by Heather Foley
If you know me or have read some of my stuff before, you know I’m a big fan of drinking for a cause. Well I’m always a big fan of cocktails, but cocktails for a cause makes me feel a little better about myself. If I’m having gin and tonics on a random week night I’m just a booze bag, but if I’m having them at a fundraiser I’m a philanthropist. But this is old news, so what’s the new news? Auctions.
Every time I go to a fundraiser that has live or silent auctions, I always think ‘why wasn’t I prepared for this?’. If you’re on the Southie fundraiser circuit, you know there are usually some amazing auction items, and they go for a good deal less than what they’re worth. Every time I see a Martha’s Vineyard beach house, a NH ski trip, or a dinner for a big group for a steal I get down right annoyed with myself that I didn’t walk into the joint with a plan. I’m sure if you’re at all like me (which you probably are), you think the same way. Well let me help you out, tonight the South Boston Health Center is having an open bar (awww yeah) fundraiser at the Boston Harbor Hotel (fancy), and I’ve got the scoop on some of the auction items.
A private dinner for six with Barbara Lynch. And this is just any old dinner with any old chef. You’re going to Stir, which means Barbara and a sous chef will be teaching you during the food preparation.
Kids night at the Bruins. Does your kid not love you? Then you should probably bid on this item. Tickets for 20 kids to the December 13th Bruins game, seats are in a special section, t-shirts and photos for the kids and a trolley to and from the game. You can seriously knock Santa out of the water with this one.
White House Christmas Tour. South Boston’s own Stephen Lynch is your guide and your lunch date for a truly once in a lifetime experience. You’ll tour the White House in all its Christmas splendor as well as the Capital building. My son would probably rather this than the Bruins tickets, if anyone wants to buy it for him.
Tuscan Vacation. Seven days for two at a Tuscan winery, airfare included. There are no words, this is just heaven.
Harbor Cruise for 60 people. Do you have 60 friends? If you do, good for you, you are very popular. If you don’t, no worries, I can help you fill up the boat for a 2 hour Harbor Islands cruise complete with a maritime historian tour guide.
Acapulco trip. A 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Acapulco within a quick walk of the beach, golf course, fabulous restaurants, and the local flea market. This would be a pretty sweet trip, and just think of how many people you can cram in a 3-bedroom condo. I’ve never been to Acapulco (hint, hint).
Dinner for 6 at 224 Boston Street. I seriously love this restaurant, and if you’ve been I’m sure you love it too. If you haven’t been what are you waiting for? You’re missing out! The menu changes seasonally, the staff is always wonderful, and I think it’s the ideal place to head out with 5 friends for a great meal.
VIP style at on the Waterfront. Your party like a rockstar night starts off with dinner for 4 at the Barking Crab (I used to work there, ah memories). I’m told you’re getting 10 lbs of lobster and 4 lbs of crab, yikes. And then off the Bank of America Pavilion with VIP tickets to the show of your choice. Is it still called the Bank of America Pavilion? I call it Harbor Lights, but whatever its called I think it’s the absolute best place in town to see a show. And are you worried about being over-served in the VIP tent? Don’t because you’re not driving home, Volvo limo service for the night!
So that’s some pretty great stuff, right? So here’s what you do if anything caught your eye, share the list with some friends to see if anyone is interested, everyone put up a couple bucks and show up tonight ready to bid. How awesome will it be come summertime to have those VIP Pavilion tickets stashed away? Personally I have my eye on the dinner at 224 Boston Street, I was just recently saying how much I love it there and that I haven’t been in ages (unfortunately I don’t think I have 5 friends). And it’s for a good cause, so the karma points you win cancel out you acting like a drunken buffoon last weekend (did you really think we all don’t know about you?). Oh and feel free to invite me to anything fun you win!
