AUCTION EXPERIENCES
Saltdogs Baseball Experience
Get an insight into the inner workings of a professional baseball team! This package includes 4 reserved tickets to a Saltdogs home game and a chance to meet the team and attend batting practice, plus a tour of the facility. Dates to be arranged with Bret Beer, assistant general manager of the Saltdogs. (Lincoln Saltdogs)
Top Chef Experience
Learn what it's like to be a top chef, or to hire a top chef! Watch, learn and participate as renowned Chef Nader of Billy's Restaurant prepares a dinner in your home for you and seven guests. Date to be arranged; excludes Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays. (Billy's Restaurant, Chef Nader)
"Broadway" Night Out Experience
The ultimate "hot ticket": A Broadway show plus a night at the Cornhusker Hotel! Admission for two to the amazing Broadway spectacular SWEENEY TODD plus a personal backstage tour, including a special opportunity to meet and greet cast members and free souvenir T-shirts and mugs. Includes one night at the Cornhusker Hotel and breakfast the next morning. (Lied Center for Performing Arts, Cornhusker Hotel)
Governor's Mansion Dining Experience
Have you ever wondered what it's like to dine at the Governor's Mansion? You and 14 of your closest friends or family members can enjoy a specially-prepared, complimentary luncheon, followed by an up-close and personally-guided tour of the Mansion. To complete your Nebraska state government experience, why not also take in the free public tour at the Capitol with Roxanne Smith, the Capitol's guru of history and stories. The luncheon can be arranged with the Governor's staff to include tours of both the Governor's Mansion and the Capitol at your convenience.
Wine Tasting Experience
A private wine tasting session for up to 8 people. Invite your friends to join you in Meier's Cork 'n' Bottle's tasting room to sample wines chosen by expert Ken Meier. Hors d'oeuvres will be served by caterer Paula's Patisserie. (Ken Meier, Meier's Cork 'n' Bottle; Paula Nicholls, Paula's Patisserie)
TV News Reporting Experience
Lights, camera—be part of the action! The winner of this item gets a backstage pass to Lincoln's own ABC station to shadow the KLKN Entertainment Editor on a news story, including a taping of Rook's Entertainment Round-up. While at the station you'll meet the KLKN-TV anchor team and have your picture taken on the news set. (KLKN-TV, Bob Rook)
Flying Experience
This experience involves the thrill of flying! You and a friend will be flown around the city of Lincoln and learn the basics of flight in a small plane owned and flown by a Duncan Aviation professional flight instructor. In the hour-long flight you can direct the pilot to fly over areas that interest you and your guest. A great experience for all ages! (Todd Duncan, Duncan Aviation)
Interior Design Experience
A day in the life of an Interior Designer is ALWAYS crazy, never the same, and exciting! This fun day might include shopping, putting a project together (selections of colors, tiles, fabrics, accessories, etc.), meeting with a representative of a company to see their hot new products, going out to a new construction site or a remodel project...and on and on! OR, we can work on a personal project for the winning bidder. Nothing like professional design service to get your home looking great! (Robin Forke, Interior Designer)
Tailgating Experience
Pick a 2008 home Husker football game and have your own tailgate party in the heart of the Haymarket at The Loft at the Mill! You may hire your choice of caterer and a licensed beverage service (if alcohol is served). Close to the Stadium, warm and dry (or air-conditioned) on those inclement weather days. Available 4 hours prior to game time and 2 hours following (post-game party available for afternoon games only) for up to 150 people. (Loft at the Mill)
Husker Football Experience
Spend a day with RABID Husker fan and Lincoln High School administrator John Heineman. Attend the Huskers' Homecoming game, October 4, with Mr. Heineman, including dinner before the game. (John Heineman)
Fly Fishing Experience
