1. Learn the Secrets of Chicago’s Most Powerful Women!

Start your day with a bang by learning how to succeed in politics from Illinois’ superstar politician Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who is a life-long champion of domestic violence issues. Next, head to Maria Pinto’s exclusive boutique -- a favorite of Michelle Obama’s -- to take a VIP tour of her store and private workroom and go on a $500 shopping spree! Depart with a designer chocolate brown wrap with a lace border by Maria Pinto. Next, head to hotspot Sepia for a power lunch with 3 amazing ladies in your life. Share stories of your day & show off your new designer duds over a 3-course lunch & bottle of wine hand-selected by Sepia’s sommelier.
Donated by Maria Pinto, Emmanuel Nona, & Jan Schakowsky

2. Be a Media Mogul like Oprah!

Head to Harpo studios & breeze through the door with two tickets to see the world’s most famous talk show host -- Oprah Winfrey -- for a live taping! Take home an autographed photograph of Oprah as a memento. Then, pass the sidewalk crowd to get an insider look at the ABC 7’s State Street Studio control room & to watch a taping of the entertainment news show ‘190 North’. Cap off your day with a personal tour of the NBC 5 Studio with Emmy-award-winning anchor Allison Rosati. TV will never be the same again! Donated by Oprah’s Angel Network, Allison Rosati & Catherine Vlahogiannis

3. Custom Event Planning for Your Dream Event.

Stop dreaming & start planning the special event of a lifetime! Prep for your big entrance with hair done by Maxine Salon in Chicago’s Elite Gold Coast & a $200 gift credit (off a $1000 purchase) at Sahil Boutique. While you’re primping, Drish Couture Events will plan your event with décor by Diva Designs & custom lighting & DJ by Tanttrix. Add 3 appetizers for 300 from Saffron to kick-up the party. Capture the event with a professional photography package from Michael Rastall & your friends will be complimenting you on the party-of-the-year! [Flowers excluded; Saffron exclusive caterer; N/A on holidays] Donated by Drish Singh

4. Hang With Allstars of Sports.

A sports fan’s wildest dreams come true! You & a friend will start your day with a live broadcast of the Waddle & Silvy show viewed from ESPN’s VIP Table at the renowned Morton’s Steakhouse! Over your steak lunch, the show will be joined by a Sports Legend! While the Legend depends on the selected date, the last 6 read as a veritable who’s-who in the sports world: Bulls GM John Paxson; Bears Hall of Famers Dick Butkus & Gale Sayers; Blackhawks Hall of Famer Denis Savard; Chicago Cubs Ryne Sandberg & Mark DeRosa. After the Legend answers your questions, grab two more friends for a Cubs or White Sox game. The 4 of you can cap off the day with a 4-course dinner paired with wine at Tommy Nevin’s. Go home with a bat signed by Cubs superstar Aramis Ramirez as a souvenir of this unbelievable day. Donated by Parris Caffey & Rohit Sahajpal

5. Explore California's Wine Country!

Fly to the Sonoma area with roundtrip airfare for two to experience wine country like never before! We’ve incredibly arranged accommodations for a weekend stay for two at a guesthouse at the picturesque Alderbrook Winery in Sonoma Valley. The Alberbrook guesthouse is closed to the public -- we were only able to secure this reservation because Alpana Singh called in a personal favor to Terlato International Wines! During your weekend stay, enjoy all wine country has to offer by first touring & wine-tasting at the Alderbrook winery. Next, savor the differences by heading to Napa Valley with a tour & tasting at the Rutherford Hill winery. Work off those calories with a unique bicycle tour of scenic Napa, the way it deserves to be seen. You'll return refreshed and inspired! Donated by Brad Dropping, Alpana Singh & Anthony Terlato

6. Appear on Khana Khazana With Sanjeev Kapoor on Zee TV!

Make your television debut on an episode of the acclaimed Indian cooking show Khana Khazana! Join Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor - the “Bollywood Chef” himself -- at the chic Shlok Lounge to watch and learn the secrets techniques to cooking amazing Indian food with this priceless opportunity. After the shoot, put your skills to the test and cook alongside Chef Sri Krishnan Dabral of Tadka Restaurant in Naperville to prepare a delicious modern Indian feast. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with Chef Dabral at the Chef’s Table -- the most exclusive spot in the restaurant! With this insight, you could be running your own restaurant soon! Donated by Sanjeev Kapoor & Neeral Patel

