Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park can only be visited by boat, and do we have the boat for you! Starting atThunderbird Lodge on beautiful Rainy Lake, hop on the M/V Lodestar, skippered by Capt. Brian Toder and first officer Vallorie Toder, for a one-day voyage spanning 30 miles of unspoiled forested beauty that looks today like it did to the French traders who paddled the same route 300 years ago. Enjoy a 3-hour morning cruise through miles of pristine waters, lunch at the remote Kettle Falls Hotel (closest road is 30 miles away!), then an afternoon trip back to the Thunderbird Lodge. Swimming and fishing stops can be included throughout the day, and your captains are happy to share suggested itineraries for a longer vacation in the area.
VALUE: $1,500
Includes: All-day boat ride, snacks and drinks for 8.
Dates: Valid for any mutually agreed-upon date June 15 – Sept 15, 2026, excluding the first week of July.
Summit Brewery Tour for 12
Donated by Summit Brewing Company
Join the “Godfather of Craft Brewing in Minnesota,” Summit Brewery owner Mark Stutrud, for an honest, gloves-off, technically deep tour of beer production. In this rarely offered, personalized, private tour, no questions are off limits as you learn about the realities and industry challenges of craft brewing; the chemistry of barley, hops, malt and seasonal flavors; and the history of Summit Brewing itself. Did we mention that you’ll have the brewery to yourself, along with beer samplings and heavy appetizers provided by Summit? This unique evening, which typically lasts 3 hours, is perfect for anyone – from beer lovers and business teams, to golf buddies and gourmet groups.
VALUE: $2,500
Includes: 3-hour private tour of Summit Brewery with owner Mark Stutrud, brewery gifts for each participant, and a case of Summit beer for the winning bidder.
Dates: Valid for one year (until April 30, 2027) on any mutually agreed upon Sunday, Monday or Tuesday evening.
Zanzibari Dinner for 8
Donated by Dr Lydia and Steve Staples
Alert to all foodies! This is your chance to explore Zanzibar’s spice heritage without buying an airline ticket! Through this special home-cooked, 8-course, cultural feast of traditional island dishes, the lucky winner and their guests will enjoy an evening of Zanzibari stews, grilled meats, rice dishes and sweet treats – all seasoned with Zanzibari cinnamon, cloves, curry, cardamom, ginger and more. As you dine, your hosts will teach you about Zanzibar’s spice history and the health benefits of cooking with spices commonly grown on the island. This special multi-course meal will be cooked and served by Dr. Lydia and Steve Staples in the comfort of their Eagan home. Dietary and allergy needs will be factored in.
VALUE: Priceless
Includes: 8-course Zanzibari dinner and drinks for 8 at host’s home.
Dates: Valid for any mutually agreed-upon date June 1 – September 15, 2026, excluding July 4th weekend and Labor Day weekend.
In-Home South African Wine Tasting for 10
Donated by Roy Goslin and Dianne Ferrandi, Z Wines USA
The wines of South Africa are unknown to many, but not to ZWines USA owners Roy Goslin and Dianne Ferrandi. In the most festive, informative wine tasting you’ll ever experience, they’ll bring their native South African wine knowledge and passion – and all the glassware and unique estate-produced wines you need – for an evening wine tasting for 10 in your home. A guaranteed enjoyable evening, you and your guests will provide a sampling of appetizers and the good company.
VALUE: $1,800
Includes: Wine and glassware for wine tasting for 10, and suggestions for foods to accompany the wines.
Dates: Good for any mutually agreed upon date up to Nov 30, 2026. Arrangements must be finalized by June 30th, 2026.