Live Auction Sneak Peek!

Welcome to the 2010 Close to Our Hearts Gala
Live Auction Sneak Peek!

An Unforgettable Week in Paradise

Perfect white beaches; tranquil turquoise waters; ideal climate; gentle island breezes; soothing ocean surf; magical rum punches; easy island living;  … Barbados! 


Create your own memories with an unforgettable one-week stay at a spectacular private home in St. Philip Parish, Barbados for 6 quests.  Private pool, housekeeper and complimentary evening dinner with a private chef!  Let the magic begin!  You will never want to come home from your adventure as a true “Pirate of the Caribbean”!

 

Sex and the City Weekend for 4;  New York City

Follow in the footsteps of Carrie and Co. as they conquer New York City! Drink where they drink; shop where they shop and gossip where they gossip!  You will stay at the most alluring and chic boutique hotel in the heart of midtown Manhattan; steps from 5th avenue, Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art. The Chambers is a sophisticated and sublime hotel where the art of travel and the art of life meld into a singular experience!  Two Studio Suites and complimentary Champagne and chocolates await your arrival.  Enjoy a 3.5 hour tour that lets you catch a glimpse into the lives of the famous four -Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte !  Next, experience a customized private 4 hour shopping tour around the city’s coolest neighourhoods and boutiques with Carrie  Gjermundsen,  Stylist and Fashion Editor with experience ranging from  the New York Times Magazine  to Good Housekeeping.  You will never be the same after this extraordinary experience!!!!!!  Yes, girls deserve to have FUN!

 

The Perfect 7-Day Family Get-away

Enjoy this amazing ocean front cottage for 12 of your favourite people in PEI; August 22-29th , 2010.  Truly a beachcombers delight!  Wake each morning to the sounds of the surf breaking at your doorstep and the laughter of your loved ones as they explore the great outdoors and secret treasures of this gentle island.  Enjoy a mouthwatering lobster feast for 12 at an exclusive local restaurant!  Drinks at the end of the day on your private patio overlooking miles and miles of pristine beach and a sunset that will leave you speechless!  Walks; golf, swimming; the only limit to this magical place is your imagination! 

 

Fire in the Kitchen.  CPR ON-SITE!

Yes it does get HOT in the kitchen!  Enjoy an evening in the comfort of your own home, sumptuous gourmet food and fine wine for eight people.  Hosted by some of Burlington’s bravest epicureans!  Unforgettable dinner creations; platinum level service; you and your guests will delight in a joyous atmosphere of laughter and relaxation.  Join our city’s strongest and bravest in the kitchen with preparations or simply sit back and relax, and leave it all to the very capable, safe and entertaining firemen …… life is truly good!

 

Mickey and friends await your arrival!

The Magic of Disney transcends all ages!  Whether a kid or a kid at heart enjoy a five-day pass for 4 to Disney Magical Kingdom, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood MGM Studios.  Coupled with a spacious 2-bedroom condominium that sleeps 6 for one week.  This fully equipped unit is one mile from the Disney Gates and has 13 pools, amazing fitness facilities; basketball and tennis courts.  Young and old alike will enjoy this magical week.  “Fairytales do come true, they can happen to you if you are young at heart!”

 

Romance by Rail

Travel cross-country in unparallel style to the timeless splendor of Nova Scotia. 

Departing Toronto, two lucky winners will enjoy The Canadian version of the Orient Express!  Enjoy a Premier class sleeper with private facilities at night and a relaxing comfortable armchair by day.  Pick up some maritime lore and history as you gaze out the panoramic windows and dome!  Once in Halifax, the journey continues as we’ve included a $500.00 voucher towards an upscale hotel to complete your Eastern adventure! 

 

What a Catch!