7. Sun, Sand and Sea Bonanza.

You & your loved one will escape wintry Chicago with this fantastic journey to Miami Beach, Florida with roundtrip airfare to Miami. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a private limousine that will chauffeur you to an 8 day, 7 night stay at the luxurious Doubletree Ocean Point Resort & Spa. Enjoy views of the Atlantic from your private terrace with all the amenities of a condominium. This unforgettable getaway is just the break you need! Donated by Ragu & Anita Nayak

8. A Night with Your Own Top Chef.

You and eleven of your luckiest friends will be the talk of the town after you host this spectacular once-in-a-lifetime event in your home. Top Chef Contestant and Executive Chef of Between Boutique Café and Lounge Radhika Desai will wow your guests with a dinner party you will never forget. She will specially prepare a delicious six-course extravaganza to delight your taste buds -- all prepared in your very own kitchen! Plus, each course will be specially paired with wine to maximize the culinary experience. Bring one of Chicago’s trendiest restaurants to your home! Donated by Radhika Desai

9. London Movie star Experience with Shabana Azmi.

Grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend an entire day with internationally renowned actress & activist Shabana Azmi in London on the set of the highly anticipated film “It’s A Wonderful Afterlife” directed by Gurinder Chadha, who catapulted to success after the mega-hit Bend It Like Beckham. Fly to London with roundtrip air, and stay at the posh Park Lane Hotel off of Bond Street in London for two nights. When the movie hits the silver screen, you can say you were there! [Between Now & 5/16/09] Donated by Gurinder Chadha, Shabana Azmi & Reena Bajowala

10. Winter Ski Wonderland.

Four lucky friends will share the slopes with the crème de la crème in Aspen, Colorado, one of the world’s most upscale ski destinations. Fly to Denver, Colorado with included roundtrip tickets for four. Enjoy a one-week stay at a newly remodeled and refurnished three bedroom, two bathroom luxury ski chalet, ideally located at the base of Aspen Mountain and within walking distance of the Gondola and Lift 1A, and equipped with all the finest amenities, including a hot tub and views of Aspen Mountain. Treat yourself to a ski trip of a lifetime! [Blackout dates apply] Donated by Umang Patel

11. Instant Wine Expert with Alpana Singh.

Catapult yourself into serious wine expert status by instantly collecting over 50 fine wines complete with notes from friends of Apna Ghar, adding that priceless personal touch. No basement wine cellar? No problem! Keep your wines in tip-top condition with your new eight-case wine storage unit. To toast your new collection, co-host a wine-tasting soiree for 20 with Alpana Singh, the queen of fine wines, at the chic Shlok Lounge in Naperville, IL. With an impressive wine collection and one-on-one time with one of only sixteen Master Sommelier’s in North America under your belt, this package is a burgeoning wine connoisseur’s paradise! Donated by Alpana Singh, Neeral Patel, StrongBox Wine Cellar & Friends of Apna Ghar.

12. Glamour at the Grammy Awards.

Travel with a friend to L.A. with roundtrip airfare, and bring some Bollywood glamour along with a designer sari & purse from Sahil Boutique. Check into the landmark Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites for a two-night stay. Making your way to the 2010 Grammy Awards, located at the Staples Center down the block, with your two tickets will be a breeze. Hang with Madonna, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West & more at this star-studded event! The next night, add a touch of magic with these rare guest tickets for 4 to the exclusive Magic Castle – the world’s most famous private club for magicians – as you gain access to a night of one magical spectacle after the other. You’ll never forget this epic & enchanting L.A. experience! [Magic Castle cover charge applies] Donated by David Goodman, Kern Wasan, Sanjeev Rathi, Bhavesh Patel & Reena Bajowala

