Event Logo Image
Gala Silent Preview
Guided South African Safari Trip
Globetrotters and animal lovers, don’t pass up on this unique and once in a lifetime trip to South Africa, complete with one of our very own alumni as your personal guide giving you exclusive access to safari and animals and his extensive expertise and experience. Dave Johnson (“Mr. Dave,” as he is known to many CDS students), is a 1986 graduate of Asheville Country Day School who went on to dedicate his life to zoology and endangered wildlife conservation. After retiring as a zookeeper at the Denver Zoo, he became the CEO of The Katie Adamson Conservation Fund. His conservation group is partnering with the Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge to provide YOU with a once-in-a-lifetime safari package for four individuals.
**Airfare and non-safari related transportation is not included. Trip must be scheduled in advance and confirmed by the end of calendar year 2024. This package can be scheduled for available dates through calendar year 2025, expiring on December 31, 2025.
Value: $24,000.00
Taste and Pair Wine Like a Master Sommelier…with a Master Sommelier
You won’t find this opportunity anywhere else. For foodies and wine lovers, here’s an evening most could only dream about!
To be scheduled for an evening mutually agreed upon by the winner and the Roberts and Pollays. Expires April 30, 2025.
Value: $6,000.00
Croatia — Beauty on the Adriatic

Your adventure begins in the buzzing, boisterous Eastern European capital of Zagreb. In this quirky city, you can find everything from charming sidewalk cafes to high-class ateliers and offbeat museums such as the “Museum of Broken Relationships” and the “Mushroom Museum.” A local guide will lead you down the cobblestone paths to experience the colorful tiled roof of St. Mark’s Church, the vibrant atmosphere of Dolan Market, and the sweet scents of Flower Square. After two nights in Zagreb, you’ll be whisked through the heartlands of Croatia to a magical place where emerald leaves give way to silvery lakes and secret waterfalls: Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here, you can glide along the transparent waters in an electric boat or spend time hiking and enjoying the whimsical landscapes from the myriad wooden footbridges.

This trip does not include international airfare. Book at least 120 days in advance. Must be used by October 19, 2026.
Value: $15,000.00
Your Own PGA Putting Green!
Elevate your backyard and your golf game with this custom-shaped 500-square-foot Golden Bear artificial turf putting green with exciting undulations and topography from Southwest Greens and Grass. The package includes design consultation, excavation, all materials, and labor. Your putting green will be finished with authentic cups, custom flagsticks, and flags.
The project must start construction by the end of calendar year 2024. Extreme slopes may require special excavation or grading before construction. The project location must be located within 75 miles of Asheville, NC.
Value: $15,000.00
A Night with Jazz Legend Wynton Marsalis
Four premium tickets to see 2024 Brevard Music Center Legendary Artist Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on June 29, 2024, as they join Keith Lockhart and the Brevard Music Center Orchestra in an unforgettable concert experience. The prize includes premium parking, donor lounge access, and an invitation to meet Wynton Marsalis and Keith Lockhart at the post-concert artist reception!
Value: $5,000.00
Dove Hunter’s Paradise
Migrate to South America for premier wing shooting for five hunters at one of MGW Outfitters' signature lodges in Argentina or Uruguay. The winner(s) of this trip will be treated to some of the finest dove shooting in the southern hemisphere while being cared for by professional field guides and lodge staff. This is the hunt of a lifetime. Included in your dove hunting package:
Airfare, airport transportation, field fees, gun rental, license, shells and gratuity are not included.
Value: $14,000.00
CDS Personal Chef Dinner Party

The tradition carries on! Host a full service fine dining dinner party for eight at your place that is planned and prepared by some of CDS’s coolest! Get ready to savor an evening filled with laughter, delicious food, wine, and wonderful company at your CDS exclusive wine dinner. Brooks Hooper is a formally trained chef who honed his skills in Charleston, SC, at “Slightly North of Broad.” Cathy Hooper, the ultimate party host, and with Sarah and Polk flexing their cooking skills as well, this night is sure to be a blast! You’ll also enjoy wines from the personal cellar of wine enthusiasts Josh and Kari Hubbard (no Whispering Angel, they promise!). Don’t miss this chance to impress your friends by hosting a private dinner party in your home planned by this amazing team!Your personal chefs and party planners:

To be scheduled for an evening mutually agreed upon by the winner and chefs; expires April 30, 2025.
Value: Priceless
Reserved 2024-25 Campus Parking!
Are you tired of looking for a parking space for meetings or other events on campus? Do you wish you could just pull into the space of your choice? DONE! You can pick and reserve a named space in the CDS parking lot for the 2024-2025 school year (Accessible and permanently-reserved spaces excluded). So get close and make it easy on yourself (or your student) all school year long!
Value: Priceless
Local Luxury: Arras Penthouse Weekend & Wine Cellar Dinner

Experience luxury with a 2-3 night stay at the Arras Private Condo Penthouse for 2-4 people, complete with stunning views and a private wine cellar dinner by Bargello for 2-6 people. Indulge in a private penthouse featuring a master suite and pull-out Murphy bed for a second couple, promising an unforgettable getaway in the heart of Asheville.

Book at least one month in advance. Expires one year from auction date.
Value: Priceless