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500 Daffodils
Enjoy your own crowd of daffodils, like the one that inspired Wordsworth to write : "I wander'd lonely as a cloud / That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
/ When all at once I saw a crowd, / A host, of golden daffodils;
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Beside the lake, beneath the trees, / Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. / The waves beside them danced; but they / Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
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A poet could not but be gay, / In such a jocund company: / I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
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What wealth the show to me had brought ...." Kara staff and volunteers will come to your home, office, church, school, or other place of your choice, and plant up to 500 daffodils next fall. All you have to do is provide the space and water the ground before we come. (Be sure to get permission if the place is not your home.)
Must be within the Bay Area.
Value: Fields of Yellow
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Fine Wine for a Fine Dinner
A set of four Grand Cru wines given by Kara's Board of Directors. If you can be patient, all of these wines will age beautifully. You will need an impressive dinner to go with these superb vintages.
Cristal Louis Roederer Champagne 2004 for before dinner. Louis Roederer Cristal, the first Prestige Cuvée, was created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II of Russia. One hundred and thirty-four years later, it remains faithful to its origin, inspired by elegance, purity, and precision. "It is a blue sky, without any clouds," says Cellar Master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. Cristal 2004, a highly seductive vintage reminiscent of the classic 1988, has a slender, almost living freshness. Highly contemporary in its harmony and immediate seductiveness, it nevertheless remains first and foremost a great classic of northern Champagne, combining freshness, energy and an almost chalky mineral quality. The Cristal hallmarks are evident: purity, precision and the unique harmony of flavors associated with the subtle power of our historic vines, located on the finest Champagne Grand Cru terroirs. Drink from 2014-2027. Wine Enthusiast: 97 points.
Domaine Faiveley Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2009 for the fish course. Bâtard-Montrachet is one of five Grand Cru vineyards (climats) located in a cluster around the Mont-Rachet hill in Burgundy. These vineyards produce some of the most expensive and rare wines in the world, often regarded as the ultimate expression of the Chardonnay grape variety. In this 2009 vintage, moderate wood surrounds the very ripe apricot, peach, spiced pear and mango aromas that are in keeping with the opulent and succulent broad-shouldered flavors that possess imposing size, weight and power while culminating in an extract-rich and finish. Drink 2016+. Stephen Tanzer: 92-95 points.
Château Montrose Saint-Estèphe Grand Cru Classe du Medoc en 1855 for the meat course. This supremely reliable and traditional estate has been called the “Latour of Saint-Estèphe” and is considered by many collectors and critics to be producing First-Growth quality, extremely age worthy wines. In this fine Bordeaux, black licorice and blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral, lead to a full-bodied palate. Very chewy, with loads of tannins, yet this follows through with beautifully ripe fruit, mineral and mint. Fascinating. Best after 2012 - 2040+. Robert Parker: 95 points.
Château Rieussec 1er Grand Cru Classe 1855 Sauternes 2005 for dessert. Full yellow-gold. Expressive aromas of pineapple, coconut, sweet vanillin oak and spices. Then wonderfully thick, fat and sweet, with the exotic coconut character carrying through in the mouth. Finishes saline and powerful, with palate-staining flavors of pineapple, coconut and spicy oak. Drink from 2010 - 2028 Wine Spectator: 96 points.
Value: $900.00
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Breakfast Cooked In Your Home By The Kara Executive Team
What a way to start your day! A breakfast for up to four diners, cooked for you in your home by Kara's Executive Director, Michael Donahue, and Director of Development and Operations, Jim Santucci. This is a unique treat. Previous breakfasts by this dynamic chef duo have resulted in rave reviews. Prepare to be entertained by the preparation and well satisfied with the results. Extraordinary bidding could even expand this into a brunch! Bon appétit.
Value: Rise and Shine!
