Landis Arboretum turns to Harley-Davidson Softail@ Motorcycle to raise funds; only 300 tickets will be sold; winners to be picked at December 5th Holiday Dinner-Auction at Howe Caverns; area chef on auction block as main tent item.
ESPERANCE, NY (PRWeb) November 29, 2006 -- Q: What do a chopper, a chef, and a storm at sea have in common? A: The Landis Arboretum's holiday Dinner-Auction at Howe Caverns, of course.
In a bid to raise operating funds and attract a new generation of visitors to its spectacular 548-acre site in Montgomery and Schoharie counties, the Landis Arboretum plans to raffle a 2006 Harley-Davidson Softail® Deluxe Motorcycle, a hand-sewn Storm at Sea patterned quilt, a personal chef and dozens of donated items at its festive holiday fundraiser on December 5 at Howe Caverns.
Easy Rider
Billed as the ultimate right-sized bike whose beauty, power and on-road excitement is not just for guys, the first-prize 2006 Harley - Davidson Softail® Deluxe is Classically designed, retro cool -- and dressed to the hilt, featuring FL-styled front fender with polished trim, tapered chrome luggage rack, saddle style seat with checked side panels and a chrome grab rail. The feature-rich classic in black 'n' white sports a low 24.5-in. seat height, wide whitewall tires, pull-back risers and handlebar, tombstone taillight, integrated luggage rack exclusive to this model and easy reach side stand. Only 300 tickets will be sold at $100 each. The bike is on display at NBT Bank display at NBT Bank, 4957 Western Turnpike, Duanesburg, NY. Tickets may be purchased at NBT Bank (Duanesburg) or at the Landis Arboretum in Esperance. Tickets also are available by mail: Send self-addressed stamped envelope with check or money order payable to Landis Arboretum PO Box 186, Esperance, NY 12066. Phone: 518-875-6935. www.LandisArboretum.org. Indicate Softail Raffle
Randy Passono At Your Service
This special evening at Howe Caverns will include a silent and live auction -- with popular area auctioneer Randy Passonno, Collar City Auctions Realty & Management, Inc. -- which will culminate in bidding for the professional services of personal chef Michael DeSalvatore (Amsterdam) to prepare a gourmet meal in the winning bidder's home/office. Mr. DeSalvatore is currently a student at SUNY Cobleskill and Sous Chef at Howe Caverns.
Chef on the Block
At 6' 5", 296-pounds, handsome SUNY Chef Michael DeSalvatore, formerly of Averill Park and now of Amsterdam, NY, seems better suited for the gridiron than the griddle. Within a moment's conversation, however, it's clear that this energetic hulk of a culinary maven is as gentle as a super-sized creampuff. Being selected as the centerpiece of the Landis Arboretum Holiday Dinner-Auction breaks new ground for him.
"Having the opportunity to work with the winning bidder at the Dinner-Auction to create a menu, shop for it, then cook and serve a specially planned dinner will be awesome. Simply awesome!" The Arboretum thinks so, too. Mike vows he won't go cheap. Guests at the event should prepare for the bidding war.
Shimmering Memento
Esperance jeweler Judy Helfrich has created a sparkling sterling silver interpretation of the Great Oak, iconic symbol of the 548-acre Capital Region Arboretum. Approximately one inch by one inch, the pin appears as textured/filigreed silver to create the leafy impact of the Arboretum symbol. It will be signed Landis Arboretum on the back and will be available as a pin and as a necklace/charm via a jump-ring attachment. The pendant/pin will be offered in a green satin pouch -- perfect for gift-giving even to oneself. This wearable work of art will be available for display and on-site orders at the Holiday Dinner-Auction.
Holiday Fare
Butlered Hors d'oeuvres
- Pecan Chicken
- Florentine tarts
- Mini potato pancakes w/sour cream, chives
Dinner
- Winter Salad
- Duo-Plate Entrée
- Ginger Roasted Salmon & Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin
- Steamed Broccoli w/ lemon and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Dessert: Chef's Trio of holiday selections
*Bread Pudding
*Gingerbread
*Flourless Chocolate Torte
Arrive Early, Stay Late
Guests are advised to arrive early for an optional Guided Group tour of the Caverns starting at 4 p.m. Or relax by the fire in the Lodge.
4 p.m. Optional guided cave tour
5 - 6 p.m. Silent auction bids/hors d'oeuvres
6- 7 p.m. Dinner / live auction during dessert
7:15 p.m. Silent auction
8:15 p.m. Quilt and motorcycle winners announced
Tickets Available Now
Tickets to the Arboretum Holiday Dinner-Auction fundraiser are $60 each. Optional, discounted, guided group-tours of the Caverns prior to the Dinner-Auction are $10/person.
RESERVE BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD. CALL the Arboretum at 518-875-6935; Fax: 518-875-6394.
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