Private Paradise: Breathtaking Private Beachfront Kaua'i Estate

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for eight people to spend seven nights at a private Ranch situated in one of the largest beachfront estates in Kauai. Considered to be one of the most spectacular and exclusive in Hawaii. This Ranch will take your breath away....

This estate has never been offered to an outside party for exclusive use, making this an extraordinary opportunity for a small corporate retreat, family reunion or a gathering of good friends. This lot includes a seven night stay in two luxury guesthouses. Also included are: daily housekeeping; a hosted aloha reception; fully equipped gym; private swimming pool and spas; tennis court; beach bar; mountain bikes; private trails, a secluded beach and more. To top it all off, you'll enjoy the services of one of the island's best private chefs who will prepare breakfast trays and picnic lunches daily and four gourmet dinners served to you at the main residence. Maximum occupancy and daily ranch use is reserved exclusively for the eight guests staying at the ranch. Dates to be arranged with ranch representatives.

Bidding for this very special experience starts at $12,000.

San Francisco Giants Close Up!

Get a load of the view from these two dugout club seats behind home plate! You and a friend will be the envy of all your baseball-loving friends. Or give the tickets to deserving friends, family members, or employees—the choice is yours! Seats are located in Dugout Club section 119, row BBB, seats 5 and 6. Dates to be mutually agreed on with donor. Good for the 2010 season. Blackout dates are May 15–16, 27; June 12–14, 25–30 ; July 16, 30–31; and August 9.
Donors: Deloitte
Value: $200

Idyllic Stinson Beach Retreat

Feel the sand beneath your toes as you spend a perfect long weekend at a casual and comfortable four-bedroom beachfront retreat at Stinson Beach. This Seadrift home sleeps a maximum of eight, and families are welcome. Wake up to the soothing sounds of the ocean and spend your days hiking at Point Reyes, bird-watching at Audubon Canyon Ranch, or just hanging out at the beach. Of course, you’ll start each evening with a beautiful sunset. Dates to be mutually agreed on with owners. Available from September 2010 to May 2011.
Donors: Midge and Peter Zischke.
Value: $1,960

It's an After-Hours Birthday Party at LHS!

Up to 20 children, age five or older, will grab their flashlights, teddy bears and explore the Hall in their PJs. You plan the night! Perhaps you'll kick off the evening with a flashlight-guided exploration of the current featured exhibit, or will enjoy an interactive planetarium show or one of several educator-led workshops. We'll even provide pizza, cupcakes, and juice. The party will take place between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. on a mutually agreed on date. One adult chaperone required for every five children. Expires December 2011.
Donors: Lawrence Hall of Science.
Value: $1,500

Private Food and Wine Education with Eugenio Jardim and Niki Ford

Renown Bay Area sommelier, Eugenio Jardim of Jardinière and Niki Ford from Chez Panisse Café will work with you to create an unforgettable evening of food and wine enjoyment and education for a party of 10 in the comfort of your home. Whether you want to set up an introductory wine tasting, delve deep into Pinots of the world or just focus on Champagnes, Eugenio will design a program that will educate, provoke discussion and provide a lot of fun! Your wine tasting will be paired with fabulous hors d’oeuvres and a four-course dinner prepared by Chez Panisse Café cook and private chef, Niki Ford. If your guests have specific cooking interests, Niki can work with you to design a custom cooking demonstration with or without guest participation. So organize a group bid or host your friends for an unforgettable evening that your guests will remember for years to come. Wines not included but Mr. Jardim will work with you to obtain trade pricing, if possible. Expires May 2011.
Donors: Eugenio Jardim, Niki Ford.
Value: $2,700

Cal Performances VIP Experience and Romantic Luxury Getaway

Two people will experience an unforgettable evening at Cal Performances on the UC Berkeley campus and a pampered overnight stay at the Claremont Hotel Club and Spa. You will receive two premier tickets to your choice of among three performances during the 2010–2011 season, announced on May 5. These marquee events are almost always immediately sold out and feature world-renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Cecilia Bartoli, Renée Fleming, and others. Take advantage of reserved parking, and enjoy a private reception during intermission, when you may have the opportunity to meet with Cal Performance’s new director extraordinaire, Matías Tarnopolsky. You’ll even receive an invitation to a dress rehearsal. Once you have your event date, make your reservations at the Claremont Hotel and enjoy your room, spa package for two, and dinner at the luxury hotel’s Meritage. What else can one ask for? Expires May 2011.
Donors: Cal Performances, Claremont Resort and Spa.
Value: $1,500

