Award. In 2012, she received the Athena Film Festival Award for Excellence as a Playwright and Author of Films, Books, and Television. Awards for "NYPD Blue" include: the Writers Guild of America Award for Episodic Drama, the Hispanic Images Imagen Award, and the Peabody Award.

Date: TBD, October 2019
Guests: 30
Cost Per Person: $100
Donated by: Carroll Robertson Ray

Three-Course Business Lunch at Artisans Restaurant and Tour of Glassell School of Art

Enjoy a three-course business lunch for four at Artisans, one of Houston’s best French cuisine restaurants. After a sumptuous meal, tour the stunningly beautiful Glassell School of Art.

Expiration Date: March 1, 2020
Number of Guests: 4
Estimated Value: $250
Donated by: Judy Nyquist and Artisans Restaurant

Exclusive Dinner at the home of Professor of Conducting
and Director of Orchestras Franz Krager

Enjoy an intimate dinner and fascinating conversation with Franz Krager and his wife Debra. Franz Krager, has made his artistic presence felt both at home and abroad with performance engagements in some of the world’s most celebrated concert halls and musical centers. Since making his prize-winning European conducting debut in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Koncertsalen in 1978, Krager has led orchestras in the Leipzig Gewandhaus, Moscow’s State Kremlin Palace, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Birmingham England’s Adrian Boult Hall, Guangzhou China’s Xinghai Music Center, the Sydney Opera House, The Hague’s Congresgebouw, Kazan’s State Philharmonic Hall in Russia, Guadalajara’s Degollado Theater, and Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 

Expiration Date: March 2020
Guests: 4
Estimated Value: $500
Donated by: Franz Anton Krager

Scotch Tasting & Food Pairing with Dean Andrew Davis

Further develop and broaden your education of single-malt whiskies from Scotland as knowledgeable enthusiast Dean Davis guides you through the regions of Scottish distilleries.

Helen and Jim Shaffer welcome you to their gracious home to enjoy this evening of lively comradery.

Date: September 15, 2019
Number of Guests: 14
Cost Per Person: $100
Donated by: Helen and Jim Shaffer and Andrew Davis

Catered Dinner for Eight in the Home of Collectors
Leigh and Reggie Smith

Eight guests will enjoy a lovely multi-course meal with top flight wine pairings in the contemporary art filled home of Leigh and Reggie Smith. Guests will tour the art collection over drinks before sitting for a sumptuous meal. Artists in the collection include Carroll Dunham, Fred Tomaselli, Barkley Hendricks, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Yinka Shonibare, John Currin, Laurie Simmons, Tom Sachs, Tony Oursler, Marilyn Minter, Doug and Mike Starn and many more. The dinner will be scheduled upon request in early Fall 2019.

Expiration Date: Fall 2019
Number of Guests: 8
Estimated Value: $1,200
Donated by: Leigh and Reggie Smith

Petals and Pinot with Lisa Cushing from Petals by Design

Lisa Cushing of Petals by Design floral design studio will host a session on floral arranging in a private home while serving pinot noir to 10 guests. Flowers and vases provided by Lisa Cushing, wine provided by Cathy Coers Frank.

Expiration: December 31, 2019
Number of Guests: 10
Cost Per Person: $125
Donated by: Lisa Cushing and Cathy Coers Frank

Historical Tour of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern 

An entertaining and historical tour by Judy Nyquist of Houston’s Cistern for 20 guests. The Cistern, originally built in 1926, was restored and repurposed by Buffalo Bayou Partnership. This beautiful space houses changing art installations and preserves a part of Houston’s history.

Coffee and pastries will be provided for you and your guests by The Next Step Academy (Cordon Cool Cooking School).

Date: May 11, 10 am
Number of Guests: 20
Cost Per Person: $50
Donated by: Judy Nyquist, The Next Step Academy, and Darrin Davis

Wine Package

Fieldhouse Chardonnay, Dove Hunt Dog Chardonnay (2), Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc, Kunza Sauvignon Blanc, Albus Castellargo Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc, Painted Van Calinfornia White Cuvee, Si Pinot Grigio, First One Ribeiro.

Estimated Value: $180
Donated by: Julie Erickson

A Night of Cabaret, Cocktails, and Fine Dining
with Chef Scott Jech of Pondicheri New York

This will be a night to remember with special surprise guest entertainers, comedians, and of course a special number by the host and staff at the home of David Bertman. Once the group and date are set, you will enjoy this event poolside with all the extras you can imagine.

Expires: December 2019
Number of Guests: 20 
Estimated Value: $750
Donated by: Chef Scott Jech and David Bertman