Auction Item Catalog

Vacations

A Week in the Caribbean

A 1-week stay at the beautiful La Soca Villa in Montserrat, British West Indies. On the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, this luxurious villa offers tranquility and privacy. Charming and very comfortable, this villa is located on one of the best areas of the island, Woodlands. Mexican tile patios surround a 32-foot pool, which complements over an acre of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, terraced lawns and a gazebo for outdoor dining. This spacious island home, with original island artwork, handmade mahogany furniture and oriental rugs, has two master bedroom suites, an office with Internet access, and wonderful views of the mountains and the Caribbean sea. Completely private, yet close to the beaches, tennis, boating and diving, shopping and restaurants, this island hideaway is fully equipped and staffed for your visit. The villa can be seen at sunislandrealestate.com/lasoca. Donor: Mr. and Mrs. Tom Walker.

Restrictions: Mutually agreed upon dates through March 8, 2010.

Estimated value: $1,700 (minimum bid, $1,500)

A Week on Chincoteague Island

A cottage for a week on Chincoteague Island is a lovely and convenient retreat from the DC area – and great for family fun! Chincoteague offers year round natural beauty with opportunities for birding, swimming, and playing on the beach. The beloved ponies of the Island are a delight for young and old alike. Wonderful seafood and friendly folks from the area make this a favorite spot to unwind. Sandy and Stetson Tinkham have again offered a week at their two-bedroom cottage that sleeps 6. Photos and a current availability schedule are available.

Restrictions: Reserving the cottage is subject to availability at the time the reservation is made and must be mutually agreed upon in advance. Winning bidder should contact donor as soon as possible to reserve a week during the 2009 season.

Estimated value: $475

 

Lake House Saturday through Friday

Enjoy a stay from a Saturday through Friday based on availability at a lakefront home in Lake of the Woods constructed in 2007. Four bedrooms, sleeps eight, 63 feet of lake front and dock. Gourmet kitchen. Master suite bath has double vanity sink and Jacuzzi; and private screened porch. Cable TVs throughout, ceiling fans, exercise room, rec room, outdoor table and grill, canoe, piano and more. House is easy walking distance to a sandy beach and 30 minutes from Civil War history sites and history in Fredericksburg. Includes access to swimming pool, fitness center, riding stable and golf course (with extra fees), and club house with restaurant. Other nearby activities include tennis, sailing, hiking, fishing, antique hunting, and sightseeing. Restrictions: No pets. House is available to be booked from March 8, 2009, until March 1, 2010, subject to the availability calendar. Availability changes over time so the successful bidder should make reservations as soon as possible after winning. The availability calendar and additional photos can be viewed here. Estimated value: Approximately $2,000 during the peak season

A Week in the Outer Banks

Beach House in the Outer Banks • Corolla, North Carolina

The ultimate beach experience! All the comforts of home with the added benefit of a quick walk to “one of the best beaches on the East Coast.” The house is on a fresh water lake with biking and walking trails nearby.

Features: 4 BDR/2 bath (2 queen, 2 twin, 1 bunk), LCD cable/DVD television, screened porch, completely renovated kitchen, enclosed outdoor shower with rain head, downstairs beverage refrigerator, charcoal grill, washer/dryer, nearby tennis courts, Sunday to Sunday rental. Offered for one week off-season in 2009 or 2010.

Limitations: Not available before Labor Day 2009 or after Memorial Day 2010 and any holiday periods. Successful bidder will need to bring own linens and towels. Kitchen is equipped with essentials.

Estimated Value: $800.

Shenandoah Valley Luxury Week

Thomas Hickok has offered a 7-day stay for up to six persons at Massanutten Resort, a premier destination for enjoying the Memorial Day holiday! This lovely two bedroom, two bath unit at Woodstone at Massanutten in McGaheysville, VA is available to the winning bidder from May 24 to May 31, 2009. The Woodstone (RCI Unit Code 5711) is a Gold Crown resort located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. There is plenty to see and do onsite that includes fishing, swimming, golf, tennis, racquetball, exercise equipment, hot tub, playground, restaurant, grocery and games. Units come equipped with telephone, kitchen, air conditioning, fireplace, carpet, washer/dryer, dishwasher and microwave. An on-site water park will be a big hit for families! For further details on location and amenities go to rci.com, click on the Resort Directory tab, and enter Resort ID 5711.

