Special Artist-designed Centerpieces
Preview hand-carved centerpieces by Georgean Kyle that will be auctioned off during the luncheon. These one of a kind sculptures carved from juniper snags from Baker and Chaetura canyon sanctuaries can be yours! Donated by Paul and Georgean Kyle.
Bidding Now Live for Silent Auction Items!
Whether you attend the luncheon October 8th or not, you can still bid on our exciting silent auction items on-line. Starting September 21, go to 32Auctions.com/VECAL2016. Bidding concludes at 12:15 pm October 8th! *Please note that the 32Auctions site contains ads unrelated to the auction items*
Painted Bunting Photo Workshop
Head to Red Belly Ranch near Smithville and join Jeff and Mary O. Parker for your very own private Painted Bunting Photography Workshop. Jeff, a professional nature photographer, has designed special photo/viewing blinds complete with a water feature and set-ups to attract the buntings and other birds. This workshop includes two sessions for 4 people in the photo/viewing blinds where you’ll get lots of chances to spot and photograph Painted Buntings. In addition, it includes lessons from Jeff on bird photography techniques and a gourmet dinner prepared by Mary O., with 3 menu options to choose from! Donated by Jeff and Mary O. Parker.
The Inn at Chachalaca Bend in Rio Grande Valley
Located along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, the Inn at Chachalaca Bend hosts many beautiful birds on the property’s 14-acre hiking trail and private 27-acre prairie. The Inn is also surrounded by world-renowned birding centers and hot spots, including the Rio Grande Valley’s largest refuge, the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Treat yourself and a guest to a 3-night stay. Donated by The Inn at Chachalaca Bend.
King Ranch Deluxe Tour and Overnight Stay
The 825,000-acre King Ranch is not only an iconic cattle ranch, but also a vital part of an incredibly diverse landscape in South Texas and an Important Bird Area with over 360 bird species recorded on the property. The ranch is also located along several migratory pathways and is a fantastic location for spring and fall migrants. Enjoy an all-day birding tour for 2 of the Norias division of the ranch, which is home to the largest known population of Ferruginous Pygmy Owls in the US, including lunch and an overnight stay at the V Hotel in Corpus Christi. Donated by King Ranch, Jennifer Bristol, and Thomas Nilles.
King for a Day at King Ranch
King Ranch is a significant part of the rich history and natural landscape of South Texas. In addition to its economic and historical importance, the ranch is the birthplace of Texas wildlife management, preserving vital habitat for hundreds of bird species including numerous tropical specialties such as Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, Olive Sparrows, and more. The King for a Day Package includes a half-day birding tour, museum tickets, and a 1.5-hour tour of the ranch for 4 people. Donated by King Ranch.
Wine Chiller and Pedernales Cellars Wines
Take home a handcrafted wine chiller created by artisans at Carved Stone in Dripping Springs. It is made of native Texas Limestone and adorned with the silhouette of a Chimney Swift. Inside the chiller you will find a bottle of Pedernales Cellars’ Viognier Reserve, which won the Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition and Double Gold at the 2013 Lyons International Wine Competition. In addition, you’ll receive a membership in the Pedernales Cellars Wine Club, which entitles you to three additional bottles of the winery’s finest vintages. There is only one other wine chiller like this and it is on the deck at Chaetura Canyon Preserve. Donated by Andrew and Nona Sansom.
Fair Trade Journey at Ten Thousand Villages
Enjoy a personal shopping adventure for you and three friends and discover how and where our handmade, fair-trade crafts were made. Learn about fair trade and how earning fair wages empowers artisans and supports communities around the world. Volunteers will explain the unique materials, textures, and techniques of our handmade products and about the people behind the craft. On your journey through handcrafts from around the world, enjoy fresh fair trade coffee from Latin America and a chocolate tasting of several different flavors. This package includes four $25 gift cards for you and three friends, a private tour of the store, plus this lovely painted table by artist Haider Ali. Ali is from Karachi, Pakistan and paints trucks. The practice of truck painting is a distinctive and widespread art form in Pakistan that represents the vitality of the country. Donated by Mark Wilson, Dana Kuykendall, and Ten Thousand Villages
Framed Black-necked Stilt Photo by Jim Beckett
Photographer Jim Beckett has been winning awards since he began his career in 2005. His work was been featured in the annual 2013 calendar for Hill Country Alliance and Austin City Hall’s People’s Gallery, including winning the People’s Choice award. This photo is matted and framed, 18” x 24”. Donated by Jim Beckett.
Framed Bald Eagle Photo by Art Wolfe
Take home this gorgeous 16 x 20 oak-framed and matted print by renowned photographer and conservationist Art Wolfe. The print is signed and numbered. Donated by Carol Ray.
