Auction Items:
1) Coffee with George Akerlof, 2001 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Treat yourself and a friend to coffee and conversation with George Akerlof, an American economist and Koshland Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2001, he won the Nobel Prize in Economics (shared with Michael Spence and Joseph E. Stiglitz).
Akerlof is perhaps best known for his article, "The Market for Lemons: Quality Uncertainty and the Market Mechanism", published in Quarterly Journal of Economics in 1970, in which he identified certain severe problems that afflict markets characterized by asymmetrical information.
Includes: Coffee for 2 with George Akerlof for two people and a $15 Starbucks gift card.
Treat yourself and a friend to coffee and conversation with George Akerlof, an American economist and Koshland Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2001, he won the Nobel Prize in Economics (shared with Michael Spence and Joseph E. Stiglitz).
Akerlof is perhaps best known for his article, "The Market for Lemons: Quality Uncertainty and the Market Mechanism", published in Quarterly Journal of Economics in 1970, in which he identified certain severe problems that afflict markets characterized by asymmetrical information.
Includes: Coffee for 2 with George Akerlof for two people and a $15 Starbucks gift card.
2) Coffee with Myron Scholes, 1997 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Treat yourself and a friend to coffee and conversation with Myron Scholes, one of the authors of the Black–Scholes equation. In 1997 he was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for "a new method to determine the value of derivatives." The model provides the fundamental conceptual framework for valuing options, such as calls or puts, and is referred to as the Black-Scholes model, which has become the standard in financial markets globally. Trillions of dollars of options trades are executed each year using this model and derivations thereof. All binomial option models have evolved from this original concept.
Includes: Coffee for 2 with Myron Scholes for two people and a $15 Starbucks gift card.
Treat yourself and a friend to coffee and conversation with Myron Scholes, one of the authors of the Black–Scholes equation. In 1997 he was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for "a new method to determine the value of derivatives." The model provides the fundamental conceptual framework for valuing options, such as calls or puts, and is referred to as the Black-Scholes model, which has become the standard in financial markets globally. Trillions of dollars of options trades are executed each year using this model and derivations thereof. All binomial option models have evolved from this original concept.
Includes: Coffee for 2 with Myron Scholes for two people and a $15 Starbucks gift card.
3) Lunch and Facebook Tour with Randi Zuckerberg, Facebook's Marketing Director →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Get lunch for two and a behind of the scenes look at the world’s greatest social networking site with none other than its Marketing Director, Randi Zuckerberg.
Randi Zuckerberg manages marketing initiatives at Facebook, where she has led the company’s US election and international politics strategy, as well as pioneered several large media partnerships. Included in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2008 Digital Power List, Randi has led projects ranging from the ABC News/Facebook Presidential Debates to the CNN/Facebook Inauguration Day Partnership and Comcast’s Facebook Diaries. She is also a television spokeswoman for Facebook and has made appearances on Good Morning America, The Today Show, France 2, and World News to discuss Facebook’s marketing and political initiatives. Most recently, Randi represented Facebook as a correspondent for CNN.com’s Inauguration Day live broadcast. Randi is a graduate of Harvard University and has a passion for Italian opera and Broadway showtunes. She is also the sister of Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Includes: Lunch and Facebook tour with Randi for 2 people
Get lunch for two and a behind of the scenes look at the world’s greatest social networking site with none other than its Marketing Director, Randi Zuckerberg.
Randi Zuckerberg manages marketing initiatives at Facebook, where she has led the company’s US election and international politics strategy, as well as pioneered several large media partnerships. Included in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2008 Digital Power List, Randi has led projects ranging from the ABC News/Facebook Presidential Debates to the CNN/Facebook Inauguration Day Partnership and Comcast’s Facebook Diaries. She is also a television spokeswoman for Facebook and has made appearances on Good Morning America, The Today Show, France 2, and World News to discuss Facebook’s marketing and political initiatives. Most recently, Randi represented Facebook as a correspondent for CNN.com’s Inauguration Day live broadcast. Randi is a graduate of Harvard University and has a passion for Italian opera and Broadway showtunes. She is also the sister of Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Includes: Lunch and Facebook tour with Randi for 2 people
4) 4-pack of San Francisco Giants Tickets →
Estimated Value: $500
Enjoy an Age-Old American Pastime at the lovely AT&T Park as you and three of your friends enjoy the merriment, food, beverages and excitement of the “Old Ball Game”.