Imagine standing in a crystal-clear stream, cool water flowing past you. Twenty feet upstream, a rainbow trout is rising to mayflies, creating rings on the surface. You cast your fly, the trout inhales it, and the fight is on! Moments later, you net the fish, admire its beauty, and release it back into the cool water. Who would think that this is Nebraska (less than 3 hours from Lincoln), not some faraway mountain stream? Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a novice wanting to learn the sport, this one-day guided fishing trip will give you a unique opportunity to experience fly fishing for trout in Nebraska. Novices can learn the fundamentals of rigging a fly rod, reel, line and fly; practice casting; then try their hand at catching a cold-water trout. Experienced fly fishers can learn how and where to fish Verdigre creek, including good flies, strategies and techniques. (Lee Koch, Bamboo Rodmaker)
Floral Design Experience
Learn how to create a fabulous floral design! Enjoy an 8-hour session at Stem Gallery with Conrad Quijas, AFID. Conrad is an award-winning floral designer, having won the prestigious Society of American Florists' (SAFI) Sylvia Cup award for outstanding design talent, the FTD Americus Cup Award, and has been recognized as a top designer by Florist Magazine and Florist Review.Your 8-hour session can be all in one day or split into two 4-hour sessions. Date(s) to be mutually chosen by winning bidder and Conrad. (Conrad Quijas, AFID, Stem Gallery)
Theatrical Premiere Experience
Experience a day in the life of a professional theatre director and producer! Judy Hart is directing Reviving Ophelia (Cherie Bennett's adaptation of Mary Pipher's celebrated book) in the spring of 2009. This experience allows you to climb inside a theatrical production, from the first discussions to design meetings, rehearsals, tech and opening night. If you have ever wondered how artistic decisions are made, this is your chance to be a part of it all! (Judith K. Hart, Angels Theatre Co.)
Quarry Oaks Golf Experience
A unique opportunity to enjoy 18 holes of golf at one of Nebraska's premiere golf courses. Winning bidder will receive a free round with cart for four golfers. (Rick and Sue Buss)
International Quilt Experience
Tour one of Lincoln's newest attractions—the renowned International Quilt Study Center and Museum. Receive 4 admissions to the Center, including free audio tours, for the current exhibits (on display through August 17). "Quilts in Common" features quilts from four centuries and nine countries, while "Nancy Crow: Cloth, Culture, Context" demonstrates the contemporary art of studio quilting. (International Quilt Study Center)
Equestrian Experience
Come and visit the horses at Harmony Hill Farm! Our beautiful palomino, Dusty, looks forward to meeting you and giving you a ride! We specialize in teaching horsemanship to children ages 8 to 16. Come and spend two hours with us "horsin' around"! (Peg Fairfield, Harmony Hill Farm)
Mayor of Lincoln Experience
Ever wondered what it would be like to be mayor of a large city? Spend a half day with Mayor Chris Beutler and get an inside view of the Mayor's office. Whether it's working with the city council or department heads, meetings, appointments with citizens in his office, or tours of the city's hot spots, your experience will elevate your understanding and appreciation of the Mayor's role in city government. Date to be chosen mutually by winning bidder and Mayor Beutler, based on the interest of activities planned for that day. (Mayor Chris Beutler)
Food Bank Experience
Get a first-hand view of how the Food Bank helps people in the Lincoln area by helping with the Mobile Food Distribution Truck. Spend some time working with recipients picking out what items they need. A rewarding experience and a great learning opportunity for younger people! Up to 4 persons may participate. (Food Bank of Lincoln, Scott Young)
In addition to the donors listed above, special thanks to the following sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event possible:
KFOR and Cathy Blythe
Mark Kliewer, auctioneer
Becky Van de Bogart
Sheri Ericksen
Rick Buss
Paula's Patisserie, Paula Nicholls
Meier's Cork 'n' Bottle, Ken Meier
Stem Gallery
Stephen and Michelle Lisec-Talarico
Larry and Judy Roots
Sue Buss, Business Manager, The Loft at the Mill
The Loft Board of Directors: Martha Gadberry, David Buntain, Chris DeRienzo, Sheri Ericksen, Martha Florence, Doug Ganz, Judy Hart, Vicki Rankin, Betsy Sheets, Kathryn Witte
