Live Auction Item #1: A Weekend on the Slopes

Several generations of Pittsburghers have learned to ski on the slopes at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, named in Ski Magazine as the “#1 Mid-Atlantic Ski Resort.” The winning bidder and up to three guests will enjoy a glorious winter weekend at this jewel of a resort in the Laurel Highlands. Your package includes two nights of lodging for up to four guests in the resort hotel; plus, unlimited skiing and snowboarding from 4:30pm on the day of your arrival through 7pm on the day of departure. Fuel up at the complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, then cool down in the indoor pool at the end of your day on the slopes. Whether you’re a beginning skier or boarder or have the experience to ski the most challenging runs, you’ll have a great getaway weekend close to home at Seven Springs.

Donor 7 Springs Mountain Resort
Value: $1,200
Opening Bid: $600
Restrictions: Reservations available December 1, 2009 to April 1, 2010 on a space-available basis.

Live Auction Item #2: A Hawaiian Hideaway for 6

Built by the McCormick spice family as their exclusive retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii, The Onion House is a unique architectural treasure. Much as Fallingwater takes stunning advantage of its setting, the Onion House’s “organic architecture” allows guests to enjoy tropical living in harmony with the natural environment. Lava rock walls create a high terrace overlooking the sea, where two arching domes lie surrounded by pools, fishponds and gardens. Stained glass walls and the translucent roof panels of this exquisite home filter light throughout this unconventional residence, located on a hillside 500 feet above Kailua Bay.

You and up to five adult guests will enjoy a week in this tropical paradise hand-built by celebrated architect Kendrick Banggs Kellogg. If you’re the winning bidder, make sure to call dibs on the master bedroom, which was named by HGTV as one of the ten 'Most Romantic Bedrooms' in the world. Separate from the main structure of the house, the master bedroom features its own meditation garden, king-sized bed, and bath, as well as screened and stained glass walls that overlook the swimming pool and dining terrace.

We’ll also connect you with a concierge on the island, who can help you plan a schedule of unforgettable activities to make the most of your Hawaiian vacation.

Available by special arrangement with Beth McCormick.
Value: Priceless

Opening Bid: $5,000
Restrictions: No more than six adult guests. Not recommended for children under 10 or people who have difficulty with steps. Daily maid and breakfast service available for an additional fee. Reservations are for Saturday to Saturday stays and are subject to availability through the end of 2010. Not available during holiday weeks.

Live Auction Item #3: Sister Act 3: Bolder than ever!

City Theatre welcomes back “Sister” Kim Richards for a return engagement as Pittsburgh’s favorite catechism teacher. Late Nite Catechism 3: ‘Til Death Do Us Part finds Sister turning her attention to Holy Matrimony, dishing out relationship advice and hosting her own wacky version of The Newlywed Game. (Who can provide better relationship advice than a Bride of Christ?) We’ll provide the winning bidder and up to 20 guests with tickets to a performance – regardless of whether you’re practicing celibacy, abstinence or the rhythm method – so that you can experience Catholicism’s feistiest couples counselor. After the show, Kim will join you and your guests for dinner at Gypsy Café, just steps away from City Theatre.

Donors: Kim Richards, Gypsy Café and City Theatre
Value: Priceless
Opening Bid: $1,000
Restrictions: Available Thursdays only between May 27 and July 30. The winning bidder is encouraged to schedule early

Live Auction Item #4: A Tuscan Getaway for Twelve

Experience for yourself the special brand of Italian hospitality that is available at Villa la gigliola, a gorgeous Tuscan estate located near Lucca and Siena and just a half-hour from the shopping and sophistication of Florence. Enjoy the rolling hills, lovely vineyards and exquisite art that make a vacation on this estate a sublime, yet rustic, experience. The week-long stay for the winning bidder and up to eleven guests includes a welcome reception the evening of your arrival and a festa during the week. Visit ancient walled cities, spectacular Roman ruins, and medieval villages during the days; engage a chef and you can return home to a fantastic meal that will make you feel like the lord of the manor.

Available by special arrangement with Tenuta la Gigliola.
Value: Priceless

Opening Bid: $9,000
Restrictions: Subject to availability and mutual agreement with Tenuta la gigliola. Daily maid and breakfast service available for an additional fee. Weekly rental period is Saturday to Saturday.

Live Auction Item #5: Learn from Pittsburgh’s Great Chefs

Barbecuing a brisket. Selecting fine artisan cheeses. Perfectly searing a duck breast. Upgrading your standard macaroni and cheese. Learn how to do all of the above – or ask a chef to answer other questions. Two of Pittsburgh’s most talented chefs – Thomas Langan, the Aramark Executive Chef who planned tonight’s menu; and Jason Capps of Bella Sera; plus two surprise guest chefs to be named later – have each graciously agreed to conduct a culinary class onsite in your kitchen while preparing a meal for the winning bidder and seven guests. Services include menu planning and wine suggestions in advance of your meal, along with instructions for you and your guests on how to get the same spectacular results on your own.

Compliments of Thomas Langan and Jason Capps.
Value: Priceless
Opening Bid: $2,000
Restrictions: Subject to mutual agreement with each of the chefs. The winning bidder has one year to schedule and complete all of the meals. Chef participation subject to change.

Live Auction Item #6: Escape to Provence

Jerome and Martine Maret are the inn-keepers at La Maison aux Volets-Bleus (The House of Blue Shutters), a charming B&B located in Venasque, one of the most charming villages gracing the South of France. The Marets will host up to 10 people in the five guest rooms with private baths at La Maison, where your accommodations will include daily breakfast and two evening dinners. Speak with the Marets over breakfast to plan your day of sightseeing -- a drive to the Chateauneuf-du-Pape winery, perhaps? Or maybe you’ll choose to visit one of the medieval villages that dot the countryside. Afterwards, relax over a bottle of wine and a French country dinner on the terrace, which affords a spectacular view of Mount Ventoux and the valley below. C’est magnifique!

Available by special arrangement with Jerome and Martine Maret/La Maison aux Volets Bleus.
Value: Priceless

Opening Bid: $8,000
Restrictions: Reservations subject to availability. City Theatre recommends completing travel within one year from the date of purchase. The inn accommodates no more than ten guests. Additional services, including meals, subject to negotiation with the Marets at an additional cost.

Live Auction Item #7: You’ll Take Manhattan!

Local entrepreneur Paul Gitnik owns a spectacular apartment at 80 Central Park West. He’s generously agreed to make it available to the winning bidder and three guests, so that you can live the New York life you’ve always imagined. Your glorious weekend will be packed with theatre, shopping and dining. You’ll enjoy the smash hit Tony-winning musical In the Heights, complete with a special backstage pass for a visit with star Andrea Burns and other cast members, plus another show of your choosing. You’ll also have to make time for shopping, since you will set out with $500 in giftcards for Saks Fifth Ave. and Neiman-Marcus. If that’s not enough to get you to raise your hand, we’ll also provide you with an exclusive packet of recommendations for restaurants and other sights to see from City Theatre Artistic Director Tracy Brigden. Don't miss this true "insiders" experience of New York City.

Donors: Paul Gitnik, Andrea Burns of In the Heights and City Theatre
Value: Priceless

Opening Bid: $4,000
Restrictions: Availability subject to mutual agreement with Mr. Gitnik. Tickets subject to availability; shows may change or close with little notice.