Includes: 4-Pack of Field Club Level Giants Seats and 1-Parking Pass.
Enjoy an Age-Old American Pastime at the lovely AT&T Park as you and three of your friends enjoy the merriment, food, beverages and excitement of the “Old Ball Game”.
Includes: 4-Pack of Field Club Level Giants Seats and 1-Parking Pass.
5) Night Out with Zak Holdsworth, New Zealand’s Bachelor of the Year →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Whether he is creating amazing food in the kitchen or salsa-ing the night away, Zak Holdsworth can make just an ordinary night out a great night out! Treat a group of your friends to dinner at Junnoon in Palo Alto and a fun filled night out with New Zealand’s most eligible Bachelor!
Zak Holdsworth came to the United States from New Zealand in 2009. He was voted New Zealand’s most eligible bachelor in 2002. As a Stanford MBA 2011 with ambitions of going into Venture Capital or Entrepreneurship, Zak doesn’t have a whole lot of free time, but when he gets it he can be found either cooking amazing food or teaching salsa. Smart, athletic, adventurous and successful it’s no wonder New Zealand misses him!
Includes: Dinner for 4 at Junnoon in Palo Alto
Whether he is creating amazing food in the kitchen or salsa-ing the night away, Zak Holdsworth can make just an ordinary night out a great night out! Treat a group of your friends to dinner at Junnoon in Palo Alto and a fun filled night out with New Zealand’s most eligible Bachelor!
Zak Holdsworth came to the United States from New Zealand in 2009. He was voted New Zealand’s most eligible bachelor in 2002. As a Stanford MBA 2011 with ambitions of going into Venture Capital or Entrepreneurship, Zak doesn’t have a whole lot of free time, but when he gets it he can be found either cooking amazing food or teaching salsa. Smart, athletic, adventurous and successful it’s no wonder New Zealand misses him!
Includes: Dinner for 4 at Junnoon in Palo Alto
6) What Happens in Vegas: Private Lessons Poker Pro Nick Padlo →
Estimated Value: $800
Get ready to “take the house” with our What Happens in Vegas package. Poker Pro Nick Padlo (see bio below) will teach you and 7 of your friends the ins and outs of the game in the comfort of your own home. Then it’s off to Vegas for you and a friend courtesy of Southwest Airlines. But that’s not all, what is Vegas without killer accommodations? Enjoy your choice of 2-nights at either the Hard Rock or Encore hotels, courtesy of Jason Kalisman.
Nick Padlo has played poker both professionally and semi professionally for the last 3 years. He has played over 1 million hands of poker between online play and live in over 40 casinos world wide. He has played at the same table with 8 World Series of Poker Champions. Recently, Nick wrote a feature article in Poker Pro Magazine analyzing the Las Vegas Mid Stakes Poker scene, and has recorded two tournament wins for over $10K each this season.
Includes: Private Lessons for 8 with Poker Pro Nick Padlo, Two-$50 Certificates on Southwest Airlines and Two-nights at your choice of the Encore Hotel or the Hard Rock for 2 people
Get ready to “take the house” with our What Happens in Vegas package. Poker Pro Nick Padlo (see bio below) will teach you and 7 of your friends the ins and outs of the game in the comfort of your own home. Then it’s off to Vegas for you and a friend courtesy of Southwest Airlines. But that’s not all, what is Vegas without killer accommodations? Enjoy your choice of 2-nights at either the Hard Rock or Encore hotels, courtesy of Jason Kalisman.
Nick Padlo has played poker both professionally and semi professionally for the last 3 years. He has played over 1 million hands of poker between online play and live in over 40 casinos world wide. He has played at the same table with 8 World Series of Poker Champions. Recently, Nick wrote a feature article in Poker Pro Magazine analyzing the Las Vegas Mid Stakes Poker scene, and has recorded two tournament wins for over $10K each this season.
Includes: Private Lessons for 8 with Poker Pro Nick Padlo, Two-$50 Certificates on Southwest Airlines and Two-nights at your choice of the Encore Hotel or the Hard Rock for 2 people
7) Start Up Advising Session with Barney Pell, Founder of Powerset (now Bing) →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Have a great idea but just don’t know what to do with it? Or maybe you and your business partner have a plan but need a few tips? Well, it’s your lucky day! Get ready to pick the brain of a true Silicon Valley entrepreneur.
