Home » Past Events » 2009 » Program

Live Auction Items

  1. Go Cubs! Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago
    Take yourselves out to the ball game as the White Sox will face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday May 24th at U.S. Cellular Field and on Monday May 25th the Cubs will face the Pirates at Wrigley Field. Before and after the game, stroll Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Shop on Michigan Avenue, visit the famous Museum of Science and Industry, see the Chicago skyline from atop Sears Tower, and enjoy the local nightlife. Package includes a two-night stay within walking distance of Michigan Avenue, four tickets for each of two games, a gift certificate to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and $500 for traveling expenses. What better way to start the summer?

    Donated by Jim and Jean Smith and Friends of Saint Cecilia
    Value: $1500

  2. Dinner with Sheila Haggas, Duchesne Head of School
    Fabulous French cuisine awaits at the Campbell/Tait home, which overlooks Duchesne Academy. Hosted by Head of School Sheila Haggas, you will begin the evening on the front porch, where cocktails and canapés will be served. This will be followed by a delicious French-themed four-course meal with wines in the century-old oak-paneled dining room. Cheese and port in the library follow, and current Duchesne students will be your servers for the evening. Please plan this special dinner for ten before December 31, 2009.

    Donated by John Campbell and Robyn Tait and Alan Thelen and Sandra Maass
    Value: Priceless

  3. Extreme Makeover Yard Edition
    Does the idea of landscaping your yard put you in a panic? If so, this one’s for you. Grade school parent Hugh Morton will guide your landscaping choices, and send a crew over to make your dream a reality. Sun Valley Landscaping and Natural Stone will give your yard the TLC it needs, and afterward, your only job will be to fire up the grill, invite friends and family over, and relax and enjoy your beautiful outdoor space.

    Donated by Hugh and Bridget Morton
    Value: $1000

  4. Reserved Pew for First Communion- May 3, 2009
    You won’t be humming “Get Me to the Church on Time” through gritted teeth this year if you wisely take advantage of this special offer. Family members of second graders should be raising their paddles for this chance for a reserved pew directly behind the communicants.

    Donated by Rev. Michael Gutgsell
    Value: Priceless

  5. Principal for a Day
    Relax…. your little darling won’t suddenly turn into a nightmarish Ferris Bueller clone. Indulge him or her this once with every Saint Cecilia student’s fantasy! Give your special student an unforgettable experience when the choice of wearing uniforms, having homework, whom to call to the office, and special surprises are his or hers alone. Advice on what to mandate for this blissful day? Free and abundant from fellow students. And the benefit for you, the winning bidder? A crown for Coolest Adult (For a Day).

    Donated by Mrs. Paulette Rourke, Grade School Principal
    Value: Priceless

  6. Paulette’s Pages
    Let’s help Mrs. Rourke and Saint Cecilia Grade School purchase new textbooks for students. Textbooks are extremely expensive, often at a cost of 90 dollars or more per book. Help keep our books updated. Raise your bidder number during the live auction for the specific bid increment you would like to contribute. If you would like to bid a different amount, or prefer to bid anonymously, please notify a bid runner or deliver to the checkout when you depart. Please join in this worthy cause.

    Any contribution is greatly appreciated.

  7. Moonlight and Mumbai on the Missouri Riverfront
    A beautiful view of the Missouri River will be yours as the scent of simmering spices wafts around you. Back by popular demand, grade school parents Ian and Anne Severes have an unforgettable menu planned for you. It includes lamb curry with spinach, spiced red lentils, mango ice cream with cashew milk fudge, and a selection of fine wines. You and your guests will help to prepare the meal. A dinner for eight, this promises to be a relaxing evening with good friends and your gracious hosts, Bob and Mary Kay Gerken, in their new riverfront home.

    Donated by Ian and Anne Severes and Bob and Mary Kay Gerken
    Value: $1,000

  8. Fun in the Sun… Family Membership to Brookhill Country Club
    Join other families for Friday night cookouts and swimming, or relax poolside with good friends on a lazy warm afternoon or evening. Swim teams for the kids, a casual snack bar, a clubhouse for adults and family atmosphere make this secluded Northwest Omaha club a place where summer memories are made. For new members only.

    Donated by Brookhill Country Club
    Value: $395

  9. Boxes and Bows Queen Size Quilt
    You can have this Multicolored “Boxes and Bows” Queen Size Quilt 96” x 70”, with Intricate Tumbling Blocks pattern. Machine pieced and quilted.

    Donated by St. Cecilia’s Quilting Circle
    Value: $500

  10. Dinner with Saint Cecilia Principal Paulette Rourke
    Away from the constant bustle of Saint Cecilia Grade School, spend a quiet evening with Saint Cecilia’s wonderful new principal, Mrs. Paulette Rourke. The dinner for six will be hosted by Mike and Julie Swartz at the home of Julie’s parents, Tom and Barb Dineen.