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A Weekend in the City
Spend Friday and Saturday nights at this lovely condo on the ninth floor in the Opera Plaza, just steps away from Davies Symphony Hall, the Opera House, and Hayes Valley shops and restaurants. The one-bedroom condo is fully furnished and sleeps four; free parking is included. Savor a dinner for two at Absinthe, a lively brasserie within walking distance, which offers delicious French, Italian and California cuisine. Join concert and opera patrons in black tie and local diners in smart casual dress, enjoying the creative cocktails for which Absinthe is known. A gift certificate for $200 is included. On Friday night or Sunday afternoon, use these two tickets for Rear Cabaret or Rear Balcony seats at Beach Blanket Babylon. If you have never experienced this musical revue, now is your chance to witness for yourself the longest running musical in San Francisco. Beach Blanket Babylon is renowned for its zany spoof on culture and politics, sometimes proper, often improper, always delightful!
Condo offer is good for one year only from date of purchase. Check with the condo owner to make arrangements. Beach Blanket Babylon tickets may be used for performances on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 8 p.m., or Sunday at 2 p.m. or 5 p.m. Please call the Box Office at (415) 421-4222, Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a few weeks in advance of the date that you would like to come, with a first and second choice of dates. Persons under 21 are not admitted to evening performances. No alcohol is served at matinee performances
Value: C'est Si Bon!
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Adobe Creative Suite, 5.5 Master Collection
The Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection software delivers the professional tools you need to reach audiences everywhere - even on Android and iOS devices. Create web sites, produce videos faster than ever before, and design immersive digital experiences. The new 5.5 Master Collection includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Flash, Dreamweaver, and a number of other programs. This suite of programs is the industry standard set of tools used to edit pictures, videos, sound, music, interactive media, and more. Whether you are a seasoned media producer or just looking to hone your digital editing skills, this package is a must-have for anyone seeking an outlet for electronic expression, art, and creativity.
To help you create your vision, get started with up to four hours of help from Chris Marland, Kara's resident tech guru, who will meet with you in your home or home office to install, register, and configure this package on your personal computer. This also includes a brief overview of one project of your choice (video editing, photo editing, web site creation, etc), and a question and answer session. Also included is one GB. of commercially hosted web server space for one year for you to put your project up.
Full list of included programs: Photoshop® CS5; ExtendedIllustrator® CS5; InDesign® CS5.5; Acrobat® X Pro; Flash® Catalyst® CS5.5; Flash Professional CS5.5; Flash Builder® 4.5 Premium Edition; Dreamweaver® CS5.5; Fireworks® CS5; Contribute CS5; Adobe Premiere® Pro CS 5.5; After Effects® CS5.5; Adobe Audition® CS5.5; Adobe OnLocation CS5.5; Encore® CS5.5; Bridge CS5.5 ;Device Central CS5.5; Media Encoder CS5.5.
Solely for personal use or for charitable use by a tax exempt organization. Mac or PC version to be selected by the winning bidder. Consultation subject to Chris's availability. Time and place by mutual agreement. This consultation is meant as an introduction to help you get started. It does not include Kara custom web design, a finished production project, or similar.
Value: Fantastique!
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Seven Nights at Ocean Front Maui Condo
Relax for seven nights while enjoying this ocean-front Maui condo near Kaanapali! Located in Honokowai on the northwest tip of Maui, this newly remodeled one-bedroom, one-bath condo features a queen bed and a queen aerobed. View Hawaiian sunsets from the balcony. Swim, snorkel or sunbathe at some of Maui's best beaches - the Maui of picture postcards. Honokowai is just minutes from the old seaport of Lahaina, Whalers Village at Kaanapali, and the upscale town of Kahana, in case you want to leave the relaxing laid-back atmosphere of Honokowai itself. Highspeed internet, cable TV, phone and fax service (free to US and Canada) will keep you from feeling isolated. But allow the ocean breezes to lure you away from all that.
Bidder must pay $120 cleaning fee upon checkout.
Value: Tropical Paradise
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A Fabulous Five Course Dinner for Eight by Thomas John Events
Follow the French example and treat your guests to a wonderful dinner party. Thomas John Events is offering you a fabulous 5 course dinner for up to 8 guests. This dinner may take place at a private residence within the greater Bay Area, or at the Thomas John Events showroom. Package includes food, service staff, and complete table design including all necessary rental items. (tables, chairs, linen, china, silverware, glassware, and decor) and non-alcoholic beverages. Kara will provide a $300 stipend (thanks to a Kara Friend) for wine. John Thomas Events garner top reviews for their food, event expertise and professionalism. "Spectacular," "flawless," and "wonderful," are frequent adjectives.