In his own words, Barney Pell, founder and CTO of Powerset - a San-Francisco startup company that is building a search engine based on natural language processing technology - is “an AI Researcher, Technology Visionary, Product Strategist, Entrepreneur and Connector, with broad intellectual, social, athletic and artistic interests.”
He has worked at NASA, as chief strategist and vice president of business development at StockMaster.com and at Whizbang! Labs. Prior to joining Powerset, Pell was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Mayfield Fund, a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley.
When he is not thinking up new companies, Barney can be found waltzing across dance floors all over the Bay Area.
Includes: Meeting with Barney Pell for up to 2 people
Have a great idea but just don’t know what to do with it? Or maybe you and your business partner have a plan but need a few tips? Well, it’s your lucky day! Get ready to pick the brain of a true Silicon Valley entrepreneur.
In his own words, Barney Pell, founder and CTO of Powerset - a San-Francisco startup company that is building a search engine based on natural language processing technology - is “an AI Researcher, Technology Visionary, Product Strategist, Entrepreneur and Connector, with broad intellectual, social, athletic and artistic interests.”
He has worked at NASA, as chief strategist and vice president of business development at StockMaster.com and at Whizbang! Labs. Prior to joining Powerset, Pell was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Mayfield Fund, a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley.
When he is not thinking up new companies, Barney can be found waltzing across dance floors all over the Bay Area.
Includes: Meeting with Barney Pell for up to 2 people
8) Make Art in the Air with Drue Kataoka →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Leave your mark on a conceptual work of art by prominent artist Drue Kataoka. What is required? Just sit back, relax & enjoy a free flight on a private jet across the Bay.
Drue Kataoka is a Tokyo-born American artist who paints in the ancient Japanese art form of Sumi-e (an East Asian type of brush painting using only black ink — the same as used in East Asian calligraphy – in various concentrations). Trained in the classical canon, she paints modern subject matter such as cultural, political, sports, and business leaders. Some of her more prominent projects include the cover for Wynton Marsalis’ album A Fiddler’s Tale, the official print for the 100th anniversary of the Stanford University-California Big Game, and the millennial portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the King Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. Her commemorative prints are archived in the Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries.
Includes: Fly across the Bay in a private plane with Drue - for 2 people
Leave your mark on a conceptual work of art by prominent artist Drue Kataoka. What is required? Just sit back, relax & enjoy a free flight on a private jet across the Bay.
Drue Kataoka is a Tokyo-born American artist who paints in the ancient Japanese art form of Sumi-e (an East Asian type of brush painting using only black ink — the same as used in East Asian calligraphy – in various concentrations). Trained in the classical canon, she paints modern subject matter such as cultural, political, sports, and business leaders. Some of her more prominent projects include the cover for Wynton Marsalis’ album A Fiddler’s Tale, the official print for the 100th anniversary of the Stanford University-California Big Game, and the millennial portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the King Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. Her commemorative prints are archived in the Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries.
Includes: Fly across the Bay in a private plane with Drue - for 2 people
9) Photo Session with Gregory Goode →
Estimated Value: $4,000
Renowned photographer Gregory Goode offers a unique photo session and prints for either business or pleasure to the lucky winner of this auction item. Gregory lives in San Francisco and New York. Some of his assignments include covering Nelson Mandela’s election and the end of apartheid in South Africa to photographing Victoria Secret for French Numero magazine.
Goode has photographed a wide gamut from Gisele Bundchen to Robert Kennedy Jr. He has worked with Architectural Digest, GQ, The NY Times Magazine, In Style and O magazine among many others. Goode has traveled the world over on various photography assignments. You can see more on www.gregorygoode.com.
Includes: Photo session for business or pleasure and prints of the photo shoot
Renowned photographer Gregory Goode offers a unique photo session and prints for either business or pleasure to the lucky winner of this auction item. Gregory lives in San Francisco and New York. Some of his assignments include covering Nelson Mandela’s election and the end of apartheid in South Africa to photographing Victoria Secret for French Numero magazine.