Available for a 7-day stay beginning May 24, 2009. The donor will provide a required guest pass after being contacted by the winning bidder.

Estimated value: not available

Weekend Getaways

Cape May Getaway

The perfect weekend getaway in Cape May, New Jersey, for your nearest and dearest. A lovely, large 2-story home brimming with Cape May charm yet offering all of life’s modern amenities. State-of-the-art kitchen, formal dining room to accommodate your large party, living room, central air, four bedrooms and three baths just two blocks from the boardwalk and restaurants. Wireless internet. Relax after a day on the beach on the beautiful covered front porch or inviting rear deck. Owner has bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas available for use. This house is in such exquisite condition that it has won the “ship shape” award for rental properties each of the last 3 years. No pets. No smoking. June, July, and August are not available and reservations subject to space available.

Here are links for more photographs, an availability calendar, and a virtual tour.

Estimated value: $1,000

Cabin on Farm View in Deep Creek Lake

This brand new log cabin situated on a private 1.5 acre lot offers a two night weekend retreat with farm and mountain views near Deep Creek Lake. The cabin is offered for a Friday and Saturday night stay. Enjoy your own peaceful getaway knowing that all lake and sport activities are just minutes away. The cabin was designed with comfort in mind—the first floor includes an inviting great room, a beautiful native stone fireplace, dining area and fully equipped kitchen. The main level also has a master bedroom with a king size bed and its own private bath. Upstairs offers gorgeous views of nature from the loft area. You will also find two bedrooms—a queen room and a room with two twin beds.

Outside is an expansive deck that wraps around the side and back of the cabin. A hot tub has been installed for your enjoyment. Doggies ok with fee. Nearby Deep Creek Lake offers great activities for all seasons. Available for a two-night stay September through May (no summer availability) and no holiday bookings available.

Estimated value: $400 (minimum bid, $200)

 

Three-Day Weekend in Williamsburg

An inspiring Williamsburg stay from the evening of April 4 through April 7, 2009! Wyndham Governor’s Green, located close to Colonial Williamsburg and other top attractions, is beautifully designed and landscaped on the outside, elegantly decorated on the inside, with a full activity menu to appeal to every generation. Amenities include 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen and living room, swimming pools, tennis court, hot tubs, playground, miniature golf, exercise equipment, and game room.

Estimated value: not available

 

Hotels

A Weekend Away from Home

Embassy Suites • 1900 Diagonal Road • Alexandria, VA 22314

Pack your bags and bring a guest to experience a complimentary Friday and Saturday night stay. The Embassy Suites-Alexandria Old Town Hotel is the perfect place for guests to stay or for a weekend away from home for you. You will receive a beautiful two room suite, a breakfast cooked for you each morning, and a manager’s reception each evening. In addition to Metro access across the street at the King Street Station, take advantage of its pool and sauna and/or a workout in its state of the art fitness center. Parking is available for an extra charge of $24 daily. At least 24-hour notice is required for reservations, cancellation or rescheduling. Additional services are not included in the offer and it is subject to local and state taxes. Not valid on any other packages.

Estimated value: not available

Hampton Inn Old Town

1616 King Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • hamptoninn.com

Located a short walk from the King Street Metro Station, the Hampton Inn offers a two-night stay for two in historic Alexandria’s Old Town. This comfortable hotel is within walking and browsing distance to antique shops, fine old homes, galleries, museums, boutiques, and wonderful restaurants in the heart of Old Alexandria. A short Metro ride will take you into the District of Columbia for all that the District offers to visitors. Reagan National Airport is accessible via Metro too. The Hampton Inn has a business center, fitness room, and complimentary parking. For location and pictures, see their website (above). Available two consecutive nights (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) on a space available basis and there are blackout periods for certain dates. Must be used before 12/31/2009. Estimated value: $300.