Food, Wine, and Conversation with Astrophysicist Alex Filippenko

Your group of 10 will have the Hall all to yourselves when you enjoy a perfect evening of food, wine, science and conversation. Begin the evening with wine, hors d’oeuvres, and the Hall’s spectacular view, as the sun sets over the Bay. Then enjoy a fabulous dinner and conversation with world-renown UC Berkeley Professor and Astrophysicist Alex Filippenko and LHS Planetarium assistant director Toshi Komatsu. Top off the evening with a private, interactive show in the Hall’s new digital, planetarium. The Thompson-Reuters "incites" index ranked Professor Filippenko as the most cited researcher in space science for the 10 year period between 1996 and 2006. He is also frequently featured on History Channel's "The Universe" programs and has received numerous awards including the Carl Sagan Prize for Science Popularization and the US professor of the year award. The elegant dinner will also feature wines from Gundlach Bundschu Winery. Dates to be mutually agreed upon by all parties. Expires May, 2011.
Donors: Lawrence Hall of Science, Alex Filippenko, Gundlach Bundschu Winery.
Value: $2,470

Science Under Sail

An executive team, a family, or a group of up to five friends will experience team building through sailing, while they learn about the science behind the San Francisco Bay. Craig Strang, LHS associate director and marine educator extraordinaire, along with two U.S. Sailing-certified staff from Group Experiential Learning (GEL), will meet you on a mutually agreed on date for a briefing and a lunch. Afterward, you’ll board a high-performance sailboat provided by GEL for three hours of unforgettable team sailing and ocean science education. Then it’s back to shore for debriefing, over drinks hosted by the CEO of GEL, Jay Palace. GEL uses sailing as a tool to foster teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Nonswimmers are welcome. Children must be 10 years of age or older. Available summer and fall 2010. Expires May 2011.
Donors: Group Experiential Learning and Craig Strang.
Value: $2,500

Exclusive Napa Weekend for Four

Hold the weekend of September 24–26 for a spectacular Napa experience for four persons. Begin with a rare tour and a tasting at famed but closed-to-the-public Dalla Valle Vineyards. Proprietor Naoko Dalla Valle will treat you to lunch and, if the timing is right, invite you to participate in a crush.You will also be presented with an ’06 magnum of the cult wine Maya, plus an ’06 magnum of DV Cabernet Sauvignon. Afterward, check into two suites for a two-night stay at Bardessono, the first and only LEED platinum-certified, luxury hotel in the California. From there, explore the rest of the Napa Valley to your heart’s content, or simply relax at the resort. On Saturday night take a pleasant walk up the street to French Laundry for your guaranteed reservations for four. Cost of dinner and wine at the French Laundry is not included. Crush availability subject to timing. Access is priceless--value represents the fair-market value of food, wine and accommodations.
Donors: Naoko Dalla Valle, Lawrence Hall of Science.
Value: $3,900

Sophisticated Umbrian Getaway

Stay seven nights (Saturday through Saturday) at the stunning Villa Bellissima, a 300-year-old farmhouse beautifully restored as a luxury villa in 2008 by its owner, Dr. Ludovica Giuriati, who will also be available to organize a guided tour of Rome through her company, Rome Guide. Set in a picturesque valley halfway between Rome and Florence, with extraordinary views of the Umbrian countryside, Villa Bellissima offers the best of everything: an idyllic rural setting, modern amenities, and a central location. The villa sleeps 12 adults and four children in six bedrooms, with six and one-half bathrooms. Other features are air-conditioning, an infinity pool with heated Jacuzzi, high-speed Internet, an office/library, and a gym. This villa is available for rental only to friends of the owner and to referrals during the fall and winter months. Dates are based on availability from November 1, 2010, to March 31, 2011. Excludes Christmas and New Year’s holiday weeks. Package does not include cost of Rome Guides tour.
Donors: Dr. Ludovica Giuriati.
Value: $10,500

VIP Evening for Four at Cal Shakes

Choose any performance from the 2010 season (June 3–October 17) at Orinda’s beloved and esteemed California Shakespeare Theater. You’ll receive four house seats, reserved parking, and blankets to stay cozy, along with boxed dinners and drinks at intermission. The play’s the thing, but to top it all off you’ll have the opportunity to meet Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone for a VIP, behind-the-scenes tour of Cal Shakes. Performance date to be arranged in advance.
Donors: California Shakespeare Theater.
Value: $380

Tasting, Winemaking Experience, and a Catered Lunch for 12 at Freeman Vineyard & Winery

