Item #1

An Intimate Party for 20 with Windows Catering

Throw a party, Windows style! Gather friends or family for a memorable celebration, dinner party, or other special occasion. Windows, one of Washington’s premier caterers, will bring its magical touch to your event, providing delicious food, friendly staff, and all the necessary catering equipment.

Restrictions: Not valid in the month of December. Two weeks’ notice is preferred. Includes food, equipment/linens, staff, and soft drinks. Windows Catering will consult with the winning bidder on menu choices and will provide up to $2,500 in catering services; the winning bidder will be responsible for any additional charges. The package does not include alcoholic beverages.

Donors: Julie and Andrew Gerstel, Carol and Henry Dinardo, and Windows Catering Company

Value: $2,500

 

Item #2

And You’re Off…to the 150th Kentucky Derby

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the 150th race of the “the most exciting two minutes in sports," the Kentucky Derby! You and three guests will attend both the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 3, 2024, and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Take in the race action with Homestretch Club access, where you will enjoy a reserved seat featuring unparalleled views of the home stretch. Between races, head to the luxurious Homestretch Club for gourmet food, an open bar, jockey appearances, and more! You can also access the Third Floor Clubhouse and the paddock area.

This exciting package includes two rooms for four people at the Drury Inn & Suites East Louisville. Daily breakfast is served at the Drury Hotel. Roundtrip transfers to and from Churchill Downs for both races are also included. Restrictions: Airfare and transportation to Louisville are not included.

Restrictions: Airfare and transportation to Louisville are not included.

Donors: Christine Wang and Wes Yuan

Value: $15,000

Item #3

Explore with National Geographic: French Polynesia or Iceland

You and a guest will set sail with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions on a journey of a lifetime! Choose from two different expedition itineraries– French Polynesia or Iceland. 

When you step on board, you step into the pages of National Geographic magazine. These vessels are built small and nimble, so you can venture deeper into remote places and quickly disembark to spend more time exploring. And each is purposefully designed for your destination to connect you with your wild surroundings in a more meaningful way. 

The expedition team that accompanies each voyage is made up of engaging explorers who are passionate about sharing their expert perspectives. Chosen for their knowledge of your destination and their ability to spot opportunities provided by the wilderness around us, these veteran guides are the key to ensuring you have an extraordinary experience on shore and on board. 

You choose your expedition! 

Option #1: Wild Polynesian Escape: Tahiti to Bora Bora

Enjoy a 7-day, 6-night expedition exploring The South Pacific aboard the National Geographic Orion

Neighboring the storied islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora lies the coveted diving destination of Rangiroa, the steep volcanic cliffs and remarkable grottoes of Makatea, and the ancient Polynesian cultural site of Marae Taputapuātea on Ra'iatea. On an incredible expedition to one of the last places on Earth to be settled by humans, discover iconic tropical landscapes, ancient cultural sites, and an extraordinary undersea world.

Option #2: Wild Iceland Escape

Enjoy a 6-day, 5-night expedition exploring Iceland aboard the National Geographic Explorer

Discover the land of fire and ice on a six-day voyage to the remote shores and volcanic isles of northwest Iceland. Hike and bike along rugged fjords and discover stunning waterfalls and nature-filled landscapes. Set out by Zodiac to navigate dramatic shorelines, from the dramatic Westfjords to the storied and adventurous Skagafjörður region. Explore the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen during visits to historic villages.

Restrictions: Prize valid for one Category 1 cabin for two persons, for departure on:
January 29 or February 3, 2025 for French Polynesia.
May 27 or June 24, 2025 for Iceland 

Departure date is based on availability by Lindblad Expeditions and is subject to holiday and other blackouts. Cabin booking and confirmation cannot be made until 90 days prior to sailing. 

Not included: Air transportation, baggage/accident/cancellation insurance, extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, meals not indicated, travel protection plan, items of personal nature, certain premium brands of alcohol, and laundry. Gratuities to the ship's crew at the traveler’s discretion.

Donor: Lindblad Expeditions

Value: $12,750

Item #4

Dinner for 12 at Masseria

Experience a spectacular evening of Chef Stefanelli's Michelin-starred restaurant featuring  innovative Italian cuisine with touches of coastal cultures. At this evening's dinner for 12, you will enjoy a customized five-course tasting menu to complement wines selected from boutique vintners chosen by their Sommelier. Savor and enjoy!