Food & Wine
Culinary Journalism
13. A Two-Hour Cooking Class for Six With Chef-Author Alamelu Vairavan, Followed By a Delightful Meal; Take Home An Autographed Copy of "Healthy South Indian Cooking" As A Souvenier (Donated by Alamelu Vairavan)
14. An Autographed Copy of “Clean Food” by Chef-Author Terry Walters Cookbook (Donated by Andrew Brown), $50 Whole Foods Gift Certificate, and Whole Food “Green” Canvas Bag (Donor Anonymous)
15. An Autographed Copy of "Charlie Trotter Desserts" by Charlie Trotter & Paul Elledge of Paul Elledge Photography (Donated by Paul Elledge)
16. An Autographed Copy of "Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family" by Art Smith & Paul Elledge (Donated by Paul Elledge)

Culinary Delights
17. $150 Gift certificate for A Designer Cake and/or Chocolate Centerpiece from La Patisseries Lemont (Donated by Brenda Cole)
18. Be a Chef For a Day at Moto Restaurant (Donated by Kathryn Simpson)
19. Dinner for Four at Bamboo Garden (Donated by Bamboo Garden)
20. Wine & Cheese Bin Win Duo (Bin 36) (Donated by Shilu Bindari)
21. Two Tickets to the UnderGround Chef (Donated by Surinder Nand)
22. Dinner for Two with Wine at Osteria Via Stato (Donated by Osteria Via Stato)
23. $100 Gift Certificate for Club House (Donated by Club House)
24. $100 Gift Certificate for Briejo Restaurant, Oak Park, IL (Donated by Briejo Restaurant)
25. $50 Gift Certificate for Capital Grill (Donated by Capital Grill)
26. $25 Gift Certificate for Tizi Melloul, Chicago, IL (Donated by Tizi Melloul)
27. $100 in Gift Certificates (2 $50 certificates) for Ben Pao, Chicago, IL (Donated by Ben Pao)
28. $50 Dinner for Two at Saffron (Donated by Pratibha Jairath)
29. $150 Dinner for Six at Shikara restaurant in the Ashyana Banquet Hall (Donated by Pratiba Jairath)

Health & Wellness
30. Explore Yoga With a One-Year Subscription to Tathaastu Magazine and Yoga Lessons for 10 at the Home of Shanaz Sait (Donated by Shehnaz Sait and Georgy Bhalla)
31. Spa Party for 10 at Morgan Perris Salon in Westmont With Manicures and Pedicures over a Luxurious Champagne Lunch (Donated by Morgan Perris Salon)
32. Three-Month Membership to Any Fitness Formula Club (Donated by Jeff Long)
33. Teeth Whitening for 2 (Donated by Charu & Kamal Vibhakar)
34. Teeth Whitening for 2 (Donated by Arun Pal)
35. An Eight-Week Bollywood Dance Fitness Session at Five Seasons Health Club in Burr Ridge, Illinois with Sulagna Gangwani and one custom special occasion choreography for up to three people (inclues four one-hour sessions) (Donated by Sulagna Gangwani)
36. Gift Certificate for a deep cleansing facial, back scrub and 1/2 hour body massage at Beauty Concepts in Westmont, Illinois (Donated by Beauty Concepts)
37. Signature Make Up Class at Looks Salon (Donated by Loretta Wilger-Asmus)
38. Gift Certificate for Services from Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow (Donated by Kush & Naina Agarwal)

Home Décor
39. Beautiful Hand-Painted Motif Pot by Artist Neeta Maheshwari (Donated by Neeta Maheswari)
40. Silk Flower Arrangement from Phillips Flowers (Donated by Phillips Flowers)
41. 25 X 72 inch Black Stain on Silver Leaf Danseur Statue with FREE delivery and FREE design service from Rossi Furniture (exhangeable for an item of equal value) (Donated by Dominic Rossi)
42. Contemporary 4X6 Silk and Wool Rug Hand Woven in India, from Al-Sahara Carpet (exchangeable for an item of equal value) (Donated by Micky Singh)
43. Framed Original Oil Painting - “Sweet Pea” by Danilo Cuevas (Donated by Danilo Cuevas)
44. Stunning Decorative Salad Bowl and Servers, Made of Nickel and Aluminum with an Embossed Crocodile Pattern from The Beatriz Collection (Donated by the Design Shoppe)
45. A Variety of Ethnic Wrapping Paper from Global Wrapping Paper Co. (Donated by Aparna Huprikar)
46. Print from “Italy” Series from Paul Elledge Photography (Donated by Paul Ellege)
47. Professional Photography Session with Memories by Meeta, including set-up and photography for up to 5 people at the location of your choice, with adustments to best 15 images (Donated by Meeta Dhillon)

