Almost Live! Auction

This evening, we are fortunate to have Mario and Lynne entertaining us with lively culinary conversation and commentary. The stage is theirs tonight, and to give them enough time to truly showcase their talent, we have limited the length of our live auction. As a result, this year’s auction has a special feature: Almost Live!, a silent auction that features four fabulous “trip treasures.” These items, described on page 14-15, are every bit as amazing as the live auction items. Almost Live! bidding will stay open until dessert is served. Listen for the auctioneer’s final call for the Almost Live! section.

The Sky’s the Limit Value: $800
This unique getaway for one lucky couple starts with a spectacular scenic flight over the Emerald City by Seattle Seaplanes. Taking off from Lake Union, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the Alki Waterfront, Discovery Park, Green Lake, the Space Needle, and other beautiful landmarks and waterways. Once your feet are back on the ground, the fun continues at Benaroya Hall, where you’ll unwind with a performance by the Seattle Symphony—your choice of: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 (January 7); Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 (January 13); Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony (January 21); or Bond & Beyond: Celebrating 50 Years of 007 (February 3). Finish your day with dinner at Tulio Ristorante and a one-night stay at the Hotel Vintage Park in Seattle.

Seattle Seaplanes flight available until April 19, 2012.

Thank you,
Gala Committee
Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants
A Taste of the Emerald City! Value: $1,200
It’s the best of Seattle, à la chef Tom Douglas. Two lucky couples will spend two days in the Emerald City, indulging in delicious meals at three Tom Douglas restaurants—lunch at Serious Pie and dinner at Dahlia Lounge one day, breakfast at Lola the next. Included in this tasty getaway are two rooms at Hotel Andra, a revitalized boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Seattle.

Does not include tax, tip, gratuity or alcohol. Valid Sunday–Thursday, excluding Sunday brunch at Lola.

Thank you,
Tom Douglas Restaurants
To the Theatre, Darling! Value $1,500
The 5th Avenue Theatre is the place to be! You and a guest will be in good company at Opening Night for each of the following productions: Cinderella (December 1, 2011); First Date (February, TBD); Oklahoma! (February 9, 2012); Damn Yankees (April 26, 2012); and Rent (July 12, 2012). Enjoy a pre-show reception in the exclusive Producer’s Club Lounge and the Opening Night Cast Party following each performance.

Each Opening Night falls on a Thursday evening. Tickets may not be exchanged or refunded.

Thank you,
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Luncheon at the Corson Building for 16 Value: $1,500
Inspired by the philosophy of Angelo Pellegrini, the Corson Building is “dedicated to food and its direct connection to celebration, community and culture.” At this unique Seattle restaurant, 16 guests will savor a Sunday luncheon of fresh and seasonal fare, prepared by celebrated owner and chef Matt Dillon and served family-style. What could be better than a Sunday afternoon filled with good food, good wine and good friends!

By mutually agreed upon date. Expires November 5, 2012.

Thank you,
The Corson Building
Matt Dillon

Live Auction

Palm Springs getaway Value: $2,500
Sunny days are ahead! This five-night getaway for two couples takes place in beautiful Palm Springs, anytime in June 2012. Accommodations are divine—a spacious, two-bedroom, poolside condominium, located on the golf course of the Palm Valley Country Club. Just outside your door, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the course and the San Jacinto Mountains. Don’t forget your clubs—this package includes a golf outing for four, with carts, at the newly remodeled Palm Desert County Club. Your stay also features a delicious dinner at Castelli’s, a favorite of the locals known for its authentic Italian cuisine!

Package available anytime in June 2012; additional time may be negotiated at a reduced fee.

Thank you,
Steven and Sharon Weinberg
Palm Desert Country Club
Castelli’s
On Top of the World! Value: $2,000
Spend a romantic evening with dinner for two at the SkyCity at the Needle, plus an exclusive trip to the roof of the Space Needle, Seattle’s world-famous icon. We're not talking about the observation deck but the roof where the flagpole is—affording an absolutely spectacular view that very few have ever had the chance to experience. It is 560’ in the air, but you and your guest will feel like you are on top of the world!

