Trips & Tours: Tropical Birding, Local Tours, Resorts, and Lodges

Art: Paintings, Photographs, and Sculpture

Out & About: Dining, Entertainment, and Services

Outdoor Gear: Binoculars, Outdoor Clothing, and Fishing Gear

Glamorous You: Jewelry and Accessories

Epicurean Delights: Food & Wine

 

 

Trips & Tours: Tropical Birding, Local Tours, Resorts, and Lodges

Quisisana Resort, Maine

Maine: Magic and Music at Quisisana Resort

Enjoy a week-long stay for two at beautiful Quisisana Resort, located on Lake Kezar in Center Lovell, Maine. During your trip you will stay in a cozy cottage or at the lodge, eat three gourmet meals a day, and enjoy opera, musical theater, and chamber music in the shadow of the White Mountains, surrounded by glorious nature.

This trip for two includes all meals, nightly entertainment, and accommodations, but does not include travel, alcohol, taxes or 20% gratuity. Valid June 23 to August 3, 2013, as space is available. All stays begin on Saturdays.

Value: $3,500  Donor: Quisisana Resort

Website: www.quisisanaresort.com

 

Strawberry Hill Resort, Blue Mountains Jamaica
Jamaica: Island Birding Paradise at Strawberry Hill

Resting 3,100 feet above sea level, Strawberry Hill is a 50-acre mountaintop retreat in Irish Town, Jamaica, with panoramic views of the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The resort's blend of authentic Caribbean culture and
cosmopolitan sophistication makes Strawberry Hill a destination for musicians, entertainers, the fashion elite and discerning travelers alike.

Jamaica is among the best island destinations in the world for birding. 307 birds have been recorded, including 127 breeding species and 180 migrants. 28 species are endemic, more than any other West Indian island. Fortunately for birders, most of Jamaica's endemics can be found, in just a few days, in wooded areas, gardens and roadsides of the stunningly beautiful Blue Mountains.

Package includes four nights in a studio suite, breakfasts, and a guided trail hike with an expert local guide.

Valid May through October 2013, except US holidays.

Value: $1,985 Donor: Island Outpost Hotels, Chris Blackwell

Website: www.islandoutpost.com/strawberry_hill

 

 Cock of the Rock at El Refugio
Ecuador: Historic Luxury and Cloud Forest Retreat at Hacienda Cusin and El Refugio de Intag

Travel to South America for three luxurious nights at Hacienda Cusin, a 400 year-old restored hacienda, plus lunch at sister hotel Las Palmeras Inn, a restored 150 year-old hacienda. Spend two additional nights at El Refugio, a cloud forest retreat complete with birds and orchids.

Both Hacienda Cusin and Las Palmeras Inn are located about a two-hour drive from Quito, and a morning away from the Galapagos Islands and Amazon rainforest. El Refugio De Intag Cloud Forest Retreat is located in Intag, in Imbabura Province, Ecuador on 60 acres of land, partly fields and partly forest.

Five-night stay for two people. Includes three meals per day, two airport transfers, one land transfer to/from Las Palmeras, guide at El Rufugio (taxes, tips, and private expenses not included). Must be used within one year of purchase. Valid through Oct 19, 2013. Blackout dates: December 15, 2012 through January 5, 2013, Easter week 2013.

Value: $1,500 Donors: Nicholas Millhouse and Peter Joost

Websites: www.haciendacusin.com www.elrefugiocloudforest.com

A view from Hawk Mountain in autumn

 

 

 

Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania

One of the most famous places to watch autumn hawk migration, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary also receives families, hikers, birders and outdoor enthusiasts year-round for great hiking;on scenic trails.

A guided tour of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary's Acopian Center and admission for four to the Sanctuary Trail.

Value: $50  Donor: Dr. Keith Bildstein, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Website: www.hawkmountain.org

 

 

 

Art: Paintings, Photographs, and Sculpture

Horned Owl Study
© Barbara Banthien
Barbara Banthien, Limited Edition Print (1 of 125)

"Horned Owl Study" Framed, Image Size 5.25" x 6"

Value: $150 Donor: Barbara Banthien

Website: www.banthien.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Chessler Photography: New York City Hawks &emdash; Siblings, Washington Square Park

Charles Chessler, Photograph

"Siblings, Washington Square Park," Framed Size 16" x 20"

Value: $350 Donor: Charles Chessler

Website: www.charleschesslerphotography.com

 

 

 

 

Oil painting of Eastern meadowlark by Peter Houts

Peter Houts, Oil painting

"Eastern Meadowlark," Framed Size 21.5" x 17.5"

Value: $200 Donor: Peter Houts

 

 

 

 

Gift Certificate for One Studio Session and a Masterpiece Wall Portrait of up to 8 people on canvas, hand finished with artistic touches (Size 16"x20", unframed)

Value: $5500 Donor: Kramer Portraits, New York City

Website: www.kramerportraitsny.com

 

 

 

 

Snowy Owl (Adult Male) by David Speiser

David Speiser, Photograph

"Snowy Owl (Adult Male)," Framed

Value: $300 Donor: David Speiser

Website: lilibirds.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Bunting in Flight by Mark Symczak, 2012

 

Mark Symczak, Acrylic and Collage Painting on Wood Panel

"Blue Bunting in Flight," 2012, Size 24"x30"

Value: $1500 Donor: Mark Symczak

Website: www.marksymczak.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Out & About: Dining, Entertainment, and Services

 

Lunch for Four at Mae Mae Café in Hudson Square, NYC

Mae Mae Café – a warm and intimate café operated by catering company Great Performances – is situated in a quiet corner of Hudson Square, NYC. Organic food and sustainable resources are a cornerstone of Mae Mae Café cusine, with many ingredients grown right at their very own Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, NY.