Chicago Arts & Culture
48. One and a half hour “Behind the Scenes” Private Tour of the Field Museum, and Amission to the Public Exhibits for Eight and Two Gift Certificates for Fine Italian Cuisine at Volare Ristorante (located in Oak Brook Terrace & Downtown Chicago) (Donated by Kate Dalin & Michelle Siddu)
49. Explore Oak Park! A Private Tour (before Public Tours Begin) of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, IL for Six Guests Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust With Souvenier Tote Bag and Dining Gift Certificate for Six at Maya Del Sol (Donated by Mark Warner & Todd Gundeson)
50. One-Year Membership at the Adler Planetarium for Six (Anonymous Donor)
51. Behind the Scenes with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Entertaining
52. Gorgeous Gold & Diamond Earrings (Donated by Ketki & Tushar Parikh)
53. Purse & bangles (Donated by Five Accessories)
54. Silk Sari (Donated by Dr. Sudha Rao)
55. Collection of 45 All-Time Hits (Set of 3 CDs and 1 DVD) (Donated by Hiren Patel & Big Suchir)
56. Accessories Party by 4style, showing classic jewelry, purses and accessories, for Up to 200 Guests with Wine, Soft Drinks and Light Refreshments in an Urban Chic Lounge setting (Donated by A.J. Canfield)
57. Tapas & Sangria Party at Emilio’s Tapas (Donated by Emilio’s Tapas)
58. Thirty-Person Party at The Peacock India Restaurant in Vernon Hills, Illinois, with a specially chosen food menu (two appetizers, seven entrees, dessert and other accompaniments) and full bar service (Donated by Sameer Chhabria)

Travel & Leisure
59. Accommodations at Silver Thorn Cabins in Breckenridge, Colorado (Donated by Ketki Shroff-Steffen)
60. Weekend Stay at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL (Donated by Firdaus Jafri)
61. Weekend Stay at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago (Donated by Palmer House Hilton)
62. Two-Night Stay at the Fairmont Hotel and Dinner at Aria Restaurant in Chicago (Donated by Wayne Harth)
63. One-Night Stay at the Famous Drake Hotel and High Tea for Four (Donated by Ann O'ridian)

Sports
64. Gift Certificate for Food, Bowling and/or Shoe Rental at Lucky Strike (Donated by Matt Nadell)
65. Round of Golf at Whisper Creek Golf Club, a private country club in Huntley, IL (Donated by Vipul Patel, USIGA)
66. Two Tickets to a Chicago Bears Game; 10th Row of Section 123, South End Zone (Anonymous Donor)
67. Four Tickets to a 2009 Chicago Bulls Game; 10th Row of Section 118 in the 100 Level (10th Row from the Court) and a VIP parking pass (Donated by Shashi & Arun Ohri)
68. Two Season Tickets to a Chicago Cubs Game (Donated by Kern Wasan & Friends.)
69. Two Season Tickets to a Chicago White Sox Game (Donated by Kern Wasan & Friends.)
70. Two Season Tickets to a Chicago Bears Game (Donated by Kern Wasan & Friends.)

If you cannot attend the event, but you would like to bid on one of these items,
contact Ketki Parikh at ketki@aol.com.