    Donated by Mike and Julie Swartz and Tom and Barb Dineen
    Value: Priceless

  11. Canvas Masterpiece Portrait of Children or Family
    Cathedral alums Joe and Judy Johnston will help create a memory for your family to treasure. You have your choice of a black and white or color portrait by two of Omaha’s best. Includes a portrait consultation, studio session, and an impressive 20” x 24” canvas masterpiece portrait. Truly a keepsake for you and future generations to cherish!
    Expires September 30, 2009.

    Donated by Johnston Portrait Studio
    Value: $1,700

  12. An “Evening in Italy” at Castel Estates
    Dr. Merrell Magelli and Kevin Hopp will host a festive dinner for 10 on their 100- acre farm just south of Omaha by preparing an authentic Northern Italian feast. Paired with Northern Italian wines, it will feature authentic Magelli family recipes. The meal will include homemade antipasto, tortellini in hen’s brodo, fresh lemons stuffed with white wine sorbeto, meat and mushroom risotto, chicken and polenta, crown pork roast with chestnut dressing, roasted garden vegetables, red raspberry cheesecake, a selection of Italian wedding cookies…. and a special surprise depending on the season. Summer and fall provide the most inviting times for this fine dining experience, though other dates are open by mutual agreement.

    Donated by Kevin Hopp and Dr. Merrell Magelli
    Value: $1,000

  13. Creighton Men’s Basketball Game Box Seats and Dinner at “The Matt”
    Eight lucky basketball fans will begin the evening with a relaxing meal at the Old Mattress Factory, better known as “The Matt.” This popular downtown restaurant is a frequent destination for those seeking its tasty pizza, ribs, and delicious desserts. A $160 gift certificate to the Old Mattress Factory will help to pay for the meal. And then it’s down the street to cheer for the White and the Blue from eight Suite Seats at the Qwest Center Omaha. Enjoy the game and the spectacle that thousands of Bluejay fans provide. Get ready for the 2009-10 basketball season…. Go Jays!

    Donated by Creighton University and Friends of Saint Cecilia
    Value: $1,100

  14. Private Dinner and Tour at the Joslyn Art Museum
    Eight guests will join Director Brooks Joyner and his wife Louise in the historic Founder’s Room, Sarah Joslyn’s elegant retreat from 1931 until her death in 1940. Dinner will be prepared by the fine chefs from Abraham’s Catering, Joslyn’s outstanding and exclusive caterer. Cocktails and a selection of fine wines are included. The evening begins with a private tour led by Director Brooks Joyner of either the permanent collections or the current special exhibition. Guests will take home a momento of this memorable evening from Joslyn’s unique Hitchcock Museum Shop. This offer is to be redeemed by December 31, 2009.

    Donated by J. Brooks and Louise Joyner
    Value: $1,500

  15. Northern Minnesota Guided Fishing Trip
    Four-day and three-night northern Minnesota Weekend Guided Fishing Trip for up to four adults. Trip includes two full-time fishing guides equipped with fishing boats and all gear. All expenses paid, including ground transportation to and from Omaha, meals (and, of course, adult beverages) and modern lodging. Stay at the beautiful Edgewood Lodge and Resort for four days and three nights, hosted by your personal fishing guides. Located near Park Rapids on the shores of Long Lake, the trip also includes your choice of fishing at other area lakes. Trip must begin on a Friday and end on a Monday anytime during September 2009, and is for serious adult fishing only.

    Donated by Dahn and Mary Clemens and Matt and Sheryl Fitzgerald and Friends of St. Cecilia
    Value: $2,000

  16. Mystery Dinner at the Joslyn Castle
    Enjoy a fabulous evening of food, fun and frivolity as party guests work together to solve a mystery game at the historic Joslyn Castle. Dinner for eight will be prepared and served by Friends of Saint Cecilia. Date to be determined based on mutual availability, and must be arranged at least 30 days in advance and within one year.

    Donated by Rod and Mary Jewell, Bryan and Jan Zimmer, and Friends of Saint Cecilia
    Value: $1500

  17. Have a “Wicked” Good Time!
    The Broadway smash hit “Wicked” comes to Omaha! This package includes four prime seats at the Orpheum Theater on opening night. The evening isn’t over after you see this fabulous show that was nominated for 10 Tony Awards. The party continues after the performance with four passes to the cast party. Have a “Wicked” good time!