Goode has photographed a wide gamut from Gisele Bundchen to Robert Kennedy Jr. He has worked with Architectural Digest, GQ, The NY Times Magazine, In Style and O magazine among many others. Goode has traveled the world over on various photography assignments. You can see more on www.gregorygoode.com.
Includes: Photo session for business or pleasure and prints of the photo shoot
10) Weekend at the Apple Ranch, San Luis Obispo →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Enjoy a fun filled weekend for up to 5 people at the Sycamore Falls Ranch near the beautiful coastal town of San Luis Obispo! Activities to choose from include:
Tour the orchard, pick apples - 17 varieties - and explore the exotic fruit section of the orchard
Cooking lesson on how to make an apple dessert of your choice
Explore rock quarry with quartz crystals and take a hike to Sacrificial Rock
Hike to the 3 waterfalls on the property
Camp on top of Raindance Mountain and have a bon fire, tell stories and sing with the coyotes
Country breakfast with foods from the ranch's garden
Bike ride to the beach
Wild boar or deer hunting
Edible mushroom hunting with guide
Tour of the exotic animals (from Michael Jackson's ranch)
Farmers Market at the beach
Additional local attractions/activities include:
Private natural hot spring tubs up in oak groves
Catch sunset in key hold overlooking the coast at Pirates Cove
Drinks at the Yacht Club or downtown Avila Beach
Sailing or fishing with my Dad on 5 person sail boat
Tour Hearst Castle on the way back to SF
Includes: Any/all of the above activities!
Enjoy a fun filled weekend for up to 5 people at the Sycamore Falls Ranch near the beautiful coastal town of San Luis Obispo! Activities to choose from include:
Tour the orchard, pick apples - 17 varieties - and explore the exotic fruit section of the orchard
Cooking lesson on how to make an apple dessert of your choice
Explore rock quarry with quartz crystals and take a hike to Sacrificial Rock
Hike to the 3 waterfalls on the property
Camp on top of Raindance Mountain and have a bon fire, tell stories and sing with the coyotes
Country breakfast with foods from the ranch's garden
Bike ride to the beach
Wild boar or deer hunting
Edible mushroom hunting with guide
Tour of the exotic animals (from Michael Jackson's ranch)
Farmers Market at the beach
Additional local attractions/activities include:
Private natural hot spring tubs up in oak groves
Catch sunset in key hold overlooking the coast at Pirates Cove
Drinks at the Yacht Club or downtown Avila Beach
Sailing or fishing with my Dad on 5 person sail boat
Tour Hearst Castle on the way back to SF
Includes: Any/all of the above activities!
11) Dinner for 8 with Summer Rayne Oakes →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Get ready to enjoy an evening of delicious food and wonderful company as Eco-model Summer Rayne Oakes, Silvia Console Battilana (Auctionomics) and Leila Chirayath Janah (Samasource Founder) prepare a meal for you and up to 5 of your friends!
Summer Rayne Oakes graduated from Cornell University, an entomologist and environmental scientist by training. In 2000 in the midst of her studies, Oakes embarked on a journey of cause-related modeling and innovative sustainable design/development projects to push sustainability issues through fashion and media, a position which earned her the name of “The Eco-Model”. In addition to this, Summer Rayne is now a spokesperson, resident expert, and youngest Board of Advisors for Discovery Network’s Planet Green. She is also the spokes-model for a sustainable line of Payless shoes, zoe&zac. Summer Rayne's recent book, Style, Natural: A Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty, is quickly becoming the industry manual for sustainable fashion.
As the Ambassador of Samasource’s Refugee Work Program, Summer Rayne supports our mission to train refugees in Dadaab, Kenya to earn income through internet-based work.
Includes: Home cooked meal with Summer, Leila and Silvia for up to 6 people
Get ready to enjoy an evening of delicious food and wonderful company as Eco-model Summer Rayne Oakes, Silvia Console Battilana (Auctionomics) and Leila Chirayath Janah (Samasource Founder) prepare a meal for you and up to 5 of your friends!