What an instructor!!!!  Let Kathryn Maroun – truly the world’s quintessential Fly Fisher; teach you to fish.   North America’s most beautiful and skilled outdoor sports person, will be teaching 2, fly fishing techniques privately in Toronto.  She is the star of the TV show “What a Catch” that airs globally as well as a travel company dedicated to fly fishing around the world.  Kathryn is the only woman in the province of Ontario to be certified as a casting instructor by the international body of Federation of Fly Fishers and is one of only three Canadian women certified in the sport.  After the lesson you will get a chance to practice your newly acquired technique at a private Fishing Club at Humber Springs with enthusiast Dr Bruce Kilmer.  Go fish!

 

 Muskokan Memories

Spend one magical week at a luxurious cottage in the Muskokas on Lake Joseph.  Dates: March 22-28  or April 26-May 3.  You will enjoy the beauty of spring flowers or the splendor of fall colours with your family and friends.  The Sanfield Villa is lavishly appointed with a gourmet kitchen ; three bedrooms (sleeps 8 in total) and 3.5 baths.  Master bedroom boasts cathedral ceilings; gas fireplace and a private deck.  A complete entertainment center is also available.  Enjoy the boathouse, which offers fitness facilities; outdoor hot tub and recreational water sports equipment  for the sand beach; natural pools or tennis courts.   Start packing your bags……

 

Rare Find

The Famous Grouse, one the world’s most popular blended whiskies has specially crafted ONLY 250 bottles worldwide of a rare blend whisky to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s favourite son, Robert (Rabbie)Burns!  This limited edition 37-Year-Old Blend, has been created for global fundraising initiatives and we at the Carpenter Hospice feel privileged to have been selected to receive one bottle for auction!  While the liquid inside each bottle has been carefully selected from casks first laid down in 1971, the outside of the bottle is also noteworthy! Renowned Scottish Artist and Playwright John Byrne was commissioned to create an original drawing of Robert Burn’s to adorn this limited-edition whisky bottle making it a unique collector’s item ( Byrne’s work has adorned album covers of The Beatles!).  Join the Ambassador for 2 private tastings as well at the LCBO, Millcroft.

“For auld lang syne, my jo,

for auld lang syne,

we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.”

 

Here’s to Good Friends!

Start your evening for 6 , nestled in a luxurious limousine.  Enjoy a glass of wine as you are chauffeured to the Peller Estates Winery Restaurant; where sweeping vineyard views and a warm ambiance make it easy to relax and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.  It is here that Winery Chef and CityLine personality Jason Parsons awakens your palate with evolving seasonal menus and Winemaker Lawrence Buhler thoughtfully pairs his wines with each dish, creating a truly memorable meal.  In fact, this restaurant recently received the highest possible rating for food by Zagat readers: “Extraordinary,” and is included in the Top 10 on the Best Overall Dining Experience and Best Ambience lists (GTA/Ontario).  Raise a glass to good friends!

 Burlington Firefighter for a Day!!!
 

This one’s for the kids folks!

Fire Chief Shayne Mintz and all the men and women at the Burlington Fire Department would like to offer the most unique experience of being a Burlington "Firefighter for a day".

Listen up Moms and Dads! Pay attention Grandma and Grandpa! Because this experience could change your little one’s life forever !!

This one-of-kind day includes being personally picked up by in a real Burlington Fire Department Pumper Fire Truck by some of Burlington’s Bravest! Take all the pictures you want, we’ve got the whole day!  We will then leave your house and pick up your two other friends!! Take more pictures!!!

After we’ve got everyone, we’ll leave for Station 1, our Headquarters station, and meet up with the on duty crew, where you will participate in the weekend duties of a Burlington Firefighter that includes a wonderful Firefighters Brunch (Hope you’re Hungry!!)

After brunch, we’ll tour the station and check out the trucks, including a private tour and demonstration of all the equipment we use on a day-to-day basis.

Once you’re comfortable with the equipment, we’ll get into some real firefighter training!! Can’t tell you what it’s going to be, other then it will be one of the most memorable moments in any child’s life !!!

Look forward to seeing you in the "hot seat" !!!