Hilton Mark Center

5000 Seminary Road • Alexandria, VA 22311 • hilton.com

Enjoy a one-night stay at this elegant hotel in Alexandria’s West End, located in a park-like setting with lake and 43-acre botanical garden nearby. Amenities include indoor/outdoor pool, complete fitness center, and many others. Great views of DC and Northern Virginia. Easy access to the charms of Old Town Alexandria or monuments in D.C. The stay is good for one night complimentary accommodation (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening). Must be used before February 2, 2010. Fine dining on site at Finn and Porter or sushi bar. Comfortable lobby lounge for drinks, conversation and /or high definition TV.

Estimated value: not available

Red Fox Inn

Middleburg, Virginia • redfox.com

A gift card for $200 at the venerable Red Fox Inn and Tavern, located in the heart of historic Middleburg village in Virginia’s beautiful Hunt Country. In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Bull Run Mountain, Middleburg has both Revolutionary War and Civil War significance. The inn itself dates from 1728. Visit nearby battlefields and monuments, drive by land-grant estates and antebellum houses, browse fine shops and galleries. The area has seasonal steeplechase races and horse shows. Continental buffet in the dining room from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. is included with an overnight stay. Paper delivered to your room.

Estimated value: $ 200

Excursions

Roger That! Visit DCA’s Control Tower

Legal Seafoods • 2301 Jefferson Davis Highway • Arlington, VA 22202 • legalseafoods.com

Not everyone gets to do this! A behind-the scenes tour for four of DCA’s Control operations at Washington National Airport. Go up on the Air Traffic Control Tower to watch controllers as they guide planes through take-off, taxi, and landing procedures. Spectacular views of the Washington monuments, too. Then enjoy good eats at the Legal Seafood Restaurant National Airport. Donated by Daniel and Lesli Creedon.

For the tour: Mutually agreed upon date and time. You must show valid U.S. license or passport and meet security requirements for entry.

Estimated value: $75 certificate for Legal Seafoods Restaurant can be used in the airport concourse or at any location; control tower tour, priceless

Host a Big Party on the Chesapeake

You and your 24 guests can sail the Chesapeake Bay on the Patricia Divine, docked in Annapolis. She is a beautiful 65’ gaff-rigged topsail steel schooner. Check A Classic Sailing Adventure’s website for details. Co-owner Helmut Chase is a familiar face in Alexandria as a former director of the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. ALIVE! board member Patrick Anderson says, “The schooner is beautiful, and Helmut Chase is a very experienced sailor and a fun guy who is great with kids!” Available for a day between Memorial and Labor Day 2009 based on weather and availability.

Estimated value: $1,600

 

Sailboat Cruise and Lunch

Do you like sailing, but don’t have a boat? This is your opportunity to enjoy the breezes and sparkling waters of Chesapeake Bay with experienced sailors. This popular item offers a memorable excursion for six people. Lunch is included. Mutually agreed upon date and time. Estimated value: not available

Dining and More

Gadsby's Tavern, Old Town Alexandria

138 North Royal Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • gadsbystavernrestaurant.com

Step back in time! Eat your way through history at Gadsby’s Tavern and Restaurant which has been providing its patrons with fine dining since the 1770s. A one-of-a-kind dining experience awaits you at this unique restaurant where wait staff in period dress and 18th century ambience recall the early days of Alexandria. The menu includes local favorites from the old days that can add to your back-in-time evening. Dinner for two does not include alcoholic beverages and gratuity. Must be used by February 5, 2010. Estimated value: not available

Dinner with the Mayor at Food Matters

Food Matters • 4906 Brenman Park Drive • Alexandria, VA 22304 • foodmattersva.com

Enjoy dinner with Alexandria’s mayor, Bill Euille, and bring two more guests, dining at one of Alexandria’s best restaurants, Food Matters in Cameron Station–as the Mayor’s guests! While eating, you can engage the mayor in conversation about the topics of your choice! In addition, as you leave the restaurant you will receive a $100 gift certificate to use when you return to Food Matters, selected by Washingtonian magazine as one of the top 100 of the best bargain restaurants in the DC metro area. Donors are Mayor Bill Euille and Food Matters Restaurant. Limited to three guests for dinner with the mayor. Date and time will be subject to the mayor’s availability.

