Raise Your Paddle for Something Remarkable
Our live auction is filled with one-of-a-kind experiences designed to delight, inspire, and create memories that last a lifetime. This year, bid on game-day luxury with the Vikings and Timberwolves, an intimate evening with novelist William Kent Krueger, a hands-on sushi party with Chef John Sugimura, a potsticker and wine pairing party at home, and five nights in Porto, Portugal.
Whether you’re a collector, a connoisseur, or simply someone who loves to celebrate life’s best moments, these packages are the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones, all while making a powerful difference for children and families in our community.
We are deeply grateful to the generous donors who made these incredible opportunities possible. Their support ensures that every bid helps build brighter futures.
Don’t miss your chance. Bidding starts at Shine on October 23!
Purple Pride
The Ultimate Vikings Experience
You and two guests will watch the Vikings’ final regular season game against the Bears from the Medtronic Club, the most upscale club at U.S. Bank Stadium. You’ll walk in through a VIP entrance and settle into sideline seats between the 30-yard lines, with all-inclusive gourmet food and drinks and an exclusive club lounge.
You’ll also take home a football signed by Vikings Linebacker, Andrew Van Ginkel, plus a signed Packers football for the Packers fan in your life. We won’t tell!
And for the true collector: Blake Cashman’s “My Cause My Cleats” shoes, worn in the Vikings’ December 2024 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Details
- Three (3) tickets for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears (Date is January 9 or 10, NFL to announce later this season)
- Football signed by Vikings Linebacker, Andrew Van Ginkel
- Signed 2025 Packers football
- Blake Cashman’s game-worn cleats
Donors
Dave and Kathleen MacLennan, Minnesota Vikings, Way to Grow
An Evening with William Kent Krueger
Celebrated American Novelist
Enjoy an enchanting evening with New York Times bestselling author William Kent Krueger, the storyteller behind the prolific Cork O’Connor mystery series and beloved novels Ordinary Grace and The Tender Land. His books are full of Northern Minnesota landscapes, moral complexity, spiritual depth, and quiet grace.
Your group of up to 20 friends will spend the evening sipping wine and noshing on heavy hors d’oeuvres from the Native-inspired Gatherings Café, while the charismatic author reads from his latest release, God’s Country and answers your burning questions about his characters, craft, and inspirations. Every guest leaves with an autographed book and warm memories of an incredible evening.
Details
- Winner chooses event location
- 20 signed copies of God’s Country
- Hors d’oeuvres from Gatherings Café, selected wine, and dessert
- Must be used by October 2027
Donor
William Kent Krueger
Cook, Feast & Sip
with Chef John Sugimura
Chef John Sugimura cooked under the watchful eye of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto on the reality cooking competition Morimoto’s Sushi Master. Chef Morimoto called him a “Mori chef of integrity.”
Gather up to nine friends for a private, hands-on sushi party. Pick two of his iconic sushi recipes, and together you’ll roll up an impressive spread, learning the techniques, traditions, and stories behind each dish. He’ll even help you mix a signature cocktail and tailor the menu to your guests! Plus, take home The Immigrant Cookbook: Recipes That Make America Great, celebrating the immigrant chefs who shaped how America eats.
Chef Sugimura’s recipes honor his grandmother, whose Sacramento restaurant thrived until her family was sent to a World War II internment camp. Today, he keeps her legacy alive, one roll at a time.
Details
- Sushi event for up to 10 guests
- Includes two iconic sushi recipes of the winner’s choice
- Additional courses and cocktails can be arranged with Chef Sugimura
- Winner provides the alcohol
- Please schedule at least 30 days in advance; holidays are excluded
- Must be used by April 2027
Donor
Chef John Sugimura
Your Porto Getaway
Five Nights on the Douro
You and up to five (5) friends or family members will stay in a beautiful three-bedroom apartment in Porto, Portugal’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step outside and you’re a short walk from the Ribeira riverfront and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Wander through São Bento station and its famous, blue-tiled walls, climb the Clérigos Tower, and browse the Lello bookshop, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Then cross the bridge for a tasting at the port wine cellars.
Want to explore further? The Douro Valley wine region is about an hour and a half car ride away.
Best of all, your hosts will sit down with you to share their insider picks for where to eat and what to see, so you’ll explore Porto like a local. And there are no blackout dates or booking deadlines, so you choose when you go!
Details
- Airfare not included
- No blackout dates, booking deadline, or added fees
- Subject to availability; book early and the hosts will hold a flexible window until your dates are set
Donor
Chandra Stone
Run with the Pack
Backcourt Club Timberwolves Experience
You and a guest will take in a Wolves home game this November from two seats in the Backcourt Club, Target Center’s newest premium space. You’ll walk in through a private entrance, settle in at event-floor level with views right into the arena bowl, and have access to the club’s wall-to-wall bar and upscale food options. You pick the night from eight available home games. Then to remember the night, you’ll take home two signed jerseys from Donte DiVincenzo and Mike Conley!
Make a getaway of it with a $300 gift card for a dinner of your choice before the game, and an overnight stay at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel at The Depot. You’ll experience a delicious breakfast for two and free parking.
Details
- Two (2) tickets to a November Timberwolves home game in the Target Center Backcourt Club (Section 131, Row C, Seats 1–2)
- Food and beverages available for purchase at Target Center
- Winner chooses one date: November 2, 8, 12, 14, 16, 17, 21, or 23
- Two (2) signed jerseys (Donte DiVincenzo and Mike Conley)
- $300 gift card for a restaurant of your choice
- Overnight stay with breakfast buffet for two and parking at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, which can be booked separately from game night. Reservations are required, and redemption is based on availability.
Donors
Heidi and Dan Doherty, Minnesota Timberwolves, Shawn Judge, The Depot, Renaissance Hotel
Potsticker and Wine Pairing
Party for 10
In Chinese tradition, making dumplings is all about gathering, with everyone pitching in. This evening brings that tradition right into your home!
Potsticker connoisseur Cathy Winter will arrive at your door with everything ready to teach you and up to nine (9) friends the art of folding potstickers. And rolling up her sleeves right beside you? Our very own CEO, Coco Du!
You’ll choose from a gourmet menu that includes flavors such as classic pork and cabbage, kung pao chicken, and scrumptious vegetarian fillings. Then Cathy takes over the stove, and you’ll sit down to a four-course meal: a handcrafted appetizer, a fresh, colorful salad, your very own potstickers, and a sweet finish, all with wine pairings.
Details
- Four-course potsticker event for up to 10 guests
- Date to be mutually agreed upon; must be used by October 23, 2027
- Please share dietary needs when scheduling
- Food, wine, and dessert provided
- Host provides a kitchen and dining space
Donors
Cathy Winter, Karen Contag, Coco Du