Masseria, Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s first restaurant, is a celebration of big, harmonious flavors and the fine Italian cooking that shaped Chef’s palate as a child. The restaurant is named for the charming agricultural estates of the Puglia region, where Chef Stefanelli’s family heritage is rooted. With such inspiration, Chef Stefanelli approaches hosting guests in his own restaurant as more of a lifestyle than a profession, taking the pretense out of fine dining in favor of heartfelt hospitality and honest cooking. 

With such attention and care, the Masseria concept has achieved considerable acclaim. In 2016, Masseria earned one star in Washington, DC’s first-ever Michelin Guide, an honor it has received every year since. In 2015, Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema selected the newly opened Masseria as third among his top 10 favorite restaurants in Washington, DC. Washingtonian Magazine selected Masseria to the #12 spot in its list of the city’s ‘Top 100 Very Best Restaurants’ for 2016. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington nominated Masseria in the category of ‘New Restaurant of the Year’ and ‘Pastry Chef of the Year’ for 2016. The following year, RAMW named their ‘Pastry Chef of the Year,’ and in 2018, Masseria was awarded the distinction of ‘Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year.’ 

Restrictions: Gratuity and tax not included. One month lead time requested.

Donors: Abeer and Yousef Al Otaiba and Masseria

Value: $10,000

Item #5

Washington Nationals VIP Game-Day Experience

Feel like a part of the team with this amazing VIP game-day experience from The Washington Nationals! The package includes four PNC Diamond Club tickets (all-inclusive food, house wine, and draft beer), parking, four on-field passes to watch Nationals batting practice, a scoreboard message display, and an opportunity to hold the finish line during the world-famous Racing Presidents. This VIP experience includes opportunities that are not publicly available.

Restrictions: Tickets are for a 2024 Washington Nationals home game on a mutually agreed-upon date, not including Opening Day game; Diamond, Marquee, or Prime games’ and postseason games; Participation in the Finish Line Holding activity on a date that aligns with our entertainment staff’s schedule. 

Donor: The Washington Nationals

Value: $3,500

Item #6 (not eligible for Best of Live)

Seven-Night Stay at Montage Kapalua Bay Maui, Hawaii

The lucky winner of this package will spend seven nights at the luxurious five-star Montage Kapalua Bay in a Premiere Ocean Grand Residence. This exquisite residence sleeps eight, with three bedrooms, a sleeping den, and 3.5 baths (three full en-suite baths and one powder room). With 3,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor space, this Grand Residence provides the utmost in private vacation-home living. You will have access to abundant amenities, including Montage hotel room service, several on-site restaurants, four bars, a 30,000-square-foot spa, and a children’s program, “Paintbox.” This magnificent private living space offers plush designer furnishings, state-of-the-art electronics, a lavishly equipped full kitchen, and even a Viking BBQ grill that is built-in to your private panoramic ocean-view outdoor covered veranda!

Montage Kapalua Bay Resort is a Forbes Travel Guide five-star rated beachfront residential enclave located directly on Maui’s award-winning Kapalua Beach. As of 2022, Montage Kapalua Bay is ranked the #1 Resort in the USA, the #1 Hotel in Hawaii, and the #2 Hotel in the USA by U.S News & World Report. The Montage is set on 24 acres of tropical paradise, with a gorgeous white-sand crescent beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Rent a paddleboard, kayak, snorkel set, or boogie board at the beach concession hut; beach staff will bring you towels and beach umbrellas and furnish you with beach chairs or chaises. At the pools, attendants offer towels, water, and other comforts. Cabanas are available to rent poolside, and you can enjoy the adult infinity edge pool or the labyrinth of pools that cascade around the resort. 

Restrictions and other details: Residence available the first week of Potomac Spring Break 2025 (Saturday, March 15 – Saturday, March 22, 2025) or June 14 - June 21, 2025. Airfare and transportation are not included. The Montage is 33 miles from Kahului Airport (OGG), about a one-hour drive. The property is going through a phased facade renovation project. Specifically, there are six residential buildings at the property and, over the next few years, one building at a time will be wrapped in a protective layer while the facade of that building is being beautified and repainted. The facade beautification for the building where the auctioned residence is located will have already been completed by March or June of 2025 (the offered dates) and therefore will not be impacted.

