Luxury Opportunities Abound in this Village Auction

(11/04/2010)

Wow! That’s really the best word for it. It’s monosyllabic, translates into any language, and is universally recognized as an expression of amazement, great pleasure, and wonder. So, yeah – when thinking of the best word I could use to describe the mind-blowingly posh auction for this year’s Camelot at the Magical Forest, I decided upon “Wow!”

Sheryl and Rob Goldstein

Certainly, much of the credit for this bounty (that is only a lucky bid away from being yours) is three-fold. First is that Opportunity Village is a much beloved non-profit organization, that has (for more than half a century) been there to enrich the lives of intellectually disabled persons in our community, as well as their families. Next, is the fantastic auction committee, who came together to procure the items (that I will get into in just a second). And last and certainly not least, are this year’s honorees, the much beloved Sheryl and Rob Goldstein.

Now, if you’re anything like me (and more of you are than you’d perhaps like to admit), you’re chomping at the bit to press-up into those auction items, so I’m gonna let you have it!

Pacquiao vs. Margarito at Cowboys Stadium

First is the Silent Auction. Get those pens at the ready, because there is so much here to bid upon, that some of you are gonna end the evening with a case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! Do you like sparkly things as much as I do? Well, I’m certain a pair of 3.0cts diamond earrings from Graff would light up your life in ways Debbie Boone never dreamed of. Do you know a sports-fan? If the autographed jersey from the legendary Magic Johnson doesn’t quench that thirst, how about a pair of premium Floor Seats to the highly anticipated Pacquiao vs. Margarito fight, next weekend at Cowboys Stadium in Texas? That’ll put a hitch in anyone’s giddy-up!

Las Ventanas al Paraiso

There’s stuff for the kids, including packages for four to see Disney on Ice as well as the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus; a package of autographed goodies from Tony Hawk (who will be in town, this weekend, for his annual Stand Up for Skateparks event at Wynn Las Vegas), and a Mercedes Benz pedi-car. And how about throwing the next birthday party in the VIP Bowling Suite at Red Rock with catered food and beverages for 40?

Especially handy for those of you with kids are the travel options allowing you to get away from them (if only for the weekend). These include a three-night stay at lovely Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, a weekend at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel (with dinners a deux at Mozza and Street), and as a solo option, a three-night package at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa (talk about your party for one!).

The incomprable Cher

Are you partial to dinner and a show? Well make it a double-date as you bid on a show-a-month for four (Celine, Cher, Cirque, Le Rêve, Jersey Boys, Phantom, and those shiny blue fellows), or a tour of seven of Las Vegas’ premier restaurants (also for four). You can listen to the thunder roll with Garth over at Encore, or tell Rod Stewart if ya think he’s sexy at The Colloseum at Caesars Palace.

Limited edition Andy Warhol Tribute bottles of Vintage 2002 Dom Pérignon

Then there’s a one-two combo that I know has already tickled Jacob’s fancy: the thought of curling-up on the sofa under a plush cashmere throw from Loro Piana while sipping on Vintage 2002 Dom Pérignon poured from one of six bottles in the case of limited-edition Andy Warhol Tribute bottles. Never one to rest on his laurels, Jacob is giving-back to this community that has so kindly welcomed him, by donating a private in-home closet consultation. He’ll bring his style-savvy and a bottle of DP (we’re very brand-loyal in our casa): You supply the glasses and get ready for some fun!

The Chanel suit. Learn it!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Didn’t you say something about a Live Auction?” Why, yes indeed-y! And what better way to segue into that section than to let you in on a poorly kept secret? The evening’s Live Auction will be lead by none other than Elaine Wynn. How ‘bout them apples, eh?

A pair of pointy patent pumps by
Christian Louboutin are never "out"

As for the auction, you’ll be letting everyone know that it’s time to get ill, when you take a gander at your women’s medium-sized Ballon Bleu watch in rose gold from Cartier. Next, you can tell them all to kiss your buttons when you sashay past them in a fiercely fashionable French ensemble (including a Chanel suit, Christian Louboutin shoes, and an Hermès bag) that simply screams “ I’m Fabulous!”

Lance Armstrong by Shepard Fairey

Play poker with a pro when Phil Ivey gives you an hour of learning to play or playing to learn. Or talk turkey with the gambling gods of the old-school when you do-lunch with Jack Binion, Doyle Brunson and Bill Walters.

You can pedal your way across Austin, TX next October with a friend as part of Lance Armstrong’s LiveSTRONG Ride for the Roses (when you will also join him for a private ride and receive an autographed jersey).

Louis Vuitton's "Mon Monogram"

Then, pull-out that Centurion Card, because you’ll be bidding on Louis Vuitton’s exclusive Mon Monogram services. Between the 17 colors, the variety of stripes, and the various incarnations of the company’s three classic shapes (“Keepall,” “Pegase,” and “Speedy” – as if you didn’t know…), word on the street is that there are over 200 million combinations from which you can choose. Of course, that street might be as close as the Wynn Esplanade, but who cares, as long as it’s put to good use, right?