Auction Image
Auction

The live auction item featured 10 great packages of experiences that afforded guests unique ways to explore the arts, culture, food, wine, outdoors, and natural environment of the Bay Area. We express our gratitude to our auction donors for making these items available and to our bidders; thanks to them, we raised funds to help ensure that the Hall’s vital work in science education continues and serves even more students and families.

 

Spend a Week in Tropical Bliss at
Kauai’s House of Relaxation

  • 7 spectacular nights at one of Kauai’s most sought-after beachfront estates
  • Prime Poipu location with a private pool and secluded, kid-friendly beach
  • Hale Luana sleeps a maximum of 10 with 3 spacious bedrooms in the main house and a separate 2-bedroom cottage — perfect for a large family or two!
  • ALSO INCLUDES: a 7-day membership pass at the ultra-exclusive private Club at Kukui’ula.

Fronting the white sands of Poipu’s Baby Beach, this magnificent beachfront estate is one of the few Kauai vacation rentals located directly on the beach on the South Shore. Set above a shallow, reef-protected cove, the two-story 3 bedroom main residence and single-story 2 bedroom guest house are separated by a spectacular oceanfront swimming pool. 4 out of the 5 bedrooms have unobstructed ocean views. So swim in crystal-clear waters and snorkel in the reefs in front of Baby Beach. When you want a break from the sand, enjoy access to your own private pool or try to spot a dolphin or whale from your lanai. Of course, enjoy the most stunning sunsets. Open and airy yet very private, this home will bring you comfort and ease, making it the perfect place for you and your loved ones to make lasting memories.


During your stay at Hale Luana, you and your guests will also enjoy full membership at the ultra-exclusive private Club at Kukui’ula. Built by the same developers as famed Martis Camp at Lake Tahoe, Kukui'ula sits on 1,000 acres of sunny south shore in Kauai, embodying the relaxed luxury and simple elegance that define paradise. Feel the Aloha spirit as Kukui'ula welcomes you to a community organic farm, an award-winning Tom Weiskopf golf course, a stunningly gracious yet family-friendly club house, a keiki club built for kids, a multi-site private dining facility that offers some of the best food on the Islands, and a spectacular spa retreat beyond compare. So arrange for a private lunch on Secret Beach with Island Pursuits, your personal adventure concierge at the Club; enjoy daily complimentary breakfast, take advantage of the many daily complimentary exercise classes or go snorkeling with your private guide; experience the amazing ocean-front golf course that Robb Report calls “greatness on the Garden Isle” in his 2012 Best of the Best; and, of course, reserve time in the spa as often as you can for some of the best pampering in the world!


Blackout dates: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Valid through March 31, 2016. Club membership is for access only. Winner will be treated as a club member for the week and will be responsible for all incidental charges incurred at the Club.


Donor: A Friend of the Hall

Stinson Beach Retreat

Stinson Beach Shuffle Card Item

Find Peace at a Private Stinson Beach Retreat (for 8)

  • Enjoy a long weekend in Seadrift, the private stretch of beach vacation homes on the beautiful Marin coastline
  • This 4-bedroom home comfortably sleeps up to 8 and features easy beach access

Purchase a card for a chance to win a long weekend at a rustic Seadrift retreat that’s a short drive from the city while feeling miles and miles away. Let the beauty of Stinson Beach surround you as you breathe in the salty air, hear the soothing sound of waves, and sink your feet in a blanket of sand. From where it sits on the Seadrift Gold Coast, this classic beach house shows you San Francisco at a sparkling distance. Expect stunning views of city lights across the ocean at night, glimmering close yet so far away. Warm and sunny patios protected from the wind provide plenty of outdoor entertaining and play space during the day, and a large sandy area within view of the living room is a great supervised play area for younger children. Spend your days with family and friends, lounging on the beach, bird-watching at Audubon Canyon Ranch, or hiking at Point Reyes. Do it all, or do nothing; it’s your choice! This is your chance to soak up the magic of Stinson — at your own pace.


Dates exclude summer rental times and are to be mutually agreed upon with owners.


