Our most sought-after auction item can be yours! Spend an unforgettable evening in your home with Father Charles Gagan, S.J.! Here's your chance for a dozen lucky people to share a delicious meal with MDA's beloved founder and favorite raconteur. Father Charlie will bring a private chef, select wines, and an infinite supply of stories and charm to entertain you and your guests. Your only challenge will be getting everyone to leave at the end of the night!

Best reservation in town! After 'winning' this auction item, people began calling us to snag a seat at the table. We had to turn away hordes of fans. Charlie will bartend for your guests, though he's really better at taking the drink orders. But he does hold court fabulously, so get ready for lots of laughs and a very late night. We give it five stars.

 ~ Michele and Chris Meany

Donated by: Fr. Charles Gagan, S.J.

Restrictions: Date to be determined by mutual agreement. To be used by April 25, 2025.

This is the ultimate one-week Italian getaway! Enjoy exclusive use of Villa dell'Artista, a beautiful 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by 40 acres of olive trees, vineyards, and gardens in the Tuscan hills near Lucca. This stunning, gated villa is an authentic restoration with first-class modern amenities. It features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, library, art studio, outdoor dining area, and a 60-foot outdoor pool. 

Take in the views of rolling wooded hills in all directions. You can even see the Tower of Pisa on clear days. Experience the daily town life of the walled city of Lucca, the nearby beach resort of Forte del Marmi (a half hour away), or spend a day in Florence (an hour away). To learn more about this magnificent property, please visit https://villaartista.com/

We were at Villa dell'Artista for a week in October 2023, which is a beautiful time of year in Tuscany. It was a gathering of our family (siblings)—five couples stayed at the villa, all with very comfortable private bedroom and bath accommodations. Anna, the family chef, was awesome. We actually helped Anna make fresh pasta and helped her with our meals. We learned a lot! Private Italian cooking lessons from a master! Just minutes down the hill overlooking Tuscany to the walls of Lucca and very close to the Mediterranean Sea. 

~ Bob and Millicent Lalanne

Donated by: John and Karen Diefenbach

Restrictions: Available the week of October 19-26, 2024.

Your large group will enjoy all North Lake Tahoe has to offer at the six-bedroom, seven-bath home, Tallac Lodge, in Carnelian Bay. Set in a quiet forested neighborhood, this home's unbeatable location lets you walk to the beach in summer and drive to the slopes in 20 minutes in winter. With multiple shared living areas, two large decks, and amenities that include a hot tub and ping pong table, this beautiful cabin has all you need to keep everyone comfortable and entertained. The house's outdoor spaces are ideal for children's play and grownups' enjoyment of peaceful surroundings.

You won't need a car for great summer activities: A five-minute walk takes you to excellent swimming at Carnelian West Beach. Or stroll to Watermans Landing and Patton Landing Beach for coffee shops, picnic areas, and watercraft rentals. Options just down the street include the famous Gar Woods Grill & Pier for a wonderful lakefront dining experience and CB's Bistro for pizza, along with many activities.

In the winter months, you are only 20 minutes from Northstar or Palisades Tahoe ski resorts. You are also less than 10 minutes from Tahoe XC, North Lake Tahoe's premier cross-country ski, snowshoe, bike, and hike recreation area, with a huge network of trails. The towns of Tahoe City and Kings Beach are also 10 minutes away.

Donated by: Kristina Johnson

Restrictions: Not valid Labor Day, Thanksgiving week, Christmas, or New Year's week. Dates to be determined by mutual agreement. To be used by April 25, 2025.

Enjoy a full day for eight people at Sonoma County's ultimate private sporting club, Wing & Barrel Ranch. Your country retreat starts in the morning as you meet your hosts and Ranch members, the Lawsons and Rizzos. Revel in the camaraderie of your friends and host families as you explore and enjoy an active day—followed by an afternoon feast and culinary experience. Show off your skills in fishing or casting for live trout or bass. Try your hand at clay shooting, including skeet and trap. Bocce ball and many other activities are also on offer at this amazing retreat.

Set amid the beauty of wine country, this prestigious club is a sanctuary with views of the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountains. The architecture of the clubhouse, bar, decks, and sporting facilities is in keeping with original hunting lodges of days gone by. Catering to discerning enthusiasts of the sporting lifestyle, Wing & Barrel Ranch offers you experiences designed with a hunter's sensibilities and a connoisseur's palate. 

Donated by: Mary and George Lawson, Linda and Sal Rizzo

Restrictions: Date to be determined by mutual agreement. To be used by April 25, 2025