The success of any auction is never dependent on one factor. Delicious food, fun beverages, decorative lighting, floral design…the list goes on and on. Clearly, however, one of the most important elements to a successful auction is what’s up for grabs. From the opulent to the original, high quality auction items offer exciting bidding opportunities for all. The MxAA has acquired nearly 75 items and/or experiences – many of which cannot be purchased anywhere else.
One of the most rewarding aspects to planning this auction has been the willingness of so many alumni and parents to readily work with us to craft some truly unique offerings. “How can I help?” “What else do you need?” It is these committed relationships that make Middlesex a wonderful community. And we thank you for that. Linda Zhang P’15 reports on her experience at the 2013 gala:
“We won one week at this gorgeous villa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – it was phenomenal. We were bidding against three other couples, but we won! There were also some tremendous items in the silent auction; we purchased an antique mirror with a painting of the school on it. Also, we had donated a round of golf at our Country Club, and that ended up selling for hundreds of dollars”
Please enjoy another sampling of auction items that will be available for your bidding pleasure on Friday, April 10th. We hope it piques your interest!
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Spend a week in Baddeck, located on Nova Scotia’s gorgeous Cape Breton Island. There’s room for eight in this waterfront house on 200 acres right on the Cabot Trail, a world famous scenic route winding along the ocean. There is plenty of sailing and boating for the water enthusiast. If you enjoy golf, you’ll also be able to tee it up with a gift certificate for four rounds at the Cabot Links Golf Course, Canada’s first true links course. Ranked #42 in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses in the World, every hole at Cabot Links offers an ocean view and five holes play directly adjacent to the beach. You can also be one of the first golfers to play Cabot Cliffs, the resort’s second breathtaking course, which has been described as “Pebble Beach on Steroids” by Global Golf Post. Preview rounds will be available during 2015 ahead of Cabot Cliffs grand opening in 2016. The package includes a one night stay at the Cabot Links Lodge designed by award-winning Nova Scotia architect Susan Fitzgerald. Available on a mutually convenient week in the summer of 2015.
Weekend in Paradise
Bermuda’s motto is “Quo Fata Ferunt”—“Wither the Fates shall carry us.” Let them carry you to this beautiful island for a three night stay by the pink sand and turquoise waters at The Reefs Resort & Club, recently named the best resort in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas by Travel and Leisure. Breakfast is included each day and while on the island, enjoy a round of golf for up to three guests at the Mid Ocean Club with Hugh Barit ’78 P ’12. Available at a mutually convenient time from September 8, 2015-May 15, 2016.
Up Close
Since the late 1960s, Chuck Close has been a renowned American artist, best known for his large-scale, photo-realist portraits. Close has depicted countless subjects, including former President Bill Clinton, from whom Close received the National Medal of Arts in 2000. Close has also painted portraits of numerous artists, including this 2013 silkscreen with airbrush on lanaquarelle of Chinese artist Zhang Huan II. Close’s paintings have hung in galleries around the world. Here’s your chance to hang one of his works in your home!
Get Hopping
Find out how hops turn into beer—and other secrets of the trade—on a private tour and tasting at the Allagash Brewery in Portland, ME. Allagash makes Belgian-style brews, and a mixed case of twelve 750ml bottles, along with two chalices from which to drink them, is included in your afternoon. After your tour, head to Fore Street in the city’s Old Port district for a delicious meal. Fore Street has been nominated as an Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation three times in recent years. This busy day is sure to leave you weary, so head around the corner and rest up at the Portland Harbor Hotel. This package is available on a mutually convenient date in 2015.
Vermont Luxury
Spend a weekend at what CNN called one of the top elegant mansion hotels in the U.S. Opened in 1902, the Wilburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont is set atop a hill on a plot of land rumored to have been won in a high-stakes poker game. Owned by the Levis Family since 1987, the property offers stunning views and a plethora of area activities regardless of the season. This gift certificate is good for a two night stay, holidays and peak periods excluded.
The success of this year’s Spring Gala Benefit and Auction will provide the MxAA with the funds needed to continue these valuable outreach programs. ALL proceeds from the auction support the efforts of the MxAA, and a successful auction will allow us to increase our impact within the Middlesex community.
Please consider supporting this wonderful event with your attendance, your donations or your purchases! Tickets are $200; tables of 10 can be reserved for $2,000. For more information or to inquire about donating an item, please contact Director of Alumni Relations John Morrissey (978-371-6523 or [email protected]). We hope to see you soon.
Friday, April 10
Six O’clock in the Evening
Four Seasons Hotel, Boston
Black Tie Optional