Donors: Peter and Midge Zischke

SF Bay Sailing with Criag Strang

Smooth SF Bay Sailing with renowned Hall educator Craig Strang (for 8)

  • See the marine life of the Bay in a whole new light with Craig Strang
  • Enjoy 3 to 4 hours of panoramic Bay views aboard Caprice, a Seawind 1160 cruising catamaran
  • Learn about sailing and science from a friendly, knowledgeable crew and enjoy an array of delicious appetizers and drinks in Caprice’s spacious salon

Eight lucky guests will spend a delightful afternoon exploring the living treasures of the Bay aboard a private catamaran charter. You’ll hear the fascinating history of Raccoon Straits waterway and learn about the science that shapes the Bay from Craig Strang, Lawrence Hall of Science Associate Director and a marine educator extraordinaire who will make this a truly enjoyable and educational experience. Invite an executive team, family, or friends, and join seasoned sailors Dan and Carol Seifers as you sail from Point Richmond, through Raccoon Straits between Angel Island and Tiburon, and take a quick pass under the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge. The route continues along the city front to Pier 39, then back to Point Richmond, with a quick look at the eastern sides of Alcatraz and Angel Island. As Captain Dan navigates you through the best the Bay has to offer, he’ll point out several points of interest and share his knowledge around sailing. So sit back and relax, learn to sail, or even take the wheel for a moment on this adventure of a lifetime.


Date to be mutually determined with Craig Strang and Dan and Carol Seifers. Expires April 30, 2015.


Donors: Sailing Caprice, Craig Strang, and Mike and Christina Lederer

Lawrence Hall of Science Programs Van

Lawrence Hall of Science Programs at Your Favorite School

Children in your community are waiting for their chance to fall in love with science. This is your chance to bring the Hall’s amazing demonstrations and hands-on science activities straight to them! California elementary school students routinely receive less than an hour per week of science instruction. Win this lot to make sure kids in your community have a chance to explore questions and reveal answers like real scientists and engineers. Lawrence Hall of Science will roll out a van and take one of our highly regarded science outreach programs to a school of your choice within our service area. Includes two Science Show sessions for grades K–8, with a maximum of 300 students per session. Dates and times to be mutually agreed upon 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 November 2015.


Donor: Lawrence Hall of Science

Cavallo Point Lodge

Personalized Path to Health and Wellness with Dr. Brad Jacobs at Cavallo Point Lodge & Healing Arts Center (for 2)

  • Integrative Health and Wellness Assessments by Dr. Brad Jacobs, one of the Bay Area’s top private physicians and head of Integrative Medicine at Cavallo Point
  • Two 60-minute spa services at Cavallo Point Healing Arts Center
  • A marvelous lunch for two at Michelin-starred restaurant Murray Circle
  • Full use of the Healing Arts Center facilities, including an outdoor private Jacuzzi, outdoor co-ed meditation hot soak pool, and eucalyptus steam room

Get inspiration and an integrated action plan to your health with Dr. Brad Jacobs, a much sought after physician, educator and author. In his practice, Dr. Jacobs combines his experience as a Stanford and UCSF practiced Internist with his studies in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, functional medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. Prior to his current work, Dr. Jacobs served as Endowed Professor and founding Medical Director of the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. As part of this package, the two of you will receive:


A total health assessment and action plan by Brad Jacobs, MD — Dr. Jacobs will conduct a physical exam and review any and all medical and laboratory records provided to formulate a comprehensive and actionable health plan, including a fitness program tailored to your individual needs and fitness level and a customized program for optimal weight management.


Based on availability on Mondays–Thursdays only. Reservations must be made one month in advance, and all items must be redeemed in one visit. Expires November 30, 2015.


Donors: Brad Jacobs, MD; Cavallo Point Lodge

Pixar Animation Studios front gate

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Lunch at Pixar Animation Studios with Danielle Feinberg (for 8)

  • Personal tour of Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California, led by Pixar’s Director of Photography for Lighting and MadeWithCode.com mentor Danielle Feinberg
  • Lunch where Pixar’s superstar animators dine — Pixar’s Café Luxo, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, a daily changing menu and a wood-fired pizza oven
  • A special presentation on the science and math behind movie making

This package offers 8 lucky guests the rare chance to see the science and mathematics behind animated movies like Toy Story 1, 2, and 3; Finding Nemo; Brave; Monsters Inc., and more — with a behind-the-scenes tour of Pixar Animation Studios led just for you by Pixar’s talented Director of Photography for Lighting, Danielle Feinberg. During your stay, peek at animators in their natural habitat and be treated to lunch at Pixar’s private Café Luxo, which feeds world-class animators, the smartest technical artists, the most imaginative directors, and legions of other teams that want to tell the best story possible. Then discover the art and science behind Pixar’s groundbreaking and award-winning films with a presentation by Danielle. A mentor at Google’s MadeWithCode.com, Danielle inspires young girls with computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities. Find out how Danielle’s passion for computer animation gave her the confidence to carve her own path to Pixar. By the time you leave this rare dream tour, you’ll understand what it takes to be a true “Pixarian.”


