Gala Auction
Lot 1
North Channel Nautical Escape
Donated By: Bill and Barbara Parfet
Item value: $15,000
Starting Bid: $10,000
Indulge in the ultimate Great Lakes adventure! This two-day, one-night experience is the opportunity to "see it all." This exclusive getaway begins with a private plane ride from Charlevoix to the breathtaking North Channel, a boater's dream renowned for its pristine waters, rugged landscape, and world-class cruising. Your voyage aboard a 39-foot captain-driven center console SeaVee begins with a trip through the Whalesback Channel, followed by lunch at the Benjamin Islands, shopping in the town of Little Current, a cruise down the Baie Fine to see The Pool and Topaz Lake, and overnight accommodations in Killarney.
The next day, you will head into Georgian Bay for a trip through Collins Inlet, lunch in the Bustard Islands, an afternoon cruise through Clapperton Channel to Gore Bay, and a late afternoon flight back to Charlevoix.
This experience is available to six guests. All you need is a passport and a camera as you cruise in comfort through some of the most picturesque stretches of this legendary freshwater majestic waterway. This is an experience you'll never forget!
Trip to be used in 2025 on a mutually agreed-upon date.
Lot 2
Maize and Blue Sports Package
Donated by: Ambassador Ron Weiser and Barrie Bender
Item value: $3,000
Starting Bid: $2,500
Don your maize and blue to celebrate Michigan Athletics like never before! This ultimate University of Michigan sports fan experience includes four unbeatable seats to three marquee Michigan Wolverines matchups: a 2025 Michigan Football Game at the iconic Michigan Stadium, a 2025–2026 Michigan Hockey Game at Yost Ice Arena, and a 2025–2026 Michigan Basketball Game at Crisler Center.
These seats cannot be purchased by the general public! They are longstanding season tickets for each sport. Hockey tickets are behind the penalty box, basketball tickets are at center court, and football tickets are on the 50-yard line. These ultimate tickets promise to provide you and your 3 guests with an experience that will not be easily forgotten. Best of all- these tickets can be used for any games, even to the coveted U of M vs. OSU football game.
Dates must be agreed upon.
Lot 3
The Hourani Cuvée Collection
Donated by: Dr. Michael and Jane Hourani
Item value: $12,000
Starting Bid: $10,000
Own a world of rarity and refinement with this exclusive collection of the legendary Hourani Cuvée—a wine not available anywhere else in the world, unless you know the Houranis or attend this Gala.
This extraordinary lot includes 12 collectible bottles, masterfully blended and passionately crafted. Each cuvée is a testament to innovation, heritage, and artistry in winemaking:
One Magnum + Two Bottles of the Original Signature Hourani Cuvée
A one-of-a-kind blend of three distinct vintages and five Bordeaux varietals, culminating in a total of 15 grape components—a truly unparalleled composition in the wine world.
One Magnum + Two Bottles of the 2018 Hourani Cuvée
Featuring a bold 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot sourced from the legendary terroir of Figeac in Saint-Émilion—a nod to classic Bordeaux elegance.
One Magnum + Two Bottles of the 2020 Hourani Cuvée
A luxurious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, including grapes from Opus One—one of Napa Valley’s most cult-status vineyards and notoriously hard to find.
These wines have been blind-tasted by sommeliers, connoisseurs, and industry experts—outperforming or matching elite names like Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle, Hundred Acre, and Bryant in several comparisons.
This is not just a wine lot—it’s a story, a rarity, a celebration in every glass. Available only through personal connection or this gala.
Don’t miss your chance to own this priceless private cellar gem.
Lot 4
Oil Nut Bay Getaway
Donated by: Pamela and David V. Johnson
Item value: $5,400
Starting Bid: $4,000
Enjoy the ultimate Caribbean getaway with a 5-day, 4-night stay in a stunning One-Bedroom Cliff Suite at Oil Nut Bay, an exclusive resort on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Perched dramatically on the southeast bluff, this waterfront villa is a sanctuary of serenity and style, offering uninterrupted ocean views, lush design, and private luxury.
Your elegantly appointed suite features panaromic ocean views, a private terrace with a plunge pool and outdoor shower, and a spacious living room, work nook & kitchenette.
Designed to blur the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor splendor, your suite is just steps from the resort’s world-class amenities — including a beach club, gourmet restaurants, multiple pools, pickleball and tennis courts, and a full-service wellness studio.