Up to 12 people will spend an unforgettable day at the acclaimed Freeman Vineyard and Winery in picturesque Sebastopol, where you will be guided through an in-depth tasting. Available only in restaurants and by mailing list, Freeman Chardonnays and Pinots express a quintessential Burgundian approach, in the California style. The winery’s Pinots have been hailed as being among the "World’s 30 Best Noirs" by Food & Wine magazine, and both varietals continue to receive top scores from such wine critics as Robert Parker and Steve Tanzer. After the tasting, enjoy a splendid catered lunch by an award-winning chef de cuisine, Richard Visconte. Winner of accolades from a luminary clientele, the husband-and-wife team of Andrea and Richard Visconte will prepare a magical experience for you, paired with library wines from the Freeman collection. Finally, sit down with the winemaker and enjoy the unique experience of creating your own Pinot Noir blend, then take home a few bottles. To be arranged on a mutually agreeable date with Freeman Winery and Richard Visconte Catering. Saturdays from June 1, 2010, to January 1, 2011, may only be arranged based on the chef’s availability, and must be confirmed at least 10 days prior to the event. With consent from all parties, the event may be modified to a dinner. Expires May 31, 2011.
Donors: Freeman Vineyard and Winery, Richard Visconte Catering.
Value: $3,000

A Luxurious Sun Valley Escape

Spend a week fishing, skiing, or simply relaxing at a mountain paradise in Idaho. Tucked away along the banks of the Wood River—and only 20 minutes from Sun Valley—you’ll enjoy all the comforts of a well-appointed, custom-built home. The main house features three bedrooms, three baths, a fireplace, indoor/outdoor hot tub, and an expansive deck. The charming guesthouse offers two bedrooms, two baths, a loft, and another hot tub. Both houses are equipped with TV, DVD, and Wi-Fi. The home can sleep 12 comfortably, making it a perfect getaway for an extended family, or even two families. Whether you decide to hit the slopes on Dollar Mountain in the winter or take advantage of hiking trails and a jazz festival in the spring and summer months, this vacation will be a magnificent and memorable one for all. Not available during the weeks of Christmas and Independence Day or in August. Dates to be mutually agreed on with owners. Expires July 2011.
Donors: Jean and Don Brandenburger.
Value: $2,500

Mayacama Fantastic Foursome

There’s no need for a member-chaperone as four golf enthusiasts enjoy a great day of golfing and lunch at one of Northern California’s most exclusive private golf clubs, Mayacama. Your caddy will guide the way as you enjoy the breathtaking, signature walking course designed by Jack Nicklaus—which many consider his finest. Afterward, savor a marvelous lunch at the Mayacama Bar and Grill. Access to this course is truly priceless! Golfing limited to Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Winners are subject to all club rules and regulations.
Donors: Mayacama Golf Club, Mr. and Mrs. William Shea.
Value: $1,900

LHS Science Programs at Your Favorite School or Private Event

Present a fantastic learning opportunity to the children in your community. Lawrence Hall of Science will roll out a van and bring one of our highly regarded science outreach programs either to a local school or at a private event of your choice within our service area. Includes two sessions for grades K–8, with a maximum of 300 students per session. Dates and times to be mutually agreed on with LHS. Service area includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Sonoma counties. Event outside of service area is negotiable for an additional fee. Expires June 2012.
Donors: Lawrence Hall of Science.
Value: $1,200

Campanile Card Shuffle

For $100 you can support science and math education and get one chance in 104 (two decks of cards) to win this fantastic prize! To enter, contact Tia Foss at 510-642-9768 at Lawrence Hall of Science to purchase your choice of card and deck color (blue or gold).

The lucky winner will host an exclusive sunset gathering on top of UC Campanile with food and wine. Invite up to 12 of your friends for sunset wine and hors d’oeuvres at the top of UC Berkeley’s Campanile. Whether it is a pre-performance or post-game gathering, or just a romantic dinner for two, you will not be disappointed with the incredible views and nostalgia of the Campanile. Delightful hors d’oeuvres for 12 or dinner for a group of up to six provided by Gregoire and will be paired with a magnum of Schramsberg Reserve sparkling wine, a magnum of ’06 Cabernet Sauvignon from Bressler Vineyards, and a half case mix of top flight wines. Date and time to coordinated through Lawrence Hall of Science. Expires May, 2011.
Donors: Gregoire, Bressler Vineyards, Schramsberg, Lawrence Hall of Science Advisory Council, Lawrence Hall of Science.
Value: $900