Here’s a sneak peek of the silent auction packages for the 2019 HeartLink Gala Presented by UnitedHealthcare on Friday, October 25th at Hilton Minneapolis. Make sure to sign up for mobile bidding when you check in! You can bid on these auction packages from 6:00 pm until the emcee closes the silent auction in the ballroom.
VIETNAMESE FOOD TOUR FOR TWO
If you love Vietnamese food, you will love this eight-day culture and cuisine tour in Vietnam, led by Cuisine Adventure Tours based in Minneapolis. The tour begins in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, and includes cultural activities and exploration in addition to restaurant dining, visits to local food markets, and hands-on cooking classes. Package includes hotels, all meals, bottled water, all in-country transportation, all excursions and entrance fees, and round-trip airfare (140,000 U.S. Bank FlexPoints Rewards valued at $2,100). There must be a minimum of 4 travelers for a tour. Choose from these 2020 tour dates: March 6-13, March 20-27, May 15-22, September 18-25, October 2-9, November 6-13, December 4-11.
Donated by: Cuisine Adventure Tours, U.S. Bank FlexPerks Rewards
Value: $7,190
MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL HAPPY HOUR FOR FIFTEEN
Host a Mrs. Maisel-themed party for 15, complete with mid-century music, décor, food and drink! Dress up in 1950s attire if you like, and enjoy noshes prepared by Kit Naylor, co-author of The Lincoln Del Cookbook, the legendary and beloved local bakery and deli. Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Kit Naylor
Value: $1,000
PRIVATE DINNER FOR TEN AT RESTAURANT ALMA + OVERNIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT HOTEL ALMA
A seasonally inspired family style private dinner for ten at Restaurant Alma and overnight stay for host (two people) at Hotel Alma. Dinner prepared by Alma Chef/Owner Alex Roberts and Alma Executive Chef Lucas Rosenbrook. Hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs to begin, followed by a 3-course dinner with wine selections, and take-home gift for guests.
Donated by: Alma Chef/Owner Alex Roberts, Alma Executive Chef Lucas Rosenbrook
Value: $4,500
HOTEL IVY AND MONELLO FOR TWO
A one-night weekend stay in downtown Minneapolis at Hotel Ivy, in a Superior King or Queen Room. Enjoy a six-course Chef’s Tasting Experience at Monello, the restaurant home of James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Mike DeCamp. Monello celebrates the cuisine of the Campania region of Italy. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Hotel Ivy, Monello
Value: $500
IN-HOME DINNER PARTY FOR TEN WITH CHEF PHILIP DORWART FROM CREATE CATERING & THE DINING STUDIO
Philip Dorwart is the award-winning owner and Executive Chef at Create Catering & The Dining Studio in Northeast Minneapolis. He is committed to supporting organic food, sustainable agriculture and local artisans. Chef Dorwart will prepare a meal in your home, working with you to create the menu. Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Chef Philip Dorwart
Value: $3,000
IN-HOME ITALIAN PASTA MAKING FOR EIGHT
Born and raised in Italy, Italian Cultural Center Instructor Romina Montanari will teach you and your friends how to make traditional homemade pasta. Romina will guide you and your friends through the entire process, bringing Italian culture and cooking traditions into your home. Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Preferred days are Thursday and Friday. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St. Paul
Value: $600
IN-HOME STEPHANIE & STEPHANIE COCKTAIL PARTY FOR EIGHT
Join Stephanie Meyer of Project Vibrancy and Stephanie March of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine for a cocktail party in your home. Enjoy delicious appetizers and a signature cocktail prepared by the two Stephanies! Includes one month of Project Vibrancy meals and plans. Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Chef Stephanie Meyer, Stephanie March
Value: $400
IN-HOME DINNER PARTY FOR TEN WITH CHEF JO SEDDON
Imagine hosting a dinner party in your home with the meal prepared by Jo Seddon, a British chef trained at the River Café in London! Jo takes pride in creating beautiful, small-scale events in people’s homes. She was part of the team that opened the popular Bellecour in Wayzata and is still with the Spoon and Stable family. Canapés will be followed by a three-course meal. Based on a mutually agreed upon date, not between 12/20/19-1/5/20. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Chef Jo Seddon
Value: $3,000
COMMON ROOTS PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE FOR FIFTEEN
A private dining experience celebrating local foods in the Common Room at Common Roots, where you and your friends will enjoy an interactive four-course meal prepared by Head Chef Denali Tufto. It will begin with a visit to Common Roots’ side garden to pick some of the ingredients that will be used to make your dinner special. Then relax with drinks, appetizers and conversation followed by a family-style meal. Guests will receive a Common Roots goodie bag of local produce. Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Common Roots Catering
Value: $1,700
BIRCHWOOD CAFE BRUNCH FOR SIX WITH CHEF MARSHALL PAULSEN
What a perfect way to start the day! At Birchwood Cafe’s Chef’s Table, enjoy four courses prepared and served by Head Chef Marshall Paulsen, with a glass of bubbly or a mimosa, coffee, and delicious brunch entrees made with organic, local ingredients. Birchwood Cafe has long been a favorite destination for locally sourced food and has a strong commitment to the community. Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Birchwood Cafe
Value: $500
IN-HOME INDIAN DINNER FOR SIX WITH AWARD-WINNING CHEF RAGHAVAN IYER
Welcome the exotic aroma of Indian curries into your home with this hands-on, interactive cooking demonstration. You will have a memorable night filled with exceptional dishes! A Bombay native and author of The New York Times bestseller 660 Curries and Indian Cooking Unfolded, Chef Iyer has an impressive resume as a cookbook author, culinary educator and spokesperson. This culinary experience will teach you about the different regions of India and their unique and specific ingredients and flavors. Namaste! Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Chef Raghavan Iyer
Value: $2,600
IN-HOME VIETNAMESE DINNER FOR SIXTEEN WITH CHEFS KATIE AND TRUNG PHAM
A taste of Vietnam in your home, with Chefs Katie and Trung Pham of Pham’s Rice Bowl. Guests can lend a hand in the kitchen if they like and learn a few things about Vietnamese cuisine and culture in the process. A fun, hands-on and utterly delicious experience you and your friends are sure to enjoy! Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Chefs Katie and Trung Pham, Pham’s Rice Bowl
Value: $1,500
PAINTING CLASS FOR TWO, WITH AURORA AND MAYFLIES BY ARTIST CHRIS HOWARD
Paint. Sip. Have Fun. Instructors will talk you through everything you need to know, from how to mix paint colors to which brush strokes to use. Enjoy Colby Red Wine or bring a beverage of your choice and snacks, and get ready for a fun and relaxing evening with a friend. You will be sent home with two drawings by Minnesota-based artist Chris Howard, whose works celebrate the cycle of life. Class event schedule here. Classes last two to three hours, and participants must be at least 13. No unaccompanied minors.
