Lot #1: Formula One Experience in Sonoma

The Grand Prix Master Program at the Jim Russell Racing Driving School is the fastest way to get behind the wheel of an FJR-50, a state-of-the-art formula car based on the championship winning Lola Formula Three car. No school in the world has a car that comes close to this! If you have always wanted to drive a race car, this program is for you!

Begin your experience with a Driver’s Meeting and vehicle fitting in your race car including seat, belts, and pedal adjustment. Your race crew will familiarize you with the controls and will get you comfortable in the FJR-50. A professional driver will then introduce the track noting the racing line and reference points. Next, get ready to shift (each car has a Hewland sequential gearbox) and slalom. A catered trackside luncheon is provided in the Jim Russell Hospitality Suite, after which you will begin your lapping sessions on the track – lapping the 2.52 Infineon Raceway at progressively higher speeds.

After your day on the fast track, join your guest and relax at the luxurious Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. It is truly the ultimate, elegant, oasis, blessed by natural mineral hot springs in the Sonoma Valley. An idyllic, world famous wine growing region abundant with local products, its signature restaurant Santé is designed to exude the California Wine Country experience.

Round-trip airfare for two on American Airlines is included!

Package includes: Racing lessons for one (1) with Jim Russell Racing’s Grand Prix Master Program I, a $1,000 gift certificate for accommodations for two at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, and round-trip airfare for two on American Airlines. Airline tickets must be arranged with donor, not to exceed $500 each.

Value: $4495

Dates: To be mutually agreed upon with donors.

Lot #2: Close Encounters of the Best Kind: The Galapagos Islands

Two lucky winners will join Mountain Travel Sobek for an 11-day trip to the Galapagos Islands. This magical World Heritage Site is like no other place on the planet. Hike across worldly volcanic landscapes, watch seal pups cuddle up to their moms on long white beaches, chuckle at the antics of dancing blue-footed boobies and inquisitive mockingbirds, paddle sea kayaks in serene mangrove lagoons, and swim and snorkel the turquoise waters with sea life like no other in the world! Highlights include:

Visits to the islands Plazas, North Seymour, Genovesa, Santiago, Bartolome, Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Espanola, and Floreana each with its own treats

Up close and personal encounters with wildlife in the world’s top nature destination, including snorkeling with sea lions and green sea turtles and searching for giant tortoises in the wild
The most active and comprehensive Galapagos experience available with nature hikes, snorkeling and sea kayaking excursions
Five yachts to choose from, 5-star hotel in Quito, the best naturalist guides, and a dedicated in-country staff to see to your every need

Package includes: 11-day trip for two beginning and ending in Quito, 7 nights aboard sailboat or motor yacht, 3 nights hotel in Quito, and internal airfare. Easy yacht travel, nature walks, optional swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking. Maximum elevation 9,350' (Quito)

Value: $8,410 (not including international airfare)

Dates: More than 40 year-round departures. See itinerary for details.

Provided by: Mountain Travel Sobek

Lot #3: Dinner with the Thomes at Chaise Lounge

Sports fans – this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Let’s start with the stats:

§ September 22, 2007 White Sox slugger Jim Thome hit career homer 504, moving him into a tie with Eddie Matthews for 22nd place on baseball's all-time list

§ September 16, he hit his 500th career home run. His 500th career home run was a walk off winner; he is the only player to accomplish that feat.

§ Thome, a designated hitter with the Chicago White Sox, has been named Player of the Month three times, has the fourth-lowest career AB/HR (at bats per home run) average in major-league history, and in a 2007 poll of 464 Major League Baseball players, he tied as the second most friendly player.

Six guests will dine with Jim and his lovely wife Andrea at the Chaise Lounge. This beautiful and elegant restaurant/lounge brings a South Beach-atmosphere to the heart of Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. A rooftop deck (tented in the winter) and patio are complemented with lush landscaping and a sophisticated design. On the main floor, garage-style doors and floor-to-ceiling windows open, bringing the outside in. The diverse menu offers options for a variety of palates. The décor is romantic yet playful, with warm touches throughout.

The date is based upon the Thome's schedule.

Value: Priceless

Lot #4: Princely Monaco

"Princely Monaco" will have you living like a king and queen! For more than a century now, the aristocracy, royalty, and the wealthy have discovered the pleasures of this city. With the Mediterranean climate and splendid scenery, the famous Monte Carlo Casino, and world-class art and cultural performances, Monaco will always be one of the most attractive travel and vacation destinations in the world.

Nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by the French Riviera to the west and the Italian Riviera to the east, the area is your base to discover Monte Carlo, Nice, and Cannes, and the beautiful, medieval village of Eze. Or even spend the day in Sanremo, Italy. All are nearby!

Your package for two includes hotel accommodations at the chic Columbus Monaco. Created by award-winning, interior designer Amanda Rosa, this property has been elegantly decorated and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Rocher on one side and the Princess Grace Rose Garden and mountains on the other. Of course you’ll have the latest amenities, but highlights of the Columbus Monaco include its own casino, outdoor pool, boating, and scuba diving! The Columbus Hotel Monaco is conveniently located opposite the heliport and is only a few minutes away from the Place du Casino. But, what would Monaco be without your own yacht?! Well, almost. A member of the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco will give you a tour by water, followed by lunch back at the Club. Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III, the club's prestigious premises offer a welcoming harbor for more than 800 members, comprising 44 nationalities. Very special. Completely insider. Welcome aboard!

Package includes: 7 nights at the Columbus Monaco, a tour of Monaco by yacht, and lunch at the Yacht Club de Monaco for two people.

Value: $6,600

(2008 blackout dates: May 8-12 and 21-26, June 6-9, September 4-11 and 24-30, November 4-8)