Estimated value: priceless!

Monroe's—An American Trattoria

1603 Commonwealth Avenue • Alexandria, VA 22301 • monroesrestaurant

This is a gift certificate for dinner for two at a Del Ray favorite that has been a donor to past ALIVE! auctions. Monroe’s American Trattoria features classical and creative Italian cuisine and a great wine selection in a cozy neighborhood setting. Monroe’s is a friendly and well respected eatery tucked away in Alexandria near Rosemont and Del Ray communities. The dinner for two certificate has a maximum value of $60 and alcohol, tax, and gratuity are not included in the gift certificate. The winner is asked to base gratuity on the original amount of the check. (Certificate expires 8/31/2009.)

Estimated value: up to $60

Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

A certificate for dinner for two is offered for one of those very special events when the atmosphere must be just right and your dinner really special. You will be pleased to have chosen the Mount Vernon Inn! The inn’s kitchen features mesquite grilled seafood, roasted game and fresh breads along with delightful desserts in an 18th century setting. The inn has six intimate dining rooms and it takes pride in its chef and its wonderful staff. Reservation requested and the certificate for dinner for two excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuity.

Estimated value: not available

Capitol Hill Power Lunch or Breakfast!

Little description of this opportunity is needed! Be the guest of Congressman Jim Moran at breakfast or lunch. Donor: Congressman Jim Moran. Restrictions: Mutually agreed upon time and place (including Members’ Dining Room). Expires March 8, 2010.

Estimated value: Priceless!

Entertainment

An Evening with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and Ramparts Dinner

Enjoy a dinner at Ramparts Restaurant and Sportsbar located at 1700 Fern Street in Alexandria, VA. Ramparts has the atmosphere of a neighborhood pub with the sophistication of an eclectic menu of delicious appetizers, salad, and entrees.

Certificate value (Ramparts): $25

Combine this dinner with an evening of beautiful music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra in the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College. The orchestra is Northern Virginia’s premiere fully professional orchestra. It features a mix of classical and contemporary music under the baton of musical director Kim Allen Kluge.

Two orchestra seats for the May 2, 2009, evening performance featuring the passionate music of Wagner, Rodgers and Tschaikovsky. Seats must be reserved by April 17 by mailing or faxing the gift certificate provided in order to obtain tickets. Visit alexsym.org.

Estimated value (symphony tickets): $140

Arena Stage

Two tickets to Legacy of Light, a new drama by Katherine Zacarias, a DC playwright, connecting women across generations who face balancing domestic maternity, intellectual curiosity and trying to have it all. Performance at Arena’s temporary Crystal City theater. Please see arenastage.org for directions and information. Metro accessible so you can reduce your carbon footprint too! For a performance between March 8 through May 22, 2009 (Sunday through Wednesday, evening performances only). Must call for reservations at least 48 hours before performance.

Estimated value: $110

Kennedy Center Musical

Enjoy an evening at a performance of The Color Purple in the Kennedy Center’s Opera House. Two orchestra seats. This is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s stunning novel of a woman’s triumph over adversity through love. Musical score features jazz, ragtime, gospel and the blues. Tickets to this play will be highly prized! Donors: Mr. and Mrs. Bill Masterson. Performance: Friday, July 24, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

Estimated value: $198

A Little Theater at the Little Theatre of Alexandria

600 Wolfe Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • thelittletheatre.com

Tickets for two at the June 12, 2009, performance of Ray Cooney’s It Runs in the Family. A London hospital’s Christmas program turns from an expected sure-fire source of much-needed funds and much-desired knighthood for its distinguished doctor-lecturer into the farce we’ve come to love in British comedy.

