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Attention Gala Guests! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Sustainability Works! Gala—where the excitement of live auction bidding awaits! You’ve secured your tickets, so now it’s time to strategize and get prepared for some friendly bidding wars over these one-of-a-kind experiences. Here’s a sneak peek at the fabulous live auction items up for grabs. Make your list, set your sights, and get ready to make your bids count!
Wine Tasting for Twelve!
Description: Experience the best in sustainable wines with a private tasting led by Master Sommelier Ashley Hausman, founder of So What Wine, Stillwater’s only organic wine shop. This exclusive event will feature five premium wines from around the world, each selected for their eco-conscious production practices. Ashley will guide your group of up to twelve through a tasting experience that includes insights into each wine’s origins, sustainable story, and unique characteristics. Enjoy delicious bites from a beautifully arranged charcuterie board provided by The Velveteen, designed to complement each wine.
Why You’ll Love It: This is more than a wine tasting—it’s a journey through sustainable winemaking practices, crafted for wine lovers who care about both taste and environmental impact. It’s a memorable way to spend an evening with friends, expand your wine knowledge, and enjoy a luxurious experience that’s as educational as it is enjoyable.
Mystery Adventure with Angie Hong
Description: Join water educator and author Angie Hong for a mysterious winter adventure you won’t forget! Begin with a meal at Lolo’s New American Kitchen in Stillwater, a local favorite known for its fresh, sustainable ingredients. From there, you’ll cross the bridge into Wisconsin for a guided winter hike to a hidden waterfall, led by Angie herself. She will share her knowledge of local plants, wildlife, and the natural landscape, making this an adventure that’s both enlightening and exhilarating. Each participant will also receive a signed copy of Angie’s new book, Exploring the St. Croix River Valley: Adventures on and off the Water, filled with insights about the region’s unique ecology.
Why You’ll Love It: This experience offers an exclusive, immersive dive into the local ecosystem with one of the area’s most knowledgeable and engaging guides. Ideal for nature lovers, this outing blends adventure, education, and the beauty of the winter landscape in a way that’s sure to be cherished.
Game Night with Sustainability Expert Jeff Riegle
Description: Spend an entertaining and educational evening with Jeff Riegle, founder of Green Guardian Wealth Management and passionate sustainability advocate. Jeff will introduce your group to a series of interactive board games focused on sustainability themes, from environmental challenges to ecosystem-building.
Games on the list include:
The Spill: Work together to contain a fictional oil spill and protect sea life from disaster. This cooperative game highlights the urgency of environmental protection and teamwork.
Radioactive Bees: Strategize to keep bees safe in a post-apocalyptic beehive, all while competing for points in this tile-based game.
Ecosystem: In this card-drafting game, players create their own personal ecosystem and learn about the importance of biodiversity through strategic choices.
Jeff will bring his famous “State Famous Taco Dip” and chips, along with locally sourced pizzas, for a night of fun, food, and friendly competition. Best of all, the games are yours to keep, so you can continue to play and share the message of sustainability with others.
Why You’ll Love It: This is a unique and fun way to bring friends and family together to explore important environmental issues through games. Jeff’s enthusiasm and expertise will make for an engaging night of meaningful connection.
Eco Retreat in the St. Croix River Bluffs
Description: Escape to The Journey Inn, a stunning eco-retreat nestled in the Driftless Area near Lake Pepin, Wisconsin. This overnight stay at a luxurious Bed and Breakfast offers a perfect combination of relaxation, natural beauty, and sustainability. The Journey Inn offers comfortable accommodations, a mouthwatering four-course breakfast, a private sauna, and 22 acres of scenic grounds to explore. In addition to the B&B stay, this package includes health drinks and supplements from The Goodery and a bottle of local wine, so you’ll be well-prepared for a restorative retreat. Take along a book by Mary Oliver and immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility, just as she wrote about in her poetry.
Why You’ll Love It: This retreat offers a peaceful getaway where you can relax, reconnect with nature, and recharge in a breathtaking setting. Perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for an escape, it’s a beautiful opportunity to explore the Driftless Area and enjoy the simple joys of sustainable living.
Romantic Evening for Two
Description: Treat yourself and a special someone to a romantic evening in Stillwater! Start with a scenic gondola ride along the St. Croix River with Gondola Romantica, creating a memorable start to a perfect evening. Next, stop by Stillwater Proper for a signature drink and then make your way to Matchstick Restaurant for a fine dining experience featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. End the night with a stay at the charming boutique Hotel Crosby, known for its elegant ambiance and luxurious amenities.
Why You’ll Love It: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience Stillwater’s romantic side, this package offers a well-rounded evening of adventure, elegance, and relaxation. It’s a wonderful way to explore the best of Stillwater and create lasting memories.
Each of these live auction items is thoughtfully curated to support local businesses, promote sustainability, and provide unforgettable experiences. These auction packages are as extraordinary as our community—and they’re yours to claim with the winning bid!
Get ready to outshine the competition and support our mission in style.
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