Whether you're sipping cocktails as the sun melts into the sea, unwinding in your private plunge pool, or exploring the crystal-clear waters of Virgin Gorda, this is the tropical retreat you've been dreaming of.
Bid now and escape to paradise!
Valid through July 11, 2026 (subject to availability). Excludes the weeks of December 22 and December 29, 2025.
Lot 5
Sunset Soirée Aboard Ziggy
Donated by: Bonnie and Harold Zeigler
Item value: $15,000
Starting Bid: $10,000
Set sail in style for an unforgettable evening of elegance and indulgence on the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan. Your experience begins in the late afternoon as your group of 8 depart from Bay Harbor Yacht Club. Joined by your gracious hosts, Bonnie and Harold Zeigler, you’ll cruise in comfort and class aboard Ziggy, a custom 114-foot Ocean Alexander yacht, attended by a dedicated crew—including a professional chef who will prepare a custom gourmet dinner onboard. Savor handcrafted cocktails and exquisite hors d'oeuvres as you bask in the golden glow of the setting sun. Then, enjoy a chef-curated dinner with wine pairings and five-star service, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Lakes. This is an unparalleled evening of luxury and lakeside magic! Raise your paddle for the opportunity to dine, drink, and cruise the night away on the water!
Subject to availability; mutually agreed upon date in Summer 2025.
Lot 6
Up North Adventures
Donated by: Northern Exposure Charters, Know Way Out Escape Room, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Northern Lights Recreation, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, and Matte Photography
Item value: $2,000
Starting Bid: $2,000
Whether your crew is visiting up north for a weekend or staying for the summer, this all-ages package is your backstage pass to unforgettable Northern Michigan adventures.
Included in this package is a half-day fishing charter from Northern Exposure Charters, where kids and adults alike can reel in memories on the open water. Back on land, dive into a selection of children's books from McLean & Eakin, perfect for winding down after a day of play. Next up: test your teamwork and brainpower with an exciting family escape room experience from Know Way Out — ideal for rainy days or bonding nights. Also included is an outing to Northern Lights Recreation, with bowling, laser tag, and dinner included. Finally, get swept away by the spectacular artistry of Cirque Mechanics with box seats at the October 17 performance at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, where circus meets science in a thrilling family-friendly performance. You will be able to capture it all with a professional family photo shoot to commemorate your unforgettable adventures.
This package is your all-access pass to a summer that’s high-energy, heartwarming, and full of fun.
Experiences to be used on mutually agreed upon dates in 2025.
Lot 7
Carried Away to Paradise
Donated by: Amy Moglia Heuerman
Item value: $9,200
Starting Bid: $7,000
Add sophistication and serenity to your home with an exclusive, original piece of artwork from Amy Moglia Heuerman, a celebrated artist with Amy Art galleries in Bay Harbor and Naples. Known for her serene palettes, rich textures, and modern interpretations of shoreline beauty, Amy’s work captures the very essence of lakeside and seaside living.
"Carried Away" is a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects her signature coastal chic aesthetic. This original painting is 48x60 inches and acrylic on canvas.
Amy's artwork is a timeless investment in beauty and craftsmanship. Perfect for a lake house, coastal retreat, or to bring a calming element into your everyday space, this original Amy Art piece is more than décor — it’s a conversation piece and a window into paradise.
Lot 8
An Evening Above the Bay
Donated By: Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Vernales Restaurant, Monarch Garden & Floral Design, and Owen James
Item value: $23,400
Starting Bid: $10,000
Host an unforgettable gathering this summer in one of the region’s most breathtaking venues — the Great Lakes Center for the Arts! Whether you're planning a family reunion, anniversary celebration, bridal shower, graduation party, or another special occasion, this private three-hour event for 25 people promises stunning views, upscale ambiance, and seamless sophistication. You select the theme and we'll do the rest: Americana BBQ, Romantic Evening Under the Stars, or Magical Moments in Michigan.
Your evening includes:
-Exclusive private use of the beautiful Rooftop Terrace & Community Engagement Room at the Center
-Themed catering from the award-winning Vernales Restaurant. Enjoy a delectable spread thoughtfully tailored for your event
-Elegant tablescapes from Monarch Garden & Floral Design to match your event's vibe
-Live entertainment by local favorite Owen James who will set the mood with laid-back acoustic tunes that are perfect for your personalized paradise
Your event must be used in summer or fall 2025 on one of the following dates: 8/4, 8/6, 8/11, 9/3, 9/10, 9/15, 9/22, 9/24, 9/29. Upgrades beyond the included package elements will be the responsibility of the winner.