To be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon date between parties. Expires November 1, 2015.


Donors: Danielle Feinberg

SF Giants at ATT Ballpark

Share a VIP Stadium Experience with the Biggest Giants Fan in Your Life (for 2)

  • A pregame PA/Scoreboard Room and Broadcast Level tour to meet Giants’ PA announcer Renel Brooks-Moon and experience AT&T Park like never before
  • Two first baseline seats to one of the first weekend Giants/Dodgers games next season
  • An autographed bat (from Brandon Crawford) and ball (from Michael Morse)

Ever wondered what the baseball diamond looks like from the announcer’s box? Here’s your chance to find out, thanks to the generous support of Renel Brooks-Moon, the only female public address announcer to grace baseball’s Major League. Be the envy of every die-hard Giants fan with a close-up look at your favorite team and the waterfront wonder they call home. You’ve never gotten this close to Posey, Sandoval, and Pence. See the hottest team in MLB duke it out with the Dodgers and a get a piece of pregame excitement with a behind-the-scenes look at the Scoreboard Room and a chance to meet the “voice” of the Giants herself on a personal Broadcast Level tour. Take home an autographed bat by shortstop Brandon Crawford to remember the epic, run-saving plays he made during the National League Championship Series against the Cardinals. And don’t worry if you fail to snag a ball out of bounds during the game — you’ll leave with one signed by Giants’ pinch-hitter Michael Morse. Win this VIP package and be a hero to the biggest baseball fan in your life.


Weekend game date TBD, pending 2015 season schedule.


Donors: Renel Brooks-Moon, San Francisco Giants, and Gary Masada

SF War Memorial Opera House

A Spectacular Weekend of Romance, Fine Dining and S.F. Ballet (for 2)

  • Two-night stay at The Parsonage Bed and Breakfast Inn, a San Francisco Historic Landmark Victorian
  • Two Orchestra or Dress Circle tickets for a performance during San Francisco Ballet’s 2015 Repertory Season
  • $100 gift certificate to Pläj (pronounced “play”), a highly rated Scandinavian restaurant

Spend a weekend exploring the best food, art, and culture that San Francisco has to offer. First, surprise your senses with New Nordic cuisine at Pläj Restaurant, a hidden gem located just a stone’s throw from the majestic War Memorial Opera House. Following dinner, you’ll be steps away from a delightful performance from San Francisco Ballet’s 2015 Repertory Season. Choose from Program 1, featuring George Balanchine’s elegant Serenade, Yuri Possokhov’s deeply emotional RAkU, and Val Caniparoli’s sensational Lambarena (Jan 27, 28 & 30); Program 3, featuring William Forsythe’s The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Hans van Manen’s Variations for Two Couples, and Natalia Makarova’s staging of “The Kingdom of the Shades” from La Bayadère, Act 2 (Feb 24, 25 & Mar 7); Program 4, with Jerome Robbins’s Dances at a Gathering and Liam Scarlett’s Hummingbird (Feb 26, Mar 3 & 4); or Program 6, a celebration of Helgi Tomasson’s 30th anniversary as artistic director with the groundbreaking Shostakovich Trilogy (Apr 8, 9 & 11).


After the ballet, walk arm in arm to the dreamy B&B called The Parsonage, where owners Joan Hull and John Phillips will regale you with tales of their world travels and local knowledge of San Francisco. Expect old-fashioned hospitality and romantic luxury during your two-night stay, along with homemade delicacies like French toast in the morning and a decadent tray of chocolates and brandy at night.


Your two-night stay must be arranged in advance for a mutually agreed upon date with the innkeepers.