Donated by: Pinot’s Palette, Colby Red Wine, Artist Chris Howard
Value: $600
IN-HOME FRENCH DINNER FOR EIGHT WITH CHEF VALERIE FAURE
Bon Appètit! An enthusiast of tasty and healthy food, French Chef Valerie Faure will share her passion with you and prepare a tailored five-course dinner for eight people in your home. She has lived in Africa and Asia, Austria and now Edina, and she will create a menu to suit your tastes! Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Chef Valerie Faure
Value: $2,000
IN-HOME SPANISH TABLE FOR TWENTY-FIVE
Entertain and impress your guests by having a chef from Twin Cities Paella come into your home and prepare one of the most famous dishes from Spain, paella! Enjoy a paella party for up to 25 people that can be delivered right to your door or cooked on site. Choose your style: home style, farmer’s paella or vegetarian, complete with tapas and sangria. Based on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires October 25, 2020. No Friday, Saturday, Sunday dates available.
Donated by: Chef Frank Machado, Twin Cities Paella
Value: $1,500
NICOLLET ISLAND INN GETAWAY FOR TWO
You will have an unforgettable stay with a night away at the most historic and romantic inn in Minneapolis. All Nicollet Island Inn guest rooms have stunning views of the Mississippi River, Nicollet Island Park and the Minneapolis skyline. Breakfast voucher included. Expires October 25, 2020.
Donated by: Nicollet Island Inn
Value: $350
SLEEP NUMBER® k2 KIDS BED AND IN-HOME KIDS’ HEART-HEALTHY BAKING CLASS FOR SIX
First, it’s lights out and sweet dreams for your kid, with a Sleep Number® k2 Kids bed, including mattress, base, and bedding. The smart bed adjusts with him as he grows. It lets you know how your child is sleeping and the adjustments you can make to improve their sleep. Next, it’s rise and shine when Chef Ranelle Kirchner, chef/instructor at The Good Acre, Cooking Matters, and Cooks of Crocus Hill, will come into your home and teach your kids how to bake healthy! Chef Ranelle is also a licensed registered dietician, certified diabetes educator, and Le Cordon Bleu culinary graduate. Baking class is based on a mutually agreed upon date and expires October 25, 2020. Sleep number® k2 kids bed has a 25-year warranty, 100-night trial, and free premium delivery and set-up. Expires February 1, 2020.
Donated by: Sleep Number®, Chef Ranelle Kirchner
Value: $2,500
AROUND THE WORLD TRIPS FOR TWO
Donated by
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, we are hosting an exclusive “Around the World Auction” sponsored by the nonprofit organization American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund), supporter of qualified nonprofit organizations since 1999. These bucket list trips are for two people, are good for three years with no blackout dates, and include deluxe accommodations and round-trip airfare. A travel specialist will do all of the booking for you! You can bid on these auction packages from 6:00 to 7:15 pm. Meet with the AmFund representative during the Cocktail Reception to learn more.
ITALY’S ROMANTIC AMALFI COAST
You will see why Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of the most romantic places on earth as you explore Sorrento, Amalfi, and Positano. You can sip wine under the stars as moonbeams sparkle on the Mediterranean. Find the world’s finest laces and inlaid wood in tiny artisan shops. Tour the breathtaking Isle of Capri, home of the Blue Grotto, and a favorite playground for the rich and famous.
CASTLES OF IRELAND
Fields of clover, legends of leprechauns, quaint pubs where playing darts is “serious” business. Live like kings and queens. All this will be yours while you stay in grand castles and elegant manor homes during your magical escape to the emerald green isle.
SAN FRANCISCO AND NAPA VALLEY
Jet to the “City by the Bay” for an incredible escape to Northern California. You’ll explore the quaint streets of San Francisco and the rolling hills of the Napa Valley.
CHAMPAGNE AND CHATEAUX IN FRANCE
This exciting trip has it all . . . the excitement and beauty of Paris and the romantic chateaux and vineyards of the finest champagne region of France.
GREECE AND GREEK ISLANDS
Get off the beaten path on your weeklong escape to Greece. First stop, Santorini, then on to Mykonos, where you can relax on the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean. The final stop is Athens, where you’ll climb to the Acropolis to visit the ancient Parthenon and marvel at other architectural wonders.
JAMES BOND SECRET HIDEAWAYS – SWITZERLAND, ITALY AND FRANCE
Like Bond himself, the two of you can enjoy your Martinis shaken not stirred on this romantic adventure in Switzerland, Italy and France. Its 009 days in Europe living the life only Secret Agent James Bond could imagine!