Summer Rayne Oakes graduated from Cornell University, an entomologist and environmental scientist by training. In 2000 in the midst of her studies, Oakes embarked on a journey of cause-related modeling and innovative sustainable design/development projects to push sustainability issues through fashion and media, a position which earned her the name of “The Eco-Model”. In addition to this, Summer Rayne is now a spokesperson, resident expert, and youngest Board of Advisors for Discovery Network’s Planet Green. She is also the spokes-model for a sustainable line of Payless shoes, zoe&zac. Summer Rayne's recent book, Style, Natural: A Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty, is quickly becoming the industry manual for sustainable fashion.
As the Ambassador of Samasource’s Refugee Work Program, Summer Rayne supports our mission to train refugees in Dadaab, Kenya to earn income through internet-based work.
Includes: Home cooked meal with Summer, Leila and Silvia for up to 6 people
12) Day with Miss Afghanistan 2003, Vida Samadzai →
Estimated Value: Priceless
You and your family will be in for a real treat as you enjoy sunny SoCal and a day with the interesting, smart and beautiful Miss Afghanistan 2003, Vida Samadzai! Vida grew up in Afghanistan, before fleeing from Taliban rule to the U.S. in 1996. During her reign as Miss Afghanistan, Vida was condemned by the Afghan Supreme Court for participating in the 2003 Miss Earth pageant. She received a degree in Advertising and Speech Communications from California State University and is fluent in five languages. Vida has a passion for women’s empowerment and has firsthand knowledge of cultural norms that suppress women. In 2007, she received the U.S. Presidential Service Award for her dedication to helping women in Afghanistan and her charity work around the world. Currently Vida is a Bollywood actress who devotes her free time to helping Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
As the Ambassador of Samasource’s Work for Woman Program, Vida supports our mission to guarantee dignified, computer-based work to women in East Africa and northern Pakistan
You and your family will be in for a real treat as you enjoy sunny SoCal and a day with the interesting, smart and beautiful Miss Afghanistan 2003, Vida Samadzai! Vida grew up in Afghanistan, before fleeing from Taliban rule to the U.S. in 1996. During her reign as Miss Afghanistan, Vida was condemned by the Afghan Supreme Court for participating in the 2003 Miss Earth pageant. She received a degree in Advertising and Speech Communications from California State University and is fluent in five languages. Vida has a passion for women’s empowerment and has firsthand knowledge of cultural norms that suppress women. In 2007, she received the U.S. Presidential Service Award for her dedication to helping women in Afghanistan and her charity work around the world. Currently Vida is a Bollywood actress who devotes her free time to helping Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
As the Ambassador of Samasource’s Work for Woman Program, Vida supports our mission to guarantee dignified, computer-based work to women in East Africa and northern Pakistan
13) One Week at the Luxurious Kapalua Resort, Maui (unrestricted dates!) →
Estimated Value: $30,000
Pack the sunscreen and beach towels and prepare yourself for a week in the lap of luxury. Located in the prestigious gated community of Pineapple Hill, Hale Ae‘o features two full lots of approximately 20,478 square feet, with four bedrooms, four and one-half baths and 5,725 square feet of living area.
Property amenities include:
Panoramic ocean and neighbor island views
Gourmet kitchen
Four bedrooms - each with full bath
Fully-equipped office area
Indoor bar with ability to open to poolside
Spacious lanai perfect for entertaining
Outdoor gas grill
Large family room
Air-conditioning
Security system
Infinity style heated swimming pool
Outdoor jacuzzi hot tub surrounded in a tropical oasis
Includes: This gorgeous house for a week for as many people as you can fill into it
Pack the sunscreen and beach towels and prepare yourself for a week in the lap of luxury. Located in the prestigious gated community of Pineapple Hill, Hale Ae‘o features two full lots of approximately 20,478 square feet, with four bedrooms, four and one-half baths and 5,725 square feet of living area.
Property amenities include:
Panoramic ocean and neighbor island views
Gourmet kitchen
Four bedrooms - each with full bath
Fully-equipped office area
Indoor bar with ability to open to poolside
Spacious lanai perfect for entertaining
Outdoor gas grill
Large family room
Air-conditioning
Security system
Infinity style heated swimming pool
Outdoor jacuzzi hot tub surrounded in a tropical oasis
Includes: This gorgeous house for a week for as many people as you can fill into it
14) Sama Safari with Leila Chirayath Janah of Samasource →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Words can not adequately express the adventures, thrills and memories you will experience and create on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Leila Chirayath Janah, Founder of and Visionary behind Samasource, will be your tour guide as you and up to 3 others see first hand the amazing work Samasource is giving to individuals in its Kisumu, Nairobi or Dadaab Centers. When the day is done, jet off to the beautiful and luxurious Majlis Resort in Lamu, Kenya where you will enjoy two-nights of the finest accommodations Kenya has to offer.