Lunch date for four people, includes one appetizer for table, one entrée, one dessert, and one non-alcoholic drink per guest; excludes gratuity. Reservations required one week in advance. Valid Monday through Friday, 11:30AM - 4:00PM, until October 16th, 2013.

Value: $120 Donor: Great Performances

Website: http://www.greatperformances.com/venues/mae-mae-cafe

 

 

Two tickets to the Late Show with David Letterman

Must be 18 years or older

Value: Priceless  Donor: Late Show with David Letterman

 

 

Four VIP tickets to attend a taping of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Must be 18 years or older

Value: Priceless  Donor: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

 

 

 

 

Two tickets to the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Lincoln Center

 

 Lincoln Center is home to The Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Ballet, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra and several other resident performing arts companies. Come to this vibrant and iconic venue for a night of beautiful music played by some of the world's greatest, the London Philharmonic Orchestra on

March 11th, 2013 at 3PM

Value: $154  Donor: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.

 

 

 

Outdoor Gear: Binoculars, Outdoor Clothing, and Fishing Gear

 

 

Atlas Optics Intrepid ED 8 x 42
Eagle Optics: Atlas Optics Intrepid ED 8x42

The Atlas Optics Intrepid ED shows you details you've never discovered before. With the benefits of extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses for bright, high-quality images, the Intrepid ED is sure to please wherever the trail takes you. An exceptionally wide field of view makes you feel like you just stepped into the action, and the ergonomically pleasing open-hinge design allows you to easily follow wildlife for a long time. Backed with the legendary Eagle Optics Platinum Protection unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, this is one binocular sure to carry its weight for a long time.

Value: $549 Donor: Eagle Optics

Website: www.eagleoptics.com

 

Meopta Meopro 6.5 x 32 BinocularMeopta Meopro 6.5 x 32 Binocular

Compact and lightweight, the MeoPro® 6.5x32 is an excellent binocular choice for nature watchers and hikers who roam in dense underbrush and tightly forested areas. Full-sized eyepieces and 32mm objective lenses rival the crystal clear view of larger glass – yet save precious weight when packing the bare minimum. MB5501TM ion assisted lens multi-coatings deliver the brightest image in every condition while MeoShield TM coating protects exposed lens surfaces from abrasion. An extra wide 433 ft. field of view lets you see more terrain at any distance while the ergonomically shaped rubber armor provides excellent grip and a comfortable hold for extended use.

6.5x32 - Extremely wide field of view of 433 ft. Lower magnification offers increased depth of field and increased stability. Excellent choice for butterflies and dragonflies, birding, nature watching in dense forest terrain, or nautical adventures where a stable view is desired.

Value: $299  Donor: Meopta, USA

Website: www.meoptasportsoptics.com

 

 

Orvis Access Fly Fishing Rod

Orvis Access 865-4 Rod and Reel

For years the 8-foot 6-inch 5-weight was the best- selling fly rod model in the Orvis line and the new Access outfit version continues that tradition of excellence in this model. The simple combination of medium length and medium weight makes it the most versatile fly rod ever built. From small streams, to large rivers, from trout to bass, this fly rod can handle it all. Access's new proprietary tapers and actions developed on Helios by our rod designers only adds to the versatility of this rod giving it the power to present larger flies and wonderful lightweight sensitivity to fight smaller quarry. Recommended by our schools as the perfect first fly rod, the 865-4 remains the single best all around fly rod on the market today and at this incredibly new price to performance ratio, this might be the best all -purpose fly rod on the market.

Value: $540 Donor: Orvis

Website: www.orvis.com

 

 

 

Patagonia Mens Super Cell Jacket

Patagonia Womens Rain Shadow Jacket

Men's Super Cell Jacket: Our lightest-weight shell, the Super Cell is made of GORE-TEX® fabric with Paclite® Product Technology for the ultimate in efficiency. Streamlined, durable and super packable, it's ideal emergency rainwear for any light and fast endeavor.

Value: $249

 

 

 

 

 

Women's Rain Shadow Jacket: H2No® Performance Standard rainwear that provides full-coverage, lightweight protection with exceptional moisture management, the Rain Shadow is built with 2.5-layer nylon waterproof/breathable fabric for high-output pursuits in wet conditions.

Value: $189

 

 

 

Donor: Patagonia

Website: www.patagonia.com

 

 

 

Glamorous You: Jewelry and Accessories

 

Coming Soon!

 

 

Epicurean Delights: Food & Wine

 

Two gift certificates for Roland foods

 

American Roland Food Corp. has been searching the globe to bring you the most unique, delicious foods available for 75 years.  They are an essential source of gourmet products and recipes for today's culinary explorers.

Redeemable at website, must be used withing two weeks of the 2012 Fall Roost Benefit.

Website: www.rolandfood.com

Value: $100 ea.  Donor: American Roland Food Corp.