Band Together 2023
Stroum Jewish Community Center
Nov. 4, 2023, 6-10 pm
Welcome
We are thrilled to have you join us tonight for our seventh annual ‘Band Together’ fundraiser, brought to you by Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters (MISBB). Formed in 2011, the mission of MISBB is to actively support, promote, and enhance the band programs serving fifth through twelfth graders across the Mercer Island School District. MISBB is a 501c3 organization that provides the following support:
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Scholarships to ensure every student can fully participate in band
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Tutor-palooza, which offers free professional one-on-one tutoring.
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Personalized instruction in small group settings by outside experts.
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Professional development for our band directors.
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Islander Middle School (IMS) instrument clubs.
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Administrative support, so our directors spend less time on paperwork.
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Artist-in-residences, such as professional musicians, composers, and conductors.
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Instrument and uniforms (purchase and maintenance).
Tonight is a celebration of the successes of the program and an opportunity for the band community to enjoy time together, listen to great music, and raise money to support all of these goals. We are especially proud to celebrate our invitation to travel to the Big Apple this month to march in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Thank you for everything you do to support our band kids!
Tonight's Entertainment
Music
Steve Treseler & Sidewinder, Marina Christopher, Marina Albero, Ray Larsen and Max Holmberg
Alumni Speaker
Siddharth Velamoor - Senior Counsel at Boeing.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Sarah Ford Realty
Jennifer Flood Real Estate Broker
Mike and Clarice Larson
Tammy and Scott Heydon
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Alaska Airlines
Frances Gaul Photography
Arista Catering
THE MERCER ISLAND BAND BOOSTERS
President: Leslie Kinder
Co-Treasurers: Shruti Kulkarni and Meng-Hua Wei
Secretary: Michael Lill
At Large Members: Jennifer Glick ~ Jody Lee ~ Gwen Loosmore ~ Sharon Perez ~ John Stokke
Ex-Officio:
Chief Everything Officer: Jen McClellan
Band Directors: Parker Bixby ~ David Bentley ~ Kyle Thompson ~ Haley Smith ~ Jacob Krieger
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING BAND TOGETHER VOLUNTEERS!
AUCTIONEER AND EMCEE
Bob Reitinger
AUCTION COMMITTEE
Chair
Jody Lee
Technology & Back Room Chair
Jennifer Glick
Procurement
Chair: Sharon Perez
Kaia Akre, Jennifer Glick, Jody Lee, Robin Li, Michael Lill, Jaiyoung Par and Karrie Sutkus
Party and Décor Chair
Gloria Wolfe
Decorating Committee
Grete Porteous, Paige Parkinson, Diana Lein, Dina Holan, Cat Martin, Claudia Harner-Jay and Jennifer Glick
Dessert Dash
Julia Hokanson
Section Baskets
Jen McLellan
Wine Donations
MI Band Boosters Board and our generous band community
Social Media
Jennifer Flood & Jody Lee
Logo
Sabrina Kavesh
Thank you also to the countless parents, students, and alumni who donated long hours, late nights, baked goods, auction items, financial support, and talents to make this evening possible!
AUCTION PROTOCOL
Each guest will receive a bid number upon arrival. This number is your only means of identification for bidding. Please keep it throughout the evening.
A signature, electronic, or verbal bid during the auction constitutes a legal contract to purchase the item. All sales are final, and there will be no exchanges or refunds. In all cases of dispute, the decision of the auction committee is final.
Please pay attention to all conditions, restrictions, and expiration dates on items and services. Except where noted by the donor, services, tickets, certificate items, etc. must be used within one year of the auction and are subject to mutually agreed upon times and dates. No refunds will be made for lost or canceled tickets or accommodations.
If you are the successful bidder, you may pick up your items any time after the live auction. All items must be removed from the Stroum Jewish Community Center at the close of the auction.
Payment must be arranged on the evening of the auction. Cash, personal check, MasterCard, American Express, and Visa are accepted. Please note all purchases using a credit card will incur a 4% convenience fee to offset credit card processing fees. We appreciate your understanding and support.
The Band Together Auction Committee reserves the right to withdraw any item for sale prior to the call for bids.