Donors: Karen and Chuck Ghoorah

Value: $36,000

Item #7

Best of the South: Ruthie’s All Day Barbeque and Bluegrass Experience

James Beard Award-nominated Chef, American Culinary Corp member, Dukes Mayo ambassador Matt Hill, and his team at Ruthie’s All-Day (RAD) will come to your home or a nearby location to prepare an epic custom barbecue for up to 30 people. Accompanying Chef Hill will be his custom-built 500-gallon Primitive Pits smoker, “The Bull,’’ used by award-winning pitmasters around the United States.

The event will feature a big spread, including a variety of smoked meats, brisket, pulled pork, and poultry with multiple sides (such as potato salad, collard greens, and mac and cheese) and homemade breads. In addition to preparing an incredible meal, Chef Hill will teach you and your guests his meticulous low and slow meat-smoking technique, making your barbecue even better! Fellow Southern Chef and Friend Brian Noyes of Red Truck Rural Bakery will also provide homemade pies and signed copies of his Nationally recognized Farmhouse Cookbook.

While feasting, you and your guests will enjoy live bluegrass music performed by The Shedkickers, featuring IS science teacher and Potomac grad Bill Hoffmann ’79 and his brother, former sustainability coordinator and Potomac grad Bern Hoffmann ’86! The Shedkickers will play two 50-minute sets of amazing bluegrass music.

Restrictions for Matt Hill: Contact donors to arrange a mutually agreeable date; not available on holidays. Gratuity not included. The package expires March 1, 2025.

Restrictions for The Shedkickers: Event date must be mutually agreeable, with at least 20 business days’ notice; holidays and holiday weekends are unavailable. Mutually agreed-upon COVID precautions. Additional charges may apply if the event is held beyond a 10-mile radius of Arlington, Virginia.

Event proceeds rain or shine. Expires by March 1, 2025.

Donors: Matt Hill and Jeanne Choi, Ruthie’s All-Day, Brian Noyes, Red Truck Rural Bakery, The Shedkickers

Value: Priceless

Item #8

One-Week Beach Vacation on Enchanting Kiawah Island

The lucky winner of this package will enjoy a one-week stay in a magnificent custom-built home on pristine Kiawah Island.

Kiawah Island is renowned for its natural beauty and acclaimed golf courses. The home is situated on well-known Surfsong Road, a short 10-minute walk from the beach. It features four bedrooms; a media room; a great room with a wall of windows overlooking a fairway; a private pool; and luxurious finishes throughout, including gorgeous hardwood flooring, custom tile, and shiplap siding. Outdoors, a deck offers a dining area and poolside lounge chairs, perfect for unwinding after a round of golf or a day at the beach.

The home can accommodate 10 guests. (It has an owner’s suite with a king-size bed; a bunk room with two sets of bunk beds, one trundle bed, and one queen-size bed; two additional bedrooms with king- and queen-size beds, respectively; and a media room with a sleeper sofa). It also is equipped with a washer, dryer, and high-speed wireless internet.

Do not miss your chance to enjoy this summertime paradise!

Restrictions: Available for a mutually agreeable date in 2025 (not available March 15-22, June 28-July 5 or August 2-August 16). Contact donor by March 31, 2024, to secure your week. Airfare and transportation are not included, and overnight parking at the home is limited to five vehicles.

Donors: Colleen and Jim Lucier

Value: $13,500

Item #9 (not eligible for Best of Live)

Welcome to the Action! VIP F1 Experience in Abu Dhabi

Prepare to be blown away by an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience in luxurious Abu-Dhabi. You and your three guests will experience the ultimate adrenaline rush while attending one of the greatest sporting events in the world: the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 6-8, 2024.

F1 races are intense, thrilling, and occasionally terrifying. Feel the barriers vibrate as drivers skim by, pushing their cars to the limit. The amplified sound of the race cars is almost deafening. With every lap, the drivers flirt with disaster in pursuit of the quickest time. And the spectacular sunset race at the Yas Marina Grand Prix, usually the deciding race in the F1 season, is truly the pinnacle of the F1 Experience.

The circuit is located on Yas Island, a huge leisure resort island near the UAE’s sparkling coastline. Right next to Abu Dhabi International Airport, the area features world-class hotels, beautiful beaches, the marina, watersports, golf courses, luxury shopping, and theme parks including the World’s fastest Roller Coaster.

This package includes business-class airfare for four people on Etihad Airways, accommodations for four nights at the iconic Emirates Palace hotel, Private dining experiences, Invite-only lounge experiences, private tours at local landmarks, and passes to several related concerts and events.