Marcia and Ted Adams offer the following testimonial about Thomas John Events: "Thomas John Events catered both our daughters' weddings. Each couple has to prioritize what aspect of their wedding is most important to them. For our older daughter and her fiancé́, it was definitely the food. Tom and his staff performed flawlessly. Both the meal and the service exceeded our expectations. When our second daughter was planning her 2011 wedding, there was not a moment's hesitation as to who we wanted to cater her special day in Monterey." Certainly this dinner will be a highlight of your social calendar!
Menu selections will be discussed with recipient. Based on Thomas John Events availability. Recipient is responsible for providing all wine and alcoholic beverages; a $300 pre-paid gift card will be given to the winning bidder to purchase wine. Additional guests will be billed at $300 per person. Accessory services such as a sommelier or musical entertainment are additional. Offer expires on December 31, 2012 and no portion of this donation is refundable.
Value: Bon Appétit
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One Week Stay in Waterfront Home on Decatur Island in the San Juans
One Week Stay in a private waterfront home on Decatur Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington. Sleeps eight (one bedroom is best for children). Get yourself to Anacortes, 60 miles north of Seattle, pick up your groceries, and take the private island ferry (regularly scheduled twice a day, sometimes three times in the summer) to Decatur Island. You may well see whales on your boat trip out. The donors will arrange for the caretakers to meet you with a golf cart (no cars on the island) to take you and your luggage to this cozy, comfortable, family-style house. A golf cart for four will be available for your use. Gorgeous views from the rooms and the decks, with all the usual amenities: dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc. This is a peaceful oasis away from it all (except for Alma's Country Store, which serves lunch, there are no shops or restaurants on the island). You can keep busy with kayaking, nature hikes, beach combing, crabbing, fishing, rowing, tennis, and the community hot tub and sauna; or just sit back, read a book, and enjoy the views of the sun and water. Take a trip back to Anacortes one day for a five hour whale watching cruise with Island Adventures (a gift certificate for two is included).
date to be mutually agreed upon with owner
Value: A World Apart
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Private Concert From America's Got Talent Current Contestant: "So Timeless"
A private performance at your party or home by the band, So Timeless. This band has been selected as an official contestant for this year's America's Got Talent! Dynamic, young, professional, classy, energetic, So Timeless can create a quiet, intimate mood or get your guests up out of their seats and onto to the dance floor. Take this opportunity to have a definite crowd favorite play at your event and Kara will provide pizza and beer for 30 to make it a rousing party. Your party will be the hit of the season!
Mutually agreed upon date, time and location between So Timeless and the purchaser; expires April 14, 2013; 90 minute performance.
Value: Rock On!
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Ah, Paris!
Immerse yourself in the history, beauty, and style that is the enchanting city of Paris. Five very special nights in a classic, superior room for two at the luxurious Hotel Balzac in Paris, a 4 star hotel with great reviews. This luxury boutique hotel is just off the Champs Elysées in the 8th arrondisement. Once the home of Honoré de Balzac, the nineteenth century author of La Comédie Humaine, the hotel is housed in a townhouse that was built for the director of the Paris Opera in 1853. It is known for its elegance and comfort. And what would a trip to Paris be without a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience? Along with this package comes a dinner for two at the three-Michelin star Restaurant Pierre Gagnaire, named as one of the world’s top 50 restaurants in 2011. This renowned French chef is known for his culinary genius, creativity and his playful style with ingredients. You will not soon forget this tasting menu for two. As Jean Anouilh wrote: "Everything ends this way in France - everything. Weddings, christenings, duels, burials, swindlings, diplomatic affairs -everything is a pretext for a good dinner." Funds of $4,000 will be deposited with Kara for this package.
Restrictions: Subject to availability. Reserve early as the restaurant often books up to three months in advance. Kara staff will consult with you regarding reservations and will provide payment from funds deposited. Tasting menu does not include wine or alcoholic drinks.
Value: Ooh La La!
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