Framed Painting by Jan Weaver
Hang up one of these charming paintings by artist Jan Weaver, a pastel painter living in Austin who studied studio art at UT. Each 8” x 6” painting is encased in a 3” gold frame. Choose from three paintings: Blue Jay, Sparrow, or Wren. Donated by Jan Weaver.
Rolfing – Structural Integration Package
What is rolfing? Rolfing is similar to a massage and aims to manipulate connective tissue to improve alignment, balance, and posture. Some use rolfing to relieve pain and including back pain, repetitive motion injury, and stiffness. Enjoy a series of ten rolfing sessions. Michael McIver is a Certified Advanced Rolfer, having practiced since 1973. He completed his Advanced Training with rolfing founder, Dr. Ida Rolf, in 1974. Donated by Michael McIver.
Framed Painting by Elaine Gleason
Elaine Gleason is an artist who formerly specialized in metal sculpture, creating striking lighting fixtures inspired by the ambiance and rhythms of her hometown of New Orleans. She now lives in Austin, focusing on painting on wood. Donated by Elaine Gleason
Okay! Now you have no excuse not to go birdwatching!!
This package includes all you need to start your life list! Fanny Pack (roomy enough for a bird book), notebook and pen, National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, water bottle, hat, Austin Texas Bird List, and one pair of ACULON A211 10X42 NIKON Binoculars with case and strap! Now get started!! Donated by Julia Marsden.
Live Auction Highlights 2016
Get your bid paddles ready! If you’re attending the luncheon, you have a chance to win these exciting items! Just swipe your credit card at check-in and you’re ready to bid once the auction starts.
Birding at Dobbs Run with Valarie Bristol
Spend a spectacular weekend with honoree Valarie Bristol at Dobbs Run in Edwards County. This 5,100-acre ranch has steep canyons, extensive oak-juniper woodlands, and limestone hills characteristic of Southwest Texas. The scenic habitat is home to turkeys, Montezuma quail, Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black-capped Vireos, and more. Donated by Paula and Ernest Smith.
Ka’ana Boutique Resort & Spa in Belize
Set in the Cayo District in western Belize, Ka’ana Boutique Resort & Spa sits in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Maya Mountains. While at the resort you can visit the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal or Caracol, cave tube through underground caves, zip-line through the sub-tropical canopy, horseback ride, or mountain bike. And the birding is fabulous – on a guided tour, you will look for the rare Orange-breasted Falcon among many other colorful tropical birds. Enjoy a 2-night stay with daily continental breakfast and one guided birding tour for two. Donated by Ka’ana Boutique Resort and JB Journeys.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride and Wine Reception for Twenty
Treat twenty of your best friends to a glass bottom boat tour of the second largest artesian spring in the western United States. San Marcos Springs is home to an amazing eight Federally listed endangered species and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, continuously inhabited site by human beings in North America.
After your late afternoon boat ride enjoy a wine and cheese reception on the roof of the historic Aquarena Springs headquarters, now known as Spring Lake Hall on the Texas State University Campus in San Marcos. Donated by Dr. Andrew and Nona Sansom.
Bamberger Ranch Adventure
Selah, Bamberger Ranch is a 5,500-acre property near Johnson City and has been described as the largest habitat-restored ranch in the state of Texas. You and up to 10 guests will be treated to a 3-hour tour of the ranch in the BlueBonnet, an open-air trailer with a shade bonnet. The tour includes a live snake demonstration, a visit to some of the most complete dinosaur footprints ever discovered, a ride through a 50-acre prairie featuring a herd of African antelope, a viewing of the spectacular flight of 300,000 bats from the “chiroptorium,” the largest man-made cave in the world, and a gourmet dinner! Donated by J. David Bamberger.
Weekend Getaway at the Patton House
Enjoy a unique 2-night adventure at the Patton House at Fort Clark in Brackettville, Texas. Built in 1888, this architectural and historical treasure was the residence for U.S. Army officers until the end of World War II, including Col. George S. Patton. The 10,000+ square foot building sleeps up to 10 and is filled with original architectural fixtures and artifacts. There are 7 bedrooms with 5 full bathrooms and porches and sitting rooms galore. This charming residence can be your home base for excellent birding, hiking, and mountain bike trails. You will also be treated to a guided bird walk by expert birder Craig Rasmussen. Donated by Bryan and Chris Hale.
Chiapas Birding Adventures
Chiapas is one of the last wilderness areas of Mexico and birding hotspot with 733 species recorded. In addition to its beautiful natural landscape, the state is also a historical Mayan archaeological site and has rich indigenous culture. Chiapas Birding Adventures has generously donated a 10-day, 9-night tour. This trip is all-inclusive and covers hotels, meals, guides, admission to parks, transportation while on the tour — everything except personal items and alcohol. An archaeological expert will guide you through the famous archaeological sites of Palenque, Yaxchilan and Bonampak. You will also be in San Christobal for 3 days, known far and wide as the Magic City. Donated by Chiapas Birding Adventures