Donors: Abeer and Yousef Al Otaiba

Value: This package is not normally available to the public to purchase but is valued at more than $60,000.

Item #10 (not eligible for Best of Live)

Fund a Scholar

There is no question that Potomac students and teachers are the school’s most valuable assets. Help us continue to recruit and retain the best students and faculty by raising your paddle in support of our Fund a Scholar initiative!

The process is simple: During the Live Auction, you will be invited to make a donation that directly supports our student financial aid and faculty/staff professional development programs. Bidding begins at the $40,000 level, followed by $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, $1,500, $1,000, $500, $250, $100, and $50.

Donor: You!

Value: Priceless

Your 100% tax-deductible gift will have a tremendous impact on Potomac’s students, faculty, and staff. Below are a few examples of how your support can make a difference:

• $40,000 - Approximately one year’s tuition
• $20,000 - Approximately one-half of one year’s tuition
• $15,000 - Represents 20% of the financial aid budget that covers all incidental costs (e.g., trips, textbooks) for Potomac students
• $10,000 - Approximately 25% of one year’s tuition
• $5,000 - Annual cost of full-time participation in the Extended Day Program for one student
• $2,500 - Cost for all bus drivers to take a defensive driving course; Annual transportation cost for a neighborhood bus route
• $1,500 - Registration cost for both The Teachers College Writing Workshop and Orton Gillingham Training (Almost all Lower School teachers complete one of these two workshops 
• $1,000 - Cost for one teacher or student to attend the National Association of Independent Schools’ People of Color Conference/Student Diversity Leadership Conference
• $500 - Registration cost for one teacher or counselor to attend an online course on incorporating mindfulness techniques in the classroom; Cost of textbooks per Upper School student
• $250 - Cost of two seasons of sports gear for an Upper School student
• $100 - Approximate cost for one student to attend prom
• $50 - Cost for one teacher to attend a local conference for educators

With your help, we can achieve new levels of support for our outstanding students and teachers!

Item #11

Parking Space for a Potomac Parent

Imagine how incredible it would be to arrive on campus on the busiest days of the school year, and park in your very own reserved parking space just steps from the Lower School! Whether carrying a large load, running late, or trying to get great seats at an assembly, you will not regret this purchase.

Restrictions: Parking space will be reserved for the winning bidder for the 2024-25 school year. Parking space may not be used by a Potomac student.

Donor: The Potomac School

Value: Priceless

Item #12 (nor eligible for Best of Live)

Fly in the Luxury of a Private Jet

Here is your chance to take to the skies in luxury! Experience the convenience, time efficiency, privacy, and enhanced comfort of private air travel. You and up to seven family or friends can travel in style aboard a private charter flight. The winning bidder will work directly with Advanced Aviation Team to finalize the details. Travel 5 hours to a destination in one direction or choose a location where travel time round trip falls within the five-hour limit. Winners Choice! 

Enjoy luxury travel for a family vacation, or grab a group of friends for a long weekend away. Don’t forget the potential convenience of traveling with a pet. Possible itineraries could include roundtrips to Miami, New York City, Chicago, and the northern Caribbean. Travel to additional destinations (e.g., Las Vegas, LA, Hawaii, Europe) is also possible and subject to additional flight time and/or larger aircraft fees.

Restrictions: Flight time exceeding 5 hours and/or upgrade to a larger aircraft may be possible and subject to additional fees, which would be coordinated and paid directly to Advanced Aviation Team. If you choose a destination that allows a round-trip option, travel must be completed within seven days. One piece of luggage per passenger. Notice of trip must be given at least one month prior to travel. Item winners agree to abide by AATs Terms and Conditions, including cancellation terms. Date restrictions apply*** 

***Peak Travel Days: New Year's Day, President’s Day, MLK Day, Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, & Christmas. For three days proceeding and three days following these dates, AAT can accommodate the charter request; however at least 2 additional weeks' notice must be given (6 total weeks) and additional fees might apply. 