    Donated by Friends of Saint Cecilia
    Value: Priceless

  18. Attention Future Prep Students! Meet Creighton Prep President Reverend Tom Merkel
    Looking for a way to ease the transition from junior high to high school? Next year’s eighth grade boys have an opportunity to spend a relaxed evening with Prep President Father Tom Merkel at the home of Tony and Laura Romero. The evening is full of choices, from what to have for dinner to which sport to play afterward in the Romeros’ spacious backyard. Parents can join Father Merkel and their sons later for drinks and dessert. A good time will be had by all…..this is a much-anticipated annual event!

    Donated by Reverend Tom Merkel, Tony and Laura Romero
    Value: Priceless

  19. Miracle Icons’ Labradorite Stone Necklace
    New York artisan Mary Jo Pane prides herself on creating one-of-a-kind pieces, some of which have been worn by Bruce Springsteen, Matthew McConaughey, and Dwayne Johnson. Ms. Pane used an antique Our Lady of Lourdes medal in crafting this unique piece of jewelry. Her work has been featured in O! and Glamour Magazines as well as Men’s Health.

    Donated by Mary Jo Pane and Lisa Pane
    Value: $395

  20. Progressive Dinner…. Keep Movin’ in Midtown
    Will you start at the Mortons for cocktail hour, or end the evening with dessert at their Metcalfe Park home? Only the Justices, Lammers, Swartzes (and of course, the Mortons) know for sure. Be part of this first-time mysterious progressive dinner for eight as you tour Midtown course by course.

    Donated by Travis and Anjanette Justice, Tim and Pam Lammers, Hugh and Bridget Morton, and Mike and Julie Swartz
    Value: Priceless

  21. Original Handmade Cross by Br. Mike Wilmot
    You'll cherish this unique work of art that will be handcrafted especially for you by Br. Mike Wilmot from railroad spikes. Br. Wilmot, a member of the Creighton University Jesuit community, has been creating these distinct and popular crosses for more than a decade. You'll sit down with Br. Wilmot and select a style of cross that he will design just for you. Your cross, which will be about two-feet high, will surely become a treasured piece of art for your family.

    Donated by Brother Mike Wilmot
    Value: $300

  22. Meet Coach Altman and the Creighton University Basketball Players
    You will have 4 single game tickets to a Creighton University Men’s basketball game in the 2009-2010 season, plus the opportunity to meet Coach Altman and the players after the game in the Blue Jay locker room and the Qwest Center.

    Donated by Creighton Athletics
    Value: Priceless

  23. History of the Cathedral Tour and Dinner With Rev. Michael Gutgsell
    Photos of Cathedral pastors of the past century line the walls of the rectory where a gourmet four-course dinner for ten will be served in the elegant dining room. Learn more about our magnificent Cathedral with a behindthe- scenes tour led by Fr. Gutgsell. Ask Father to share stories of the school's beginning from the annals of the Dominican journals which detail the hard work of the four nuns who started the school. Hosted by Brooks and Louise Joyner.

    Donated by Rev. Michael Gutgsell and Brooks and Louise Joyner
    Value: Priceless

  24. Great Wolf Lodge…. 84 degrees. 100% fun.
    Long to get away but short on time? The Great Wolf Lodge, a year-round family destination resort, is the place to leave your worries behind. The kids will love the gigantic indoor waterpark. This package includes $350 towards lodging, plus a gas card, gift certificates to Arthur Bryant's Barbeque and Bob Evans'.

    Donated by Friends of Saint Cecilia
    Value: $500

  25. Dinner with the Rev. Steven Boes, Principal of Boystown
    Drive out West Dodge Road to the sprawling campus of Boystown and be a part of a wonderful dinner for six. Father Boes’ cross-shaped new home will serve as a reminder of the spiritual mission of this Omaha landmark. As Father Edward Flanagan, Boystown’s 1917 founder, said, the work of Boystown goes on, because it is God’s work, not his or that of the leaders who have followed him. Enjoy a memorable evening as Father Boes recounts tales of Boystown’s past and present, and its plans for the future. Hosted by Pat and Amy Campagna and Tim and Pam Lammers. Mutually agreed date after September 2009.

    Donated by Rev. Steven Boes and Pat and Amy Campagna and Tim and Pam Lammers
    Value: Priceless

  26. Lady’s Swiss Blue Topaz Necklace
    This amazing necklace has an approximate retail value of a 14 karat white gold pendant, containing one 10 x 4 x 3mm rectangular Swiss Blue Topaz, set above pave-set round brilliant diamonds weighing a total of 0.26 carats, all diamonds at least SI-1 in clarity and G (near colorless) in color, suspended on a 14 karat white gold 18” chain.

    Donated by Friends of St. Cecilia
    Value: $1,900