Estimated value: not available

The Total Package–Metro Stage & Stardust Restaurant

Stardust Restaurant • 608 Montgomery Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • stardustrestaurant.com
Metro Stage • 1201 North Royal Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • metrostage.org

Combine a gift certificate for two tickets to MetroStage in 2009 with a gift certificate to the Stardust Restaurant and voila--the best of Alexandria! Stardust Restaurant and Lounge is a stylish local eatery, decorated in a whimsical style, and featuring a fusion menu with an emphasis on seafood. Dine where Metro Stage cast members dine. The gift certificate for two is for dinner but it does not include gratuity or alcohol.

Following dinner, Metro Stage is only steps away. This unique playhouse has a broad-based audience from the Washington metropolitan area. Enjoy an evening of the best of contemporary theater, where playwrights, directors and actors come from across the country to showcase innovative plays and musicals at this Alexandria institution. When you call to reserve tickets mention your gift certificate for two at the MetroStage in 2009.
Estimated value of Stardust gift certificate dinner for two and MetroStage certificate for two tickets not available.

 

National Symphony Pops Concert

We have available two tickets (first-tier balcony, center) for the National Symphony Orchestra Pops for Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kennedy Center. The program is "Jerry Herman's Broadway," with Donald Pippin as conductor, and guest vocalists Melissa Errico, Debbie Gravitte, Hugh Panaro, and Ron Raines. The music and lyrics of Jerry Herman, from "Hello Dolly" and "Mame" to "La Cage aux Folles" is among the most heart warming Broadway music. This concert features the NSO Pops and four Broadway stars who will celebrate Herman's greatest hits with classic tunes from his winning trio of musicals as well as other favorites "Mack and Mabel" and "Milk and Honey."

Estimated value: $124

Play Ball! at Nationals Park

For baseball fans who like things up close and personal, the law firm of Maxwell & Barke (www.maxlaw.us) will provide two tickets to the Nationals v. Colorado Rockies game on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at Nationals Park. Game time is 7:05 p.m., and seats are field level at first base side, first row. Section 134 LWC, Row A, Seats 33 and 34. These front-row seats are wheelchair or handicapped accessible.

Estimated value: $90

Signature Theatre (Offered Twice*)

4200 Campbell Avenue • Arlington, VA 22206 • sig-online.org

Shirlington’s sparkling new Signature Theatre offers two tickets for a weeknight performance of Giant, a new musical adaptation of Edna Ferber’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel. The epic story tells of a Virginia bride and her Texas husband, and the challenges they face in marriage and family in a changing American landscape. Signature Theatre has been honored with 59 Helen Hayes awards since 1992.

The winning bidder also will receive an array of Signature Theatre souvenirs: umbrella, travel mug, ballpoint pen, magnet, promotional card, and book Signature: A Story in 3 Acts. Tickets available for weeknights only. Giant will be performed from April 28 through May 31, 2009. See sig-online.org for performance dates.

Estimated value: $200

* This special item is offered twice. It will be won by both the highest and second-highest bids (or by the first two bids to tie at the highest bid price).

Especially for Children

Treasure Hunt Birthday Package

Renowned and beloved (to those who know him) treasure hunt creator Rick Glassco will custom design a treasure hunt for your child, teen’s or adult birthday. You choose the theme and scene – around the house, yard or neighborhood and Rick will provide the clues. Codes and ciphers, maps, invisible ink, hard-to-reach places, themed quizzes, competing teams and audio clues for pre-readers are in the artist’s bag of tricks.

Then your party can enjoy cake from Bread & Chocolate and ice cream from Baskin-Robbins on festive plates provided by Diversions Cards, Centre Plaza. After enjoying mylar balloons and blowing out candles (also provided by Diversions) first, of course.

Availability of the master treasure hunter depends on mutual setting of time, place, and date. Arrangements for cake, ice cream, and getting helium in balloons must be made ahead of time.
Estimated value: priceless!