Silent Auction: The Band Together silent auction has moved to your mobile device! If you participated in the online auction previously, you may log in with the user ID you used in the past. If this is your first time participating, you should have received a link to the silent auction via email, along with instructions for getting started. If you didn’t receive this or have any questions, go to the check in area for assistance, or look for someone with a “Here To Help” button.
Dessert Dash: Each table combines their bids to claim one of the delicious desserts available at tonight’s event. The higher you bid, the more likely your table will win your first choice of desserts! But you’ll need to “dash” because the winning tables will be called in order in quick succession, starting with the highest bid. If your stilettos slow you down, you may not get the dessert of your dreams!
Raise the Paddle: Raise your bidder number to donate at whatever level your heart desires! You can raise your bidder paddle at multiple levels! All donations go directly to support our Mercer Island Bands program and all of the kids!
Live Auction Catalog
L1- One Round of Manhattans for Your Table
Make new friends–and get your dinner companions into the giving spirit!–by bidding on a round of Manhattans for your entire table! This classic cocktail is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a cherry on top. The bar is closed, so this is your last chance for cocktails! Let’s get this party started!
L2 - Two Alaska Airline Tickets
Score two Alaska Airlines tickets to the destination of your choice with no blackout dates! These tickets are valid for Alaska Airlines flights 1-2999 or Sky West Airlines flights 3450-3499. First Class paid upgrades and/or mileage plan upgrades are allowed.
Expires Nov. 4, 2024
Thank you, Alaska Airlines!
The fine print: Not valid for flights on codeshare partners. Mileage Plan Miles cannot be earned or credited. Standard baggage fees apply; see our checked baggage policy and flight schedules at www.alaskaair.com for more details. Individual travel taxes may apply. Once ticketed, no changes to passenger name, origin city, or destination city are allowed. The certificates are void if bartered or sold. If lost, the certificate may not be reissued.
L-3 BBQ Dinner for 10 Delivered to You!
If you like BBQ you will love this one! Imagine ribs, chicken, fancy mac and cheese, salad beer and dessert all brought to your door for your family or gathering. Instant meal ready for you to dig in. Any BBQ lover's delight! Delivered to any Mercer Island home.
Thank you,Kaia Akre and Gary Ernsdorff!
To be arranged on a mutually agreeable date at least two weeks ahead of desired delivery date. Mercer Island homes only. Includes 2 racks of pork ribs, 2 chickens (in parts), secret mac and cheese, caesar salad, beer and dessert. Expires 11/4/2024
L-4 San Juan Islands Getaway
Enjoy five nights on Lopez Island in a private, waterfront home on five wooded acres overlooking the San Juan Channel. Stunning western exposure with views of the Cattle Point lighthouse and the Olympic Mountains. Sleeping space for up to 16 people: 5 BD/4 BA + bunk room (2 Kings, 1 Queen, 2 K Sofa Beds, 3 bunk beds). Fiber optic internet, hot tub.
Thank you, Anonymous Donor!
At least one person over age 25. Subject to availability (not available July/August). Expires 11/30/2024. No smoking/vaping of any kind. No pets without prior authorization and cleaning fee. Please note this is a home, not a vacation rental. Please care for it as if it were your own.
L-5 Japanese A5 Wagyu, Appetizers, and Champagne Sabering Lessons for up to Six
Winners will learn how to saber champaign using a saber and possibly other random metallic objects. Platinum AmEx? Butter knife? Why not? Also enjoy some Japanese A5 Wagyu and other appetizers for the evening, and oh, yes, you can take the sword home with you.
Thank you, David and Jennifer Glick!
To be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date. Kids are welcome and don't count toward the total of six, but no saber for them! Expires 11/4/2024.
L-6 Four Hour Cruise on a 50' Sailing Yacht for up to 10 Guests
AHOY, SAILING ENTHUSIASTS!
Get ready for an afternoon’s adventure on Puget Sound! We're thrilled to present an opportunity for you and up to 9 others to embark on a 4-hour cruise aboard a 50-foot sailing yacht. This is your chance to experience the beauty of the coastal Pacific Northwest like never before. Enjoy complementary beverages and light snacks as you sail. Raise a glass with your fellow passengers and toast to an unforgettable experience.
