WOMEN of the CONGO

Thank you to all the companies and individuals that extended themselves, especially this year, and donated to our Women of the Congo Silent Auction.  The following is a sampling of some of the fabulous items that are up for bid. Enjoy!!

Prada Saffiano Leather Handbag. Value: $1,500

Prada handbags are known for their exclusivity and workmanship.  These handbags are certainly masterpieces that provide true sense of fashion with a touch of class.  This bag has leather strap and handles with tessuto details and gold hardware, zippers and logo.

Private Wine Tasting with Wine Expert Jeff Wooddy of Rochambeau Wines. Value: Priceless!

Not everyone has the courage to jump out of a perfectly good plane thousands of miles above the hard ground. Freefall at speeds of up to 120mph and enjoy breathtaking views for the experience of a life time with Skydive The Ranch tandem instructor Joe R....yes, that is him! 

Tour Madison Square Garden with Rangers’ Star Sean Avery.  Value; $2,500          

This package includes the opportunity for two guests to attend a VIP Behind-The-Scenes Tour of The Garden led by New York Rangers forward, Sean Avery, on a date to be determined. When the New York Rangers acquired Sean Avery in February of 2007, he immediately became a fan favorite. In his first 29 games with the Rangers, he netted 20 points. Avery has emerged as one of the Rangers’ top forwards, and will continue to keep the Rangers faithful on their feet throughout the 2009 season.

"Nonya" Dinner for 4 with Wine Pairings at Double Crown.  Value: $250

Chef Brad Farmerie’s family style tasting menu (nonya) is an experience not to be missed. The fabulous Double Crown in the East Village has a South Asian theme with matching post-colonial menu. From the lazy ceiling fans and potted greenery, to the high ceilings and flickering tea-lights, sitting at your table evokes a crumbling corner of a Rajasthani palace.

Dress by Nicole Miller.  Value $265 

Gorgeous  zig zag print tunic and a good shape for lots of body types. Nicole Miller uniquely combines the ideas of elegance and rebellion to achieve a fun and subtle sexiness that is the essence of modern femininity

Chanel Handbag. Value $2,900

CHANEL is the ultimate house of luxury and this exquisite black, quilted, jumbo, handbag with a golden chain strap is classic Chanel that will complement any outfit.

A Customized Photography / Illustration Opportunity.  Value:$1,250

Has your child ever imagined living in a land of cupcakes, or an enchanted garden?  Pixelation is a unique photography and design service that captures a moment and adds atouch of whimsical fantasy.  Photographer Nikki Baxendale and NYC based illustrator Margot Miller have teamed up to create bold eye catching images.

Dinner at Michael Jordan's Steakhouse NYC.  Value: $100

A better slab of New York strip sirloin would be hard to find, no matter which train you board downstairs. And the spectacular restoration is almost as exciting as sitting courtside.

Go Yankees Go!  Value $650

Perhaps no team is better than the Yankees.  Secure two tickets any game from half the season other than a Friday night game.  Watch from the Yankees Delta Sky Suite with private bathrooms and waitress service.  Two dining choices included. A bar and living room are in the suite making it the ultimate experience watching the Yanks go out there and dominate

Spectacular Kayaking.  Value: $90

Come explore New York 's beautiful Croton Point park with Hudson River Recreation, the largest guided sea kayak company in Westchester County . Enjoy a three hour guided tour with all the necessary gear. Learn the local history, meet some great people, learn or improve your kayak skills,  and  enjoy the sun on the Hudson River.

Dinner at Volare, W 4th Street.  Value: $100 

Volare feels like a portal to an earlier, less harried era. In the sub-street-level dining room of this 70-seat restaurant, open since the late seventies, waiters glide by in dinner jackets and bowties. As in many winning restaurants in Italy, no one orders from the menu. So tell them what you want, and let them cook it. Presentations are bold and portions large.

Potrait by Celebrity Photographer Peter Freed.  Value $4,000

Peter Freed is a New York based photographer who is best known for his character catching environmental portraits of celebrities. His work can be seen in such publications as New York Times Magazine, Esquire, People, Newsweek, and Town & Country. He has photographed Tom Cruise, Michael Jackson, Julia Roberts, Helen Mirren, Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon, and many others.

Enjoy a portrait session for an individual or family which will include one 13X19” archival print on Hannamule custom paper.

Weekend Stay for two at The Roosevelt Hotel: Value $600

A delightful weekend stay for two including breakfast and gratuity at The Roosevelt Hotel is an experience as to why this famous hotel has been called the "Grand Dame of Madison Avenue" since 1924.  The hotel features 1920's styling where guests are treated to superior cuisine and an indulgent experience right in the heart of midtown New York City where the business district meets the Theater and Fifth Avenue shopping districts.

Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex 4 gold passes: Value $240.

Enjoy this waterfront sports village located between 17th and 23rd Streets along Manhattan's Hudson River.  Activities include golfing, ice skating, ice hockey, basket ball, bowling, the spa and much more at this complex which features sports and entertainment venues for the entire family.

Knicks Tickets.  Value: $480

Come see the NY Knicks play New Orleans on November 2^nd at 7:30pm. Enjoy awesome club seating section 46. Sit back, relax and be pampered with food and drink coming right to you while watching a fabulous game!