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Hunt for History

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum • 134 N. Royal Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • gadsbystavern.org and Hunt for History • Owned and operated by the city of Alexandria

Four free tickets to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Hunt for History Saturday April 11, 2009. Explore the rooms of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum as you hunt for Easter eggs—and a piece of history. Light refreshments served. Appropriate for children ages 3–20 and their families. Don’t forget your basket!

Please call 703-838-4242 to confirm no later than March 27 or spaces will be released. Your assigned time slot is 11 a.m. When confirming, you have the option to choose a different time-slot according to availability. Tours are every half-hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Estimated value: $20

 

Santa Claus Visit

This experienced Santa Claus has been a Santa at the best places in Alexandria for many years! Available for a home or office party up to 2 hours. Date and time to be mutually agreed upon. Must be in Metropolitan area. Estimated value: Priceless

This and That

Special Occasion Gift for a Special Person?

B&C Jewelers in the Bradlee Center, a local, family-owned business for over 50 years, will help you find that special something. Browse bcjewelers.net to view some of the quality jewelry and watches offered.
Gift certificate value: $150.

Spa Packages

Bid on these packages with products and services from several of Alexandria’s finest salons and spas. Among them are London Bob Hair Design, Sugar House Day Spa and Salon, Anne Welsh Salon, and Alternative Health Associates.

Three wonderful spa packages are offered for your consideration. Gift certificates for each package are limited to one per person. (The same person cannot win more than one package.)

Spa Package 1

Spa Package 1 will pamper you with a gift certificate for a hair glossing and blow dry from the London Bob Hair Salon. This Basket is filled with a sample of products from Sugar House in Old Town Alexandria that include: Sugar House Spa Candle, Blow Drying hair shine spray, and a gift certificate valued at $30 toward a pedicure. In addition there is a gift certificate from Alternative Health Associates in Alexandria for one Laser Hair removal for bikini line or underarms. Additional items may be added as they become available!

Contents of Spa Package 1: 1 London Bob Hair glossing and blow dry gift certificates valued at $87 to be used weekdays by 5/13/2009. Sugar House products and gift certificate valued at $30. Alternative Health Associates Certificate valued at $225 each expires November 2009.

Estimated value: Total fair market value exceeds $335.

Spa Package 2

Spa Package 2 is designed to help you spring forward with a sampling from some of Alexandria’s finest spas. This package includes a gift certificate for hair glossing and blow dry from the London Bob Hair Salon. It also includes Shea Butter Body Lotion, and Linen Water Spray along with a sample of nail products in a travel kit. Spa package 2 includes a gift certificate from Alternative Health Associates in Alexandria for one Laser Hair removal for bikini line or underarms. Additional surprises may be added to this package as they become available!

Limitations: London Bob Hair glossing and blow dry gift certificates valued at $87 to be used weekdays by 5/13/2009. Sugar House products valued at $70. Alternative Health Associates Certificate valued at $225 expires November 2009. Reservations are required for appointments using gift certificates. There may also be restrictions on services during non-peak hours and other conditions may apply on the certificates.

Estimated value: Total fair market value exceeds $335.

Spa Package 3

Spa Package 3 offers a manicure, pedicure, blowdry and style with Melissa at the Anne Welsh Salon, a certified Bumble and Bumble quality service provider in the heart of historic Del Ray, Alexandria. The Anne Welsh Salon package comes in a gift certificate that expires one year from March 2, 2009, and is not redeemable for cash.

This package also includes a London Bob Hair glossing and blow dry gift certificate valued at $87 from London Bob Hair Design in Old Town Alexandria. The London Bob Hair Design gift certificate for hair glossing in this package may be used weekdays by 5/13/ 2009. For more information about reservations and services, go to their website.

Estimated value: $180.

Need Tires?

Wiygul Automotive Clinic • 310 South Pickett Street • Alexandria, VA 22304 • wiygul.com

When you need ‘em, you need ‘em! This gift certificate provides up to $400 toward the purchase of four new radial tires (to be mounted and balanced, with new valve stems) from Wiygul Automotive Clinic, a West End business with over 32 years experience in Northern Virginia. Must be used before 3/08/2010. Please call in advance for an appointment.
Estimated value: $400