But that’s not all. Why not spend 5-days on a guided climb of Mt Kenya or 3-days on a guided Wildlife Safari at the Masai Mara Lodge? With this package, it’s your choice!
Option 1: Mount Kenya Trek Tour, 5-days. Includes English speaking guides, porters, meals, hut accommodations and transportation to and from Nairobi, not to mention an incredible time!
Option 2: Masai Mara Safari, 3-days. Includes round trip transportation from Nairobi as well as ground transportation in fully equipped safari van, accommodations, meals, all park entrance fees, an English speaking guide, and of course three amazing days viewing the wild animals of the African plains.
Includes: Tour of Samasource Center, 2-nights at the luxurious Majlis Resort in Lamu, Kenya, and either of the guided tours described above for up to 4 people.
Words can not adequately express the adventures, thrills and memories you will experience and create on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Leila Chirayath Janah, Founder of and Visionary behind Samasource, will be your tour guide as you and up to 3 others see first hand the amazing work Samasource is giving to individuals in its Kisumu, Nairobi or Dadaab Centers. When the day is done, jet off to the beautiful and luxurious Majlis Resort in Lamu, Kenya where you will enjoy two-nights of the finest accommodations Kenya has to offer.
But that’s not all. Why not spend 5-days on a guided climb of Mt Kenya or 3-days on a guided Wildlife Safari at the Masai Mara Lodge? With this package, it’s your choice!
Option 1: Mount Kenya Trek Tour, 5-days. Includes English speaking guides, porters, meals, hut accommodations and transportation to and from Nairobi, not to mention an incredible time!
Option 2: Masai Mara Safari, 3-days. Includes round trip transportation from Nairobi as well as ground transportation in fully equipped safari van, accommodations, meals, all park entrance fees, an English speaking guide, and of course three amazing days viewing the wild animals of the African plains.
Includes: Tour of Samasource Center, 2-nights at the luxurious Majlis Resort in Lamu, Kenya, and either of the guided tours described above for up to 4 people.
15) Private Performance by Vienna Teng →
Estimated Value: $10,000
Rally your guests and get ready to be blown away by the passionate, melodic music of Vienna Teng. Vienna is a Taiwanese American pianist and singer-songwriter based in New York City. She graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Computer Science; One week after quitting her real-world job at Cisco, Teng found herself performing on David Letterman. Vienna has released four studio albums: Waking Hour (2002), Warm Strangers (2004), Dreaming Through The Noise (2006) and her latest album, Inland Territory, which was released in the United States on April 7, 2009.
Teng's musical style incorporates folk, pop, classical piano, and a cappella. She uses piano as her primary instrument and writes lyrics with emotion, narrative, and personal history. Teng is a baseline alto, but sings over a wide range.
Includes: Private performance by Teng in your home
Rally your guests and get ready to be blown away by the passionate, melodic music of Vienna Teng. Vienna is a Taiwanese American pianist and singer-songwriter based in New York City. She graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Computer Science; One week after quitting her real-world job at Cisco, Teng found herself performing on David Letterman. Vienna has released four studio albums: Waking Hour (2002), Warm Strangers (2004), Dreaming Through The Noise (2006) and her latest album, Inland Territory, which was released in the United States on April 7, 2009.
Teng's musical style incorporates folk, pop, classical piano, and a cappella. She uses piano as her primary instrument and writes lyrics with emotion, narrative, and personal history. Teng is a baseline alto, but sings over a wide range.
Includes: Private performance by Teng in your home
16) Mission Motors Experience, Take Your Pick! →
Estimated Value: Priceless
(Option 1) Get the Mission Motors engineering experience. Enjoy an afternoon track testing session with the Mission Motors engineering and test team. An afternoon private test session at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California will let you see the ins and outs of the powertrain and chassis development program for the production motorcycle. You will full disclosure of data taken, powertrain adjustments, software tweaks, and suspension changes made as the team gets close to its final production model. Also as part of this experience you will be able to join the Mission One superbike on track with your own motorcycle! Fly around the famed Infineon Raceway following the Mission One superbike and professional test rider on the closed private track session. Truly a unique experience!