Lakside Resort Ski Package, Utah: 4 Nights. Value: $2,000

The closest lodging to world renowned Snowbasin. 10 minutes to the lift and 20 minutes to Powder Mountain. Stunning views allow you to take in the natural beauty that surrounds Lakeside Village located on the shores of Pineview Reservoir, Lakeside offers year round recreational opportunities. This package also includes 10 lift tickets. Condominium has 4 Bedrooms + convertible beds, 3.5 Baths (Sleeps 10)

Gorilla Vest from Harris Dolbee Showroom. Value: $270

Los Angeles-based designer Alexis Lamontagna is known for her modern reinterpretation of classic fashion. After graduating from Otis College of Art and Design, Lamontagna worked to launch her eponymous line, which debuted during LA Fashion Week in 2008. Her collection features an array of innovative construction, color, and fabrics and has become a favorite with celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Katy Perry.

Meet Chef Anthony of 42, Westchester’s stunning restaurant perched atop The Ritz-Carlton. Enjoy some of Chef Anthony Goncalves’ old favorites and some of his new creations.   

Princess Package at Saks. Value: Priceless!

Bring a friend and meet your personal shopper for the ultimate one-on-one wardrobe consultation. Enjoy spending a $750 gift certificate on fabulous fashion.  Take a break for lunch for two at Saks Cafe in the Sky.  Enjoy light Italian-accented fare, perfect for label-loving shoppers!

Tod's Til Bag in Grey Leather. Value: $2,095

Ever-chic presence in the world of luxury, Tod's  stands for core Italian artisanship.  This Til shoulder bag is the ultimate in function with just a touch of studs on the buckle. 

Home Energy Audit by R3 Energy   Value: $1,200

If you own a home you know it is easy to spend a lot of money heating and cooling your sapce.  Have a specialist from R3 Energy come to your home and help cut your energy costs.  Find out what to do and how to save the most money by recieving a detailed energy audit with thermoqraphic imaging.

Find your inner glamour and learn how to walk the catwalk with this modeling lesson from Annalaina Marks, actress in Entourage, Gossip Girl, Maid of Honor and America’s Next Top Model Finalist.

2 Hour Private Consultation by Stylist Lani Rosenstock.  Value: $600

Ever wish that a professional fashion stylist could be by your side as you navigate through your closet? Wonder what is still in style and which colors and patterns suit you best? What new outfit combinations might be in your wardrobe? Well, here is your chance. Lani will spend two hours in your closet, answering any and all questions about your personal style and wardrobe obstacles.

Have a Yoga Party.  Value $150

Strengthen, lengthen & relax with friends.Throw a Yoga party for up to 6 people. Allison Waguespack, registered yoga instructor will teach a private class customized for you & friends!

Ladies Leather Brief Case by Mandarina Duck. Value: $515

Get Organized: Home and Life Solutions by PixiesDidIt!  Value: $150

An online personality assessment and a one-hour consultation where PixiesDidIt! come to your home or office, assess the situation, give their thoughts and solutions as well as tips on how to organize your life and home around your personality.

STUNNING SMILE! Value: $600

Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Enjoy teeth whitiening services from Waverly Place Dental, NYC. 

Yoga Works One Month Membership.  Value $150

YogaWorks is an eclectic school offering all styles and levels of Yoga, Whether you are looking for classical Iyengar, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa-flow yoga, or specialized classes in prenatal, athletic, rehabilitative, or Power Yoga, you will find them all at YogaWorks with studios in Manhattan and Westchester.

Kids Commercial Acting Session. Value-$300

A star is born. Give your son or daughter the opportunity to shine with this commercial acting coaching session with owner of Michael Howard Studios, The Professional Acting Studio for Theater, Film and Television.

Perlier Beauty Products Basket: Value $710

For the invigorating, premier, eco-friendly Italian products for body & bath, body treatments, hand & foot care Perlier is the answer!  In addition skin care products; toners, cleansers, face creams, eye creams, and lip care products round off this self-indulgent basket.  Notably all product ingredients are drawn from plants, flowers and honey that are free of pesticides and insecticides and are not tested on animals.

Bag by Charlotte Lyons.  Value $100

This unique fused bag is made of plastic fabric creations from upcycled plastic bags.  Make a statement with this one of a kind creation.

A one-hour massage plus a one-hour pilates lesson at NYC wellness/physical fitness center KIMA.  Value:$200

KIMA is a private pactice that combines physical therapy with innovative wellness programming to achieve optimal health and physical well being for their clients.   Enjoy a massge under a therapists relaxing hands and a pilates class that combines calmness, centeredness and limberness with motion.

Jurlique Beauty Basket. Value: $300 

Truly pamper yourself with some of Jurlique’s best products. This beauty basket includes; Jasmine body care lotion, Jasmine shower gel, love balm, herbal recovery gel, rose hand cream, purely age defying eye cream, intense recovery mask, rose water balancing mist and skin balancing face oil….could you ask for more

I am You Yoga. Value: $120 

Come discover Yoga with 2 free classes as well as a yoga party for up to 5 people at I am You Yoga Studio in NYC. With a mixture of ancient yogic traditions and modern life experiences, I.AM.YOU teaches you to heal yourself, so you can heal the rest. On the mat and on the street.

Brunch for two at X20. Value: $100

If the Hudson has a personal chef, then surely it’s Peter Kelly. Did we mention Peter Kelly deafeated Bobby Flay? 

X20’s brunch is rapidly becoming a Westchester must, and don’t skip dessert, either—we’re fools for Kelly’s homey Bushmill’s whiskey-and-butterscotch pudding.