Expires September 30, 2012; not valid on holidays.

Thank you,
Space Needle, LLC
Tuscan Landscape Value: $750
For more than 25 years, Debra Van Tuinen has been creating beautiful art, including stunning landscapes that evoke spirit and energy. This 15" X 15" framed piece, titled Tuscan Landscape, was created by Debra in Cortona, Italy, while teaching an encaustic workshop. Debra’s talent and dedication recently won her the attention of glass artist Dale Chihuly, who asked Debra to teach him printmaking for a collaborative effort with the Seattle Opera.

Thank you,
Debra Van Tuinen
Barbeque for 20 with President Heynderickx Value: $2,000
Join Saint Martin’s President Roy Heynderickx and his wife, Kathleen, at their home on July 15, 2012, for an over-the-top barbeque. Presented in partnership with Bon Appétit, this private summer celebration will feature local gourmet food, Pacific Northwest wines and musical entertainment.

($200 per couple, for the first 10 bidders)

Thank you,
President Roy and Kathleen Heynderickx
Bon Appétit Management Company
Hawaiian paradise Value: $2,600
Ahhh, can’t you just hear the soothing ukuleles and rhythmic waves of the Hawaiian surf? Get away from it all with this 10-day vacation on the Leeward Coast of Oahu. In an oceanfront condo at Mai’li Cove, located 25 miles from the airport, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed, panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from your private lanai or pool. This beautifully decorated beach retreat boasts a wonderful kitchen and cozy beds that sleep five. Nearby activities include a waterpark, Ko’Olina Resort (where you’ll have free access to four world-renowned swimming lagoons), dolphin-watching, seven golf courses and, of course, shopping! A $600 travel voucher from Alaska Airlines is included!

Available between May 15 and November 30, 2012

Thank you,
Saint Martin’s University Trustee Phil and Judy Weigand
Via Tribunali Mobile Pizza Party for 50 Value: $5,000
Mangia, mangia—it’s pizza for everyone! Make way for the Via Tribunali mobile pizza oven, coming to your home or business to serve up a mouthwatering meal of pizza and wine to 50 of your closest friends or colleagues.

By mutually agreed upon date.

Thank you,
Via Tribunali
‘The River’ by Vladimir P. Shkurkin Value: $2,700
Classically trained in Kiev, artist Vladimir P. Shkurkin (1900–1990) came to Seattle in 1925, where he resided until 1938. Among Shkurkin’s work were many landscapes, Russian Orthodox icons, illustrations and murals, including those in the Eagles Auditorium (1925), the Seattle Civic Auditorium (1927), the Egyptian Building (1930) and the restaurant formally known as the Russian Samovar on Roy Street in Seattle. The River, a framed 24" X 30" oil on canvas, was sketched en plein air in the Sierras of northern California, circa 1966, and has been in the possession of the Shkurkin family ever since.

Thank you,
Katya Shkurkin
Art House Designs
A True Italian Afternoon for 24 Value: $4,000
Enjoy 10 authentic Italian courses—an al fresco picnic with a multitude of antipasti, pastas and main courses, accompanied by great Italian wines, wonderful dolce and even accordion musicians to set the stage for the traditional Italian feast. This relaxing patio affair will be hosted by Armandino ’59 and Marilyn Batali, the parents of our celebrity chef, and sous chefs Brian and Valerie Fluetsch, the Gala event coordinator. With these incredible hosts, you won’t want to miss this delicious summer celebration!

Event is scheduled for Sunday, August 26, 2012.

Thank you,
Saint Martin’s University Trustee Armandino ’59 and Marilyn Batali
Brian and Valerie Fluetsch
Mario Batali Autographed Vespa Value: priceless
Travel in style—Mario-style! When Mario Batali is on the move, chances are he’s on his beloved Vespa scooter. Zip around town on your own shiny new Italian Vespa, autographed by Mario himself!