*** Items Confirmed as of April 14, 2009 -- Items Subject to Change At Any Time ***

Auction Results Sample Live & Silent Auction Rules©*

LIVE AUCTION BIDS

1. The Live Auction will begin at approximately 8:15 pm.
2. To bid, raise your paddle, with the number visible to the Auctioneer.  Gala committee spotters will be available to assist the Auctioneer in noting your bid.  Use only the paddle number assigned to you. 
3. The highest bidder of any item, as acknowledgement by the Auctioneer, will be the purchaser.  Questions of priority and procedure shall be decided by Auctioneer, whose decision shall be final and binding.  In the event of any dispute between bidders, the Auctioneer shall have sole and final discretion to determine the successful bidder or to re-offer the item in dispute.
4. Upon Auctioneers indication of “Sold”, title to the item will pass to the highest bidder who thereupon assumes full risk and responsibility.  By his/her purchase, the bidder waives any claims for liability against either XXX Organization or the donor of the property or service.  Some items are available for prior inspection.  All items are sold “As Is”.  Dollar values included in any item’s description are estimates provided by the donor and are not warranted by the Gala Committee for tax purposes or market value.

SILENT AUCTION BIDS

1. To bid on an item: Print your paddle number and bid amount on the proper bid sheet corresponding to the Silent Auction item.  Each bid sheet provides a detailed explanation of the item or package.
2. Valid bids: Bids must equal or exceed the opening bid indicated on the bid sheet.  Subsequent bids must increase according to the minimum raise amount noted on the bid sheet.
3. Buy It Now:  Some items are marked with a “Buy It Now” amount in the catalog and on the bid sheet.  The first bidder to sign for the “Buy It Now” amount is the guaranteed purchaser of the item.  No further bids are allowed.
4. Winning: At the announced closing time, Gala officials will circle the winning bid.  Please leave the bid forms on the tables.  Bids submitted after the category closing are not valid and will not be honored.  Only Gala officials are to remove the bid sheets from the tables.

PAYMENT

Take advantage of “Express Check Out” when you arrive to expedite your time at the checkout table.

Payment for Auction items must be made in full the night of the Gala.  Payment begins approximately fifteen minutes after the XXXX XXXX.   Winning bidders must pay in full for items by personal check, cash, MasterCard, Visa, or American Express.  Credit card purchases will appear as “XXX   XXX” on your billing statement.  Checks should be made payable to “XXXX XXX”.  Payment in full must be made by 12:00 A.M. XX/XX/20XX (the evening of the event).  Upon payment, the winner will de directed by the cashier to the appropriate location to claim the item.  Gift certificate and trip information will be available at this time.  All auction items must be removed or arrangements made for removal by 12:00 A.M. XX/XX/20XX (the evening of the event).

You will receive a receipt for your purchases at the end of the evening, or one will be mailed to you.

COLLECTING YOUR WINNINGS

Gift certificates can be collected at the gift certificate table next to the Check-Out table.  Security personnel may ask you to show receipts as you exit.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

GENERAL RULES

Values set forth are estimates only, unless otherwise specified, and are not warranted by the Gala for tax purposes or general value.

Please keep gift certificates in a safe place.  They cannot be replaced if lost.  Regarding gift certificates, if you are the successful bidder, you are responsible for making contact with the donor of the gift as per the instructions on the gift certificate.  Unless otherwise specified on your certificate, or agreed upon between the Donor and Bidder, all auction items and services must be used by XX/XX/20XX (one year from date of event).

Purchases are tax deductible only by the amount the price paid exceeds the value of the item received.  Winners should retain their receipts for tax purposes.

XXX XXX and Auctioneer assume no responsibility for the validity of description, authenticity, or condition of any item offered.  Neither XXX XXX, Auctioneer, nor the donor is responsible for any personal injuries or damage that may result from the use of property or services sold.

XXX XXX reserves the right to withdraw any item at any time before the actual sale.  XXX XXX reserves the right to reject a bid from any bidder.  With the exception of the Live Auction, the Auction Co-Chairs will act as final authority on any bidding dispute.

All Sales are Final.  No Exchanges or Refunds.

If you have any questions, please look for any Gala Board member and they will be happy to assist you.

*Please note that the above Auction Results Sample Live & Silent Auction Rules are for example only.  These rules need to be modified by each individual organization to conform with appropriate state and federal regulations as well as the organizations unique needs.