Donor: Advanced Aviation Team, Gregg and Brooks Brunson-Pitts 

Value:  $30,000

Item #13

Four-Night Stay for Two in Playa Cativo, Costa Rica

Experience a taste of paradise and unimaginable wildlife adventures in this extraordinary first-class Costa Rican destination! Chosen by Travel & Leisure for their World's Best Awards, and awarded Trip Advisor’s Best of the Best Luxury Hotels 2023 in Central America, Playa Cativo is a seven-room boutique eco-luxury Lodge in southwestern Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat, the property is nestled on 1,000 private acres with three kilometers of pristine shoreline in the rainforest with abundant magical beauty and wildlife. The Lodge, located across from the Osa Peninsula on the shores of the Golfo Dulce, provides an intimate haven with spectacular natural surroundings, elegant oceanfront accommodations, first-class amenities, and a variety of activities that offer a blissful balance between relaxation and adventure. 

The package includes a four-night stay for two people with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner and boat transfers (in and out) between the Lodge and the nearest local airports. Also included are one rainforest tour and one farm-introduction tour; use of standup paddles, kayaks, and snorkels in Cativo Bay.

Restrictions: Valid for a stay between May 1 and November 15, 2024. Drinks, taxes, gratuities, and any expense of a personal nature are not included.

Donors: Shelley and Mark Betts

Value: $4,300

Item #14

Rock the Red: Ultimate Caps Fan Package

If you’re a fan of the 2018 Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals, this extraordinary ALL CAPS experience is for you! The lucky winner will receive a one-of-a-kind Capitals package, including...

• A hockey stick signed by The Great Eight, Alex Ovechkin
• Jerseys signed by T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom
• Four tickets to a game during the 2024-2025 season (seats are located in the Capital One Arena’s lower bowl)
• A meet-and-greet with T.J. Oshie, Nicklas Backstrom, and other players following the game!

Restrictions: Contact donor for a mutually agreeable date during the 2024–2025 season. The schedule will be released in summer 2024.

Donors: Liza and Nicklas Backstrom and Lauren and T.J. Oshie

Value: Priceless

Item #15

Fabulous “French v. American” Wine-Tasting Dinner for Eight in Your Home, Catered by Susan Gage

Back by popular demand! A gourmet meal will be prepared in your home and served to you and your seven guests, along with a customized selection of amazing French and American wines.

The theme of this evening is inspired by the landmark tasting in 1976 called the Judgement of Paris, in which French experts agreed that the California wines they tasted “blind” were better than their French counterparts. The result was a blot on French national pride and shocked the country’s wine industry.

During the evening, you and seven guests will reenact the Judgement of Paris. Top-rated vintages from exceptional U.S. and French winemakers will be pitted against each other, and you and your guests can decide which region is superior! Selections include 2012 Marcassin Pinot Noir, 2012 Sine Qua Non Touché Eleven Confessions Syrah, 2005 Maya,  2010 Chateau Pichon Longueville, 2008 Sassicaia, and 2009 Chateau Montrose.

The wine-tasting dinner will take place in your home, where you can relax as local favorite Susan Gage Caterers pampers you with a unique five-course tasting menu and excellent service. Our only request is that you “blind” taste and report your results. Will the Americans prevail again? Cheers and bon appétit!

Restrictions: Tax and gratuity are not included. Event to be held on a mutually agreeable date; not available on any Saturday night or between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Donors: Jen and Chris Graham and Susan Gage Catering

Value: $4,500

Item #16

Choose Your Own Adventure

Sun or snow? International or domestic? The world is your oyster with seven nights at any luxurious Waldorf Astoria around the globe! The winning bidder will receive a certificate for a standard room at any Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Resorts. The certificates can be used in combination for a seven-night stay in one hotel, individually for seven one-night stays in seven different hotels, and anything in between. Resort locations are near and far — from Rome, Paris, and Dubai to New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, Park City, and Los Cabos, Mexico, to name a few.

Restrictions: Certificates expire March 2025, cannot be used on New Year’s Eve, and blackout dates apply. They are valid for seven nights in a standard room and tax only. Resort fees, incidentals, or parking charges are not included. Certificates must be presented at check-in. Airfare and transportation are not included.

Donors: Anu Saxena and Dennis Peery

Value: Winner’s choice!

Item #17

Dinner for 12 at Philotimo

An evening to remember will be yours as you enjoy the ambiance of Philotimo. You and 11 guests will dine in The Delos Room- artfully designed by chef Stefanelli himself. The chef will develop the menu featuring the flavors and wines of Greece. Like no other in the city, this truly stunning and fully private setting is accessible by a private elevator for the utmost discretion, with a private bathroom and bar.

Restrictions: Gratuity and tax not included. One month lead time requested.

Donors: Abeer and Yousef Al Otaiba and Philotimo

Value: $3,000