License plate fee and Washington state sales tax not included.

Thank you,
Gala Committee
Feed-a-mind
Raise your paddle to feed a mind! Your gift provides direct aid to students in financial need, making the Saint Martin’s experience accessible to all regardless of their ability to pay. Now more than ever, the country and the world need scientists, engineers, teachers, counselors, doctors, policymakers, business people, community advocates and other professionals who are as ethical as they are skilled. By supporting Saint Martin’s students, you help ensure that tomorrow’s leaders are prepared to enter their fields with a values-based education and a spirit of service. You can make a difference!
Mariners in Style for 20 Value $3,650
Take 19 friends, family members or business associates out to the ol’ ballgame in grand fashion! Enjoy a 2012 Mariners game from the comfort of a private deluxe suite in a prime location at Safeco Field, perched between home plate and first base. This luxury package includes 20 suite tickets, four suite-level parking passes and $850 in catering (ballpark fare, beer and non-alcoholic beverages). This will be a Mariners experience to remember!

By mutually agreed upon date during the 2012 season.

Thank you,
Saint Martin's University Trustee Patrick ’85 and Karen Crumb
DIRECTV Sports Network
Dinner with Abbot Neal and Father Kilian Value: $1,000
The Benedictine spirit is all about hospitality, and nobody knows that better than Saint Martin’s own Abbot Neal Roth, O.S.B., and Father Kilian Malvey, O.S.B. Enjoy the best of Benedictine hospitality with Abbot Neal and Father Kilian, who will host a special evening for you and seven guests at Lambert Lodge, the Abbey’s beautiful and serene monastic retreat spot on Puget Sound. With Abbot Neal and Father Kilian as your chefs, you’ll be treated to a delicious dinner featuring the monks’ famous homemade breads and dessert. Truly a unique opportunity!

Thank you,
St. Martin’s Abbey
Abbot Neal Roth, O.S.B. ’65
Father Kilian Malvey, O.S.B., HS ’55, ’64
Mario Batali pizza oven Value: $3,960
Take pizza to a whole new level with Mario’s brick oven! Considered integral to baking authentic pizza napoletana, the high heat and smoky infusion of flavors created by a brick oven are also wonderful for baking rustic breads, roasting or smoking meats, and much more. Mario’s oven is hand-built of refractory fire brick, which is stronger than clay and excellent for radiant-heat baking. An insulated ceramic interior keeps the exterior cool to the touch, and a low dome keeps the temperature consistent and the oven hot long after the fire dies down. Another thing that won’t die down is all the applause you’ll receive from friends after they try your brick-oven pizza!

Donor will ship item to highest bidder

Thank you,
Sur La Table
A Unique Gala Masterpiece Value: $1,850
Plein air artist Judith Gebhard Smith has spent this evening capturing the magic of the 2011 Gala! With every stroke of the pastel, she has caught the essence of the celebration, creating a wonderful one-of-a-kind Gala memento. The finished pastel is an 18" X 24" masterpiece framed with conservation glass and archival museum-grade mat and backing, finished with either a maple or walnut frame. An extraordinary way to remember an extraordinary evening!

Thank you,
Gala Committee
Cook like a chef Value: $800
You’ve watched the master at work, you’ve savored every mouthwatering moment and delicious bite… now take the experience home with you! Mario has been preparing tonight’s feast using a professional-quality specialty cooking set. Add this set to your own kitchen, and let your culinary adventures begin. Every meal prepared with this cookware will be special, having been seasoned by Mario himself. Included with the cooking set is a specialty Gala apron autographed by Lynne Rossetto Kasper, Gala emcee and celebrity radio host of The Splendid Table.

Thank you,
Bargreen Ellingson Food Service Supply and Design Gala Committee