Thank you, Maggie Tai Tucker and James Gwertzman!
The auction winner will have the flexibility to schedule their cruise on a date that suits them, subject to availability, after August 1st, 2024. (See blackout dates and expiration information below.)
Children 3 and up are welcome on the boat. Children between the ages of 3-13 must wear life jackets and must be supervised by an adult at all times. Please bring life jackets for any children accompanying you.
L-7 Manhattan Party for 12
A spectacular, top-shelf Manhattan cocktail party for you and up to 11 soon-to-be-giddy friends! Includes gourmet appetizer pairing (for example, grass-fed charcuteries, local fruits, European cheeses, Marcona almonds and delectable crostinis), prepared by unofficial Ina Garten understudy, Paulette Denman. Bartender Stu Denman has perfected his classic Manhattan recipe over many years (let's be honest, mostly during the pandemic). Cocktails can be tweaked to your personal preferences, but you might be judged. Happy to host at Denman Home or your swanky location of choice. Wine and N/A drinks can also be provided. Date and time to be agreed upon by hosts and guests, but don't wait too long.
Thank you, Paulette and Stu Denman!
L-8 Three Night Stay at Whidbey Island Beach House
Relax in a private Whidbey Island beach house, as you step out the door onto a sandy, beautiful, driftwood-covered beach. Enjoy the expansive views of the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, and Mt. Rainier. The sandy beach, lapping waves, and driftwood are your front yard. The heated deck or the beach deck beckon for conversation and overlooking your northwest paradise.
You will feel like the beach is your own private oasis, and beach walks are unending, as the low tide stretches 3/4 of a mile out and miles and miles to either side. Beachcomb for seaglass, stroll with bare feet, birdwatch, eat and chat, explore and maybe enjoy a glass of wine. Take out one of the kayaks or paddle boards. This is what relaxing in the Pacific Northwest is all about.
Only 15 minutes from Whidbey Island's Clinton ferry dock, you can be there in no time.
Known as one of the most charming small towns in Washington, Langley, with its amazing restaurants, historic buildings, book stores, and antique shops, is only a 15 minute drive away.
Bayview offers a Farmers Market, Supermarket (The Goose), wonderful restaurants and even a great Diner in Whidbey Doughnuts! Perfect for making family memories they will never forget.
Thank you, Carmela and Nate Wood!
To be arranged on mutually agreeable dates, subject to availability.
L-9 Catered Dinner for 20 by Arista Catering
For your next dinner party or special event, enjoy delicious culinary creations prepared for you by band alum, family-owned, highly esteemed Arista Catering Co. Their eclectic menu offerings of fresh and seasonal dishes will leave nothing to be desired. The best part is enjoying and engaging in the conversation without jumping up to check the oven or risk nodding off because you have spent the last 10 hours cooking and doing dishes. Dinner package serves 15-20 guests
Thank you, Arista Catering!
Blackout dates: All major holidays, first two weeks of December, Saturdays in August. Cannot be used or substituted for weddings or Bar/Bat Mitzvah events.
L-10 Summer Cruise and Dinner on Lake Washington
Join the McLellans on their boat for a cruise of the Seattle skyline while enjoying a full dinner with your friends. Invite those favorite people for this special evening event.
Thank you, Jen and Malcolm McLellan!
Please schedule with host on a mutually agreed upon date. Limit 8 people total in your party.
L-11 Two Night Getaway to Bainbridge Island Waterfront House
Two nights at gorgeous 4-bedroom/3 bathroom waterfront retreat on Bainbridge Island on mutually agreed upon dates Located on the Hedley Spit of Point Monroe, with spectacular 360-degree views of Puget Sound, the lagoon, the Olympics, the Cascades, and Mt. Rainier, this completely renovated, sun-filled retreat is designed to maximize guest comfort, convenience, entertainment, and access to incredible scenery and wildlife. Sleeps 8 (6 adults).
Thank you, Rachel Dobrow Stone and Scott Stone!
Mutually agreed upon dates before the end of May, 2024 OR in September-November, 2024, excluding holidays. Primary guest must be 25 or older. No pets. No smoking, vaping, or drugs.