Donors: Pläj Restaurant, San Francisco Ballet, The Parsonage Bed and Breakfast Inn

Freeman Winery image

VIP Tasting, Tour, and Catered Lunch at Award-Winning Freeman Winery (for 12)

  • Private tasting and tour of a family-owned winery pioneering the finest cool-climate Burgundian-styled Chardonnay and Pinot wines
  • Enjoy catered lunch at your choice of picnic tables on the lawn, inside the cave, or in the dining room of the owner’s stunning contemporary private home with expansive views of the vineyard below.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste world-class wines while feasting your eyes on seven acres of lovingly tended vines in picturesque Sebastopol. A modern masterpiece set on redwood-covered hills, Freeman Winery is owned by a husband and wife team with a balanced, sophisticated, and thoughtful approach to winemaking. It’s no wonder that ALL of their wines are rated 90 point or higher by Stephen Tanzer, Wine Spectator, and International Wine Report alike. You and 11 of your friends will be guided into an exquisite wine cave to enjoy an in-depth tasting and learn how winemaker Akiko Freeman combines her innate Japanese sensibility with western Sonoma’s finest fruit to create soulful, complex wines that are beloved by critics and Pinot-philes worldwide. Freeman’s Pinots and Chardonnays earn consistent praise from wine critics like Robert Parker and Steve Tanzer. You’ll see why, when you discover the thoughtfulness, care, and vision that shepherds each wine from vine to glass. This priceless package includes a private dining experience at the Freeman Estate — an intimate lunch for 12 at the house, cave, or picnic benches on the lawn. Bid high for a chance to experience the unpretentiously perfect Freeman Winery.


Date to be mutually determined with Freeman Winery and Rebecca Jean Catering and must be between March 1, 2015 and September 30, 2015.


Donors: Ken and Akiko Freeman, Freeman Estate Vineyard and Rebecca Jean Catering

Nobel Laureate Randy W. Schekman

Food, Wine, and Conversation with Nobel Laureate Randy W. Schekman on January 22, 2015 (for 10)

  • Private dinner and salon-style discussion at A16 Rockridge with Nobel Laureate (and tonight’s special honoree) Dr. Randy Schekman

This engrossing dinner experience for 10 guests will take place in a private dining room at the A16 Rockridge, sister restaurant to A16 in San Francisco and one of the top foodie hot spots in the East Bay. Featuring foods inspired by Italy’s soulful and lively south, Chef Rocky Maselli’s menu merges the region’s culinary traditions with the bountiful, seasonal offerings of Northern California. It’s no coincidence that your special dinner guest won the Nobel Prize for his discoveries of the machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells. A16 is a restaurant and wine bar named after the Italian highway that connects Naples and Canosa. A match made in heaven, this evening will feature amazing wine and hors d’oeuvres to begin, then a rare dinnertime discussion of the latest in scientific research. You don’t want to miss your chance to hear from Dr. Schekman about what it’s like to make game-changing scientific discoveries. When he first decided to study how yeast secrete proteins, some thought it was a foolish decision. Today, thanks largely to his research, one third of the insulin used worldwide by diabetics is produced by yeast, and the entire world’s supply of the hepatitis B vaccine comes from yeast. Together, Dr. Schekman and A16 will create an incredible evening that will inspire you for years to come.


Dinner date is confirmed for January 22, 2015.


Donors: Dr. Randy Schekman, A16 Rockridge

Liam Mayclem photo

Gourmet Adventure Weekend with KCBS’ Foodie Series Host (and Our Auctioneer!) Liam Mayclem (for 4)

  • Tour San Francisco’s epicenter of culinary greatness with tastings, live cooking demonstrations, and more along Valencia Street Corridor with Liam Mayclem
  • Includes two junior suites at JW Marriott in downtown San Francisco
  • Receive luxury SUV transportation from and to the hotel

See the hottest spots for inventive cuisine with the Emmy Award–winning host of KCBS’ “Foodie Chap” series, Liam Mayclem, as your guide. Liam will kick the day off by doing a live cooking demonstration with a famous chef, then lead your group on a culinary excursion with stops at the most innovative eateries on Valencia Street: Tacolicious for lunch and a taco-making session with Chef Telmo; Craftsman and Wolves for the “Science of Baking” with chef/owner William Werner, who created a famous “all-in-one” breakfast muffin by accident — like a true scientist!; and Dandelion Chocolate for a sweet tasting and tour at Mission District’s bean-to-bar chocolate factory. Stay with your foodie friends in two junior suites at the luxurious JW Marriott, traveling like VIPs from and to the hotel in luxury SUV transportation.


Tour restricted to Saturdays. The package must be arranged in advance for a mutually agreed upon date. Expires November 1st, 2015.


Donor: Liam Mayclem