(Option 2) Be a member of the Mission Motors international race team. Join Mission Motors and the entire race team for the 2010 eGrand Prix held at the historic Isle of Man in conjunction with the famed TT road races. The eGrand Prix is the world's only clean emissions grand prix racing where teams assemble from around the globe to compete against the clock to show which electric vehicle technology is the fastest. As part of the package you and one guest will be given credentials giving you full access to the racing paddock, special viewers area for the race and exclusive pit access with Mission Motors. Get to see what happens when racer debriefs the team after pulling in from the practice sessions, see the inter-workings of the pit crew and experience what it is like to be on an international race team when the pressure is on to win the race.
Includes: Either of the fabulous options above for up to 2 people
(Option 1) Get the Mission Motors engineering experience. Enjoy an afternoon track testing session with the Mission Motors engineering and test team. An afternoon private test session at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California will let you see the ins and outs of the powertrain and chassis development program for the production motorcycle. You will full disclosure of data taken, powertrain adjustments, software tweaks, and suspension changes made as the team gets close to its final production model. Also as part of this experience you will be able to join the Mission One superbike on track with your own motorcycle! Fly around the famed Infineon Raceway following the Mission One superbike and professional test rider on the closed private track session. Truly a unique experience!
(Option 2) Be a member of the Mission Motors international race team. Join Mission Motors and the entire race team for the 2010 eGrand Prix held at the historic Isle of Man in conjunction with the famed TT road races. The eGrand Prix is the world's only clean emissions grand prix racing where teams assemble from around the globe to compete against the clock to show which electric vehicle technology is the fastest. As part of the package you and one guest will be given credentials giving you full access to the racing paddock, special viewers area for the race and exclusive pit access with Mission Motors. Get to see what happens when racer debriefs the team after pulling in from the practice sessions, see the inter-workings of the pit crew and experience what it is like to be on an international race team when the pressure is on to win the race.
Includes: Either of the fabulous options above for up to 2 people
17) Dinner and Session of Your Choice with Best-selling Author Tim Ferriss →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Timothy Ferriss is one strange bird. Some consider him a professional dilettante, others call him mean names, and others occasionally listen to him or ask him hard questions. The last group includes organizations like:
Google, Microsoft, FBI, CIA, MIT, Stanford Business School, Nielsen, Time Inc., Princeton University, FOO Camp, Supernova, and others you'd recognize from the 33+ countries where The 4-Hour Workweek has been sold.
Not to be confused with the NY Times bestselling astronomer Timothy Ferris, Timothy Ferriss (double "s" for extra sass) is the author of the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Businessweek bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek. He is also a/an:
Guinness world record holder in Argentine tango.
Guest lecturer at Princeton University in electrical engineering (high-tech entrepreneurship).
Former Chinese kickboxing national champion at 165 lbs.
Angel investor in Silicon Valley, specializing in consumer web and anything that overlaps with his UI, direct response, or PR/media capabilities.
Voracious eater and enthusiastic wine drinker.
Tim has been featured by more than 100 media outlets worldwide, including The Economist, TIME, The New York Times, Forbes, Fortune, Wired, NBC, and CBS.
Includes: Dinner and session with Tim for up to 2 people
Timothy Ferriss is one strange bird. Some consider him a professional dilettante, others call him mean names, and others occasionally listen to him or ask him hard questions. The last group includes organizations like:
Google, Microsoft, FBI, CIA, MIT, Stanford Business School, Nielsen, Time Inc., Princeton University, FOO Camp, Supernova, and others you'd recognize from the 33+ countries where The 4-Hour Workweek has been sold.
Not to be confused with the NY Times bestselling astronomer Timothy Ferris, Timothy Ferriss (double "s" for extra sass) is the author of the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Businessweek bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek. He is also a/an:
Guinness world record holder in Argentine tango.
Guest lecturer at Princeton University in electrical engineering (high-tech entrepreneurship).
Former Chinese kickboxing national champion at 165 lbs.
Angel investor in Silicon Valley, specializing in consumer web and anything that overlaps with his UI, direct response, or PR/media capabilities.
