2011 Live Auction Items
Laissez les bons temps rouler or Let the good times roll-it’s
Cajun Time!
Starting Bid: $1,500
There’s a crawfish boil going on at Houston’s original Ragin Cajun. Gather up 20 of your best friends for an authentic Cajun Crawfish Boil in the private dining room at the Richmond location. Sorry alcohol is not included but the corn, potatoes, soft drinks and tea are. But before you head out to Ragin Cajun pick up your George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog signed silkscreen print because it is not available to the general public. This one, The Three Amigos, is a 20″ x 24″ print and is one of only 500; it features the wildly popular and iconic Blue Dog. Need to know more about that famous Blue Dog? Enjoy George Rodrique’s book included in this package; “George Rodrigue Prints, A Catalog Raisonnet 1970-2007)”. Included also is “Bayou” a book publish in the early 1980’s from George’s personal archives. It contains the very first Blue Dog every printed. Sit down with these books while enjoying the Tastes and Goodies in contained in the Louisiana Gift basket that is also a part of this package. Donated by: Ragin Cajun (Crawfish Boil), Claudia & Stephen Sims (Blue Dog Print), Margaret & John Bannon (Louisiana gift basket), Margie & Vincent DiPuma (George Rodrique books)
Fire up the Pit
Starting Bid: $1,500
An outdoor fire pit is an excellent way to spice up your backyard or patio. It’s always fun to sit around a roaring fire with friends and family so here is your chance to start making memories amid the embers. Of course what better way to entice your friends over…fire up your new outdoor grill. With this package you are prepared with stainless steel grilling tools, a variety products from Pete’s Fine Meats and a Taste of Texas Gift Basket. There is something about gathering around an outdoor grill filled with the smokey flavors of good food that just says relaxation and fun. Donated by: Anthony & Kim Saragusa(fire pit and grill)
Pappas Steakhouse Wine and Dine
Starting Bid: $2,000
Are you a steak and wine lover? Enjoy a delicious full course and wine pairings for eight at the ever popular palate-watering Pappas Bros. Steakshouse. You and your group will be seated in the Wine Room and receive special attention from the Pappas staff. Donated by: Pappas Bros Steakhouse
Are you ready for some football with the Houston Texans
Starting Bid: $5,000
There are 4 tickets to a Texans Game where your seats are awaiting you in the Club level of Reliant Center. Don’t worry about a tailgate party, there’s a wealth of culinary delights at the complimentary buffet to satisfy your appetite and an open bar to quench your thirst with libations of your choice. Oh, and there is a Parking Pass, a Texan autographed football and a Texan gift basket to compliment the package. Donated by: Pat Studdert(4 Club level tickets & Parking Pass) and the Houston Texans (football and gift basket)
Serravalle in Chianti
Starting Bid: $25,000
Enjoy the spacious villa in Tuscany for eight days and seven nights (Saturday to Saturday) includes accommodations for 12 people, with exclusive use of villa and underground event center. Excursions to Sienna, Florence, select surrounding hill towns, and special wine tour, 24 hour on-site concierge; and transportation to and from Florence airport or train station are also included. Donated by: Kim and Ken Alo
Just in case you are not familiar with Serravalle…Serravalle in Chianti has Old World architecture dating to 1300AD, sitting on 25 acres of manicured gardens and producing Vineyards and Olive orchards in the Chiantigiana Hilltop Region. Once a Sienese fortress used to protect the surrounding valley from Florentine invaders, it has been fully modernized with 21st century contemporary designer finishes. There are 11 rooms with private baths with special accents including high end Flou bedding mattresses, luxurious Frette towels and robes, and high thread count Frette linens – on fixed beds and designer Cassina leather sofa beds.
This live auction package includes a one week stay, Saturday to Saturday, for up to seven couples (14 people) with full use of the Estate grounds, the Villa and the solar heated poolside playroom/workout/wine tasting and events center, approximately 20,000 sq. ft of living space.
Live-in Concierge staff will tend to your every need! The offering also includes transportation to and from the Florence airport, use of the Estate’s vehicle fleet on four personal day tours with English speaking guides to Siena, Florence, “The Mall” designer outlets, and a private wine tasting at the first winery in the world to grow grapes to Music!
The Villa is available for your use up to two years from auction night on mutually agreeable dates!
The minimum bid is $25,000 for 14 people – but don’t let that scare you away. Break it down and convert US Dollars to Euros and that is US$1,785.71 (1,311 EUR) per person or like staying in a 4 star hotel at US$255 (187.09 EUR) per night with all the extras – and don’t forget 4 private tours with use of a private car and English speaking guide!
And for that price you get the following:
1. One Saturday to Saturday week throughout the year (dates agreed upon up to 2 years from auction night).
2. One group Pickup and Drop off at Florence airport or train station.
3. Daily Continental breakfast.
4. Full access to above ground Villa (approximately 12,000+ sq ft) and underground “La Taverna” suite/exercise/playroom/wine tasting facility (approximately 8,000+ sq ft). Total living space approximately 20,000+ sq ft.
5. Full access to the manicured property described above and that under development.
6. Full access to Estate grounds, vineyards, and olive orchards (20+ acres).
7. Full access to on site, 24/7, live-in Estate managers and concierge support service that includes logistical, host, messaging, immediate scheduling resolution.
8. Full access to zoned, dehumidified, air conditioning and heating.
9. Full access to solar heated pool and Jacuzzi.
10. Full access to high speed internet, fixed line and WiFi, with business center (fax/copier/printer).
11. Full access to outdoor barbecue, common and support kitchens, common living rooms, and glass enclosed veranda.
12. Daily maid service with weekly linen, and every other day towel services.
13. Weekly pool towel service.
14. On site washing and drying basic laundry service (2X/week M & TH)- 10 pieces per person per week – this does not include dry cleaning or ironing. Extra pieces at cost below.
15. Four private day tours (including English speaking guide and driver):
a. Day 1: Siena and/or Chianti Hill towns.
b. Day 2: Florence Uffizi/L”Accademia “highlights” tour.
c. Day 3: Shopping day at “The Mall” designer outlets – Incisa/Montevarchi.
d. Day 4: Private wine tasting in Montalcino (or other Tuscany region winery).
e. Entry tickets (if any) not included. In a rare case one or more of the above may need to be changed if unavailable, however no substitutions or credits can be given for these tour days (or any other part of the donation if not used or desired). No credits available against ancillary services.
So, gather up 13 of your best friends or 6 of your favourite couples and take a trip of a lifetime to spend 8 glorious days amid the grapes and hills of Tuscany. Please contact the ICCC at 713-524-4222 or email info@iccchouston.com for more information or to reserve your week in Tuscany!