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It’s not the event South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee members were looking for, “but it looks to be potentially great,” said Brant Dunlap, the organization’s president as he looks to the annual Crunch Time Party going virtual with an online auction in the coming days.
Traditionally, the year-end major fundraiser at the War Memorial Building brings in roughly $30,000 to help pay for the city’s float in the annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, but with its cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic, the SPTOR is now focusing on the 2022 parade.
To defray the cost of steel and flowers and other associated costs with building South Pasadena’s entry, ranging roughly from $80,000 to $100,000 each year, the committee is reaching out to the community asking for support of its virtual event starting at 10 a.m. on December 26 and running through 10 p.m. December 29, the usual ending time of the live dinner and auction in the past.
“We have over 100 items in the auction and more are being added frequently,” explained Dunlap. “With us losing all of our usual fundraisers this year, this 4-day auction is more important then ever. Our goal is always to exceed the amount the year before.”
Currently the auction site – www.auctria.com/auction/SPTOR2020 – is live accepting donations and early registration for bidding.
Dunlap is encouraging others to spread the word about the virtual auction by opening the link and sharing it via e-mail to address groups. He’s also encouraging individuals to share the Facebook link with friends and ask them to do the same.
Among the items on the site include:
All Aboard! – Spend a day with Captain Mike and 1st Mate Michele. Enjoy a Newport Harbor cruise for up to 15 people aboard Private Reserve, a 62’-foot Motor Yacht. Weather Permitting, we will take a run down the coast to a beautiful cove where we will anchor, have refreshments and light lunch and those who would like to take a swim are welcome to brave the beautiful water.
Dinner for Eight – Dinner for eight guests at the home of Lin and Alan Vlacich. Enjoy a memorable evening with a five-course meal paired with outstanding wines and ending with a little fine bourbon.
It’s Time for Dodger Baseball! – Four Dodgers Tickets – Loge section (directly behind home plate) w/parking near stadium entrance and admission into Stadium Club.
Private Airplane Flight for Two People – One-hour flight for two guests with Commercial Pilot Frank Bagheri.
Custom Song and Concert – A custom song composed just for you by South Pas troubadour, Brad Colerick. Billboard Magazine called Colerick “one of a baker’s dozen of acts to watch in the folk community around the world.” The Associated Press said “Colerick’s stories are worth hearing… His warm, sunny, homey tenor brings alive the characters, places and relationships in these 11 songs.”
Bella Vineyards Six Month Wine Club Membership – Bella Vineyards + Wine Caves is one of the top producers of big, bold Zinfandel in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. Nestled in the hills northwest of Healdsburg, Bella is known for small-production wines that can only be found at the vineyard. Bella’s wine club is the best way to get their limited release wines. The winning bidder will receive three shipments of three bottles each, including Zinfandel, Red Blends, and Grenache. Members also receive special treatment upon visiting the winery or participating in virtual tastings from the comfort of their own home.
Elegant Estate Tour – A 90 minute outdoor walking tour with expert docents. An exploration of 120 acres of the magnificent gardens and the world famous cultural landmark that we know today.
Night Out at Pasadena’s Oldest Mexican Restaurant – Dinner for 4 at Mijares Mexican Restaurant Includes 4 entrees & (1) pitcher of their infamous House Margarita. Impress your guests by ordering up a side of Tom’s shrimp along with made to order guacamole.
The Best Ham in Town – A $100 gift certificate. Are you in the mood for some sandwiches? Well, what better place than The HoneyBaked Ham Company right here in Glendale! Besides being known for having excellent sandwiches, other cuisines they offer include Caterers, Deli, Sandwiches, and American.
Cenare (dinner) at Briganti in South Pasadena – A $50 gift certificate. Come enjoy a fabulous dinner such as fettuccine bolognese, gnocchi or arugula salad, or many other specialties on the menu. Enjoy good ice cream, tiramisu and bread pudding that are proposed at Briganti. Delicious wine goes well with the nice meal and end it with a great cup of coffee. Briganti is known for their great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you.
“We recognize there’s going to be some disappointment shared by many that this year’s Crunch Time Party is being replaced by a 4-day virtual online auction, but we look to comeback with our live event at the War Memorial Building next year,” said Dunlap, “Although our usual event won’t take place, our committee is excited to roll out a fun way in which people can support our float. I encourage you to look at the site and make a bid.”