Voracious eater and enthusiastic wine drinker.
Tim has been featured by more than 100 media outlets worldwide, including The Economist, TIME, The New York Times, Forbes, Fortune, Wired, NBC, and CBS.
Includes: Dinner and session with Tim for up to 2 people
18) San Francisco Adventure with 2006 Amazing Race Winner Tyler MacNiven →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Prepare to be marveled as you discover some of San Francisco’s best kept secrets with Amazing Race Winner and Exploration Enthusiast Tyler MacNiven. This exclusive, three-hour tour is not to be missed!
In his own words, Tyler MacNiven is a “filmmaker, traveler, adventurer and promoter of good times”.
Interesting Facts About Tyler: In 2004 Tyler walked the entire 2,000-mile length of Japan. In 2006, the same year he won Amazing Race, he attempted to run the 1000-mile length of Iran, but was kicked out of the country after only 100 miles.
Includes: Dinner for 4 any Wednesday night at the University Club, 2-nights at the University Club Hotel with Complimentary Breakfast and the Secret SF Tour with Tyler for up to 4 people
Prepare to be marveled as you discover some of San Francisco’s best kept secrets with Amazing Race Winner and Exploration Enthusiast Tyler MacNiven. This exclusive, three-hour tour is not to be missed!
In his own words, Tyler MacNiven is a “filmmaker, traveler, adventurer and promoter of good times”.
Interesting Facts About Tyler: In 2004 Tyler walked the entire 2,000-mile length of Japan. In 2006, the same year he won Amazing Race, he attempted to run the 1000-mile length of Iran, but was kicked out of the country after only 100 miles.
Includes: Dinner for 4 any Wednesday night at the University Club, 2-nights at the University Club Hotel with Complimentary Breakfast and the Secret SF Tour with Tyler for up to 4 people
19) New Years at The Point At Poipu, Kauai (Dec 26, 2009-Jan 2, 2010) →
Estimated Value: $3,000
Looking for something extra special to do this New Years? We’ve got the perfect solution! Located on the sunny side of Kauai, overlooking the secluded and polished sands of Shipwreck Beach, The Point at Poipu welcomes you to Kauai’s southern-most tip for exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving.
Families will enjoy seven-nights in a spacious two-bedroom, fully equipped, ocean-view suite. All accommodations offer fully equipped kitchens, luxury master baths and midweek housekeeping.
Looking for something extra special to do this New Years? We’ve got the perfect solution! Located on the sunny side of Kauai, overlooking the secluded and polished sands of Shipwreck Beach, The Point at Poipu welcomes you to Kauai’s southern-most tip for exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving.
Families will enjoy seven-nights in a spacious two-bedroom, fully equipped, ocean-view suite. All accommodations offer fully equipped kitchens, luxury master baths and midweek housekeeping.
20) Catered Dinner for 8 with and by Miss India Universe 1996, Sandhya Chib →
Estimated Value: Priceless
Enjoy a truly authentic Indian feast for 8 people with Miss India Universe. Sandhya Chib grew up in Bangalore India and was crowned Miss India Universe in 1996 before going on to finish in the top 10 at the Miss Universe competition. She currently lives in San Francisco and runs the catering business she founded, Catering by Sandhya, which focuses on Anglo and North Indian cuisine. Sandhya is also involved with a number of non-profits and charities working to solve social issues in her native India and other areas of the developing world.
Enjoy a truly authentic Indian feast for 8 people with Miss India Universe. Sandhya Chib grew up in Bangalore India and was crowned Miss India Universe in 1996 before going on to finish in the top 10 at the Miss Universe competition. She currently lives in San Francisco and runs the catering business she founded, Catering by Sandhya, which focuses on Anglo and North Indian cuisine. Sandhya is also involved with a number of non-profits and charities working to solve social issues in her native India and other areas of the developing world.
21) Winter in Yosemite Valley, Artwork by Tim Ferriss →
Estimated Value: $700
Bring home this stunning panoramic piece! Be mesmerized by the beauty of the Yosemite Valley after a winter night's snowfall.
All of the evening’s proceeds will support projects that bring dignified work to women, youth, and refugees living in poverty.
Silvia Console Battilana and Nina Leis, Gala Co-Chairs