
Holiday Gift Shopping that Benefits Your Community
You make the difference! Your contributions to our Holiday Auction raise the money we donate to local schools and community organizations. So join the band: come to the Auction, invite guests, and of course, bid on some of the fun and useful items listed below.
Check back to watch the list grow day by day.
We know that every Richmond Rotarian will want to pitch in. Send an e-mail with your item’s description, which we’ll post on this page. Or if you prefer, click the yellow Donate button to make a tax-deductible donation using PayPal or your credit card. We request a donation of $100 or more. Either way, your generosity helps to build a better community.
We encourage to to invite your friends and colleagues to the Holiday Auction. Please encourage everyone to bring an unwrapped toy for kids 9 to 12 years old for the Fire and Police Toy Drive.
Live Auction Items
The Bottle of MuscatelOnce upon a time the retail value of a bottle of Gallo Muscatel was around two dollars. But today “The Bottle” has accrued a fundraising value of approximately $13,800! The concept is as simple as it is beguiling: each year a Rotarian invests in the venerable object, increasing its total generated value and earning the high honor of having his or her name memorialized in Dymo tape on the bottle.
The Sister BottleIn contrast to The Bottle of Muscatel, The Sister Bottle—this year, Turkish brandy—is meant to be enjoyed socially by those discerning persons who possess it. Each person who contributes to its purchase earns the high standing that comes with having their name embossed (yes, Dymo tape) on the outer box. If that is not one form of immortality, the word has no meaning.
East Brother Lighthouse Dinner, Bed & BreakfastEast Brother Lighthouse, or more accurately a Light Station, is a beautifully restored California Victorian Lighthouse Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Inn perched atop an island in the strait that separates San Francisco and San Pablo Bays. The lighthouse offers the rare combination of both a “lighthouse dinner, bed & breakfast” and an “island dinner, B&B,” and is a unique California destination. Though only a ten-minute boat ride to the island, the lighthouse inn seems to be a world away from the lights of the nearby cities. Guests will also be treated to a full tour of the island, taking in all of the buildings. They’ll be regaled with the history of the island and its life as a lighthouse up to the present day. Its retail value is $465. See www.ebls.org for more information.
Portrait by Alan BlavinsA one-of-a-kind work that you’ll appreciate forever: a framed pencil portrait of yourself, your family, or you and your grandchildren. Our resident portraitist, Alan Blavins, will create this work from a high resolution photo.
Contractors’ LunchErle and Jonathon once again toss down the gauntlet. Can the Club’s die-hards outlast one another despite the abuse to which they’ve subjected their bodies to over the years? Up to 10 people. Minimum bid $200.
The Firehouse DinnerRichmond firefighters are once again offering to cook you a hearty dinner in their firehouse. Enjoy food and fellowship with the men and women whose sole job is your safety.
Half-Day Sailing Adventure on San Francisco BayJoin Shawn for an afternoon of sailing on his 35-foot boat, “Wind Horse.” No experience necessary! Get involved in crewing the boat, or sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights. Date TBD based in Spring 2026 based on participant schedules.
Spring FlingCome and celebrate Spring at Ruthie’s house. Last Saturday in May at 3pm.
Rechenauer OktoberfestPut on your lederhosen and dirndl and join Nakele and Alto Rechenauer at their home for an Oktoberfest celebration. Come and listen to live music from a Bavarian band and enjoy traditional bratwurst, sauerkraut, tri-tip, chicken, potato salad, and of course, beer. Guests can help themselves to the open bar in the Hofbrau room and also enjoy a taste of imported moonshine, “German schnapps,” made by Alto’s older brother at their family farm and distillery in the foothills of the Alps. Max of 50 guests.
Throughout the Auction
Sid’s Infamous EggnogSid Chauvin again contributes his ‘Magical Elixir’ for which no description can do justice. One must partake to understand and enjoy!! Quart bottles to take home as well as abundant tasting opportunities at the Auction.
Silent Auction Items
Basket of WineIndulge in a curated basket of fine wines — perfect for a cozy night in or your next dinner party. Sip, savor, and unwind! This wine lover’s basket is filled with hand-picked bottles sure to delight your palate.
You’re Beautiful Baby! High-end beauty productsEnjoy a mystery basket full of high-end Beauty Products donated by Bay Area Girls Club and Project Glimmer. Retail value $350.
Cannabis Beverage Wellness BasketThis enticing raffle basket is a delightful assortment of cannabis-infused beverages designed to cater to various needs. From calming elixirs to invigorating energy inducing beverages, each drink is meticulously crafted to harness the potential benefits of cannabis. The inclusion of sleep-inducing elixirs promotes relaxation, aiding in a restful night’s sleep, while energizing beverages provide a refreshing boost without the jitters. Cannabis beverages offer a discreet and accessible way to incorporate cannabinoids into daily routines, allowing individuals to explore different formulations to suit preferences, whether seeking tranquility before bedtime or a pick-me-up during the day. This basket is valued at $100.
Cannabis Topical Wellness BasketThis raffle basket contains a unique blend of items for relaxation and relief, featuring a range of cannabis topicals known for their therapeutic properties. Infused with cannabinoids like CBD, these topicals offer a natural solution for managing pain and inflammation. Applied directly to the skin, they don’t induce the psychoactive effects associated with traditional cannabis consumption, making them an accessible option for those seeking localized relief. From soothing bath salts to revitalizing creams, this basket provides a diverse selection of cannabis-infused topicals, offering a chance to experience the potential benefits of cannabis in a non-intoxicating form. This basket is valued at $200.
Cannabis Pain and Sleep Wellness BasketThis thoughtfully curated raffle basket is a comprehensive collection of relief items, addressing both pain management and sleep enhancement. From the convenience of pre-rolls offering a straightforward way to unwind to the fast-acting efficacy of tinctures, the indulgence of chocolate, and the convenience of capsules. The inclusion of pre-rolls provide a classic approach to cannabis consumption, while tinctures offer precision in dosage. Cannabis-infused CBD chocolates add a touch of delight to relaxation and capsules offer a discreet option for those seeking on-the-go relief. Together, these items create a holistic approach to well-being, presenting a variety of choices for individuals looking to explore the benefits of cannabis for both pain relief and improved sleep quality. This basket is valued at $200.
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Join the band and donate an item for the AuctionNice ListX Ruthie Abelson Olivas
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