A Second Dance at Life Gala 2025 Auction Catalog
We are pleased to offer five exciting auction packages and items for this year's Gala! You can learn more about each of them below.
Amazing Wine Experience Auction Package
Description: This amazing wine adventure begins with five one-of-a-kind premium wine tasting experiences for four wine enthusiasts at world-renowned, award-winning wineries in Sonoma and Napa Valley, California. Each tasting is a “members only” experience, personally curated by Lisa Vegas and Matthew Miller. They have included a limited-edition wine from each winery for you to take home tonight-- bottles that are unavailable in retail stores at any price.
The package continues with a local experience here in Cleveland for up to six people with a pairing featuring legendary Stags’ Leap Winery and a menu designed by Chef Eric Wells.
Completing the offering, the winning bidder will receive 100,000 American Airlines travel miles and a $500 pre-paid credit card to help with travel and lodging.
Donated by: All California wine tasting experiences and club-only wines generously donated by Lisa Vegas & Matthew Miller. Cleveland food and wine pairing sponsored by Michael Resnick (BARnone) and Chef Eric Wells. Nancy Griffith has graciously donated 100,000 American Airlines travel miles.
The California Wine Tasting Experiences
Mayo Family Winery – Amazing wine and food parings for four in the Mayo reserve room
Mayo Family Winery, one of Lisa & Matthew’s favorites, was established in 1993, is an amazing family-owned winery. They specialize in handcrafted, single-vineyard wines, producing over 20 unique varieties each year. Mayo Family Winery is in the heart of the Sonoma Valley and since founding has specialized in producing small batches of Artisanal local wines that consistently win Best-of-Show awards, Double Gold, and Gold.
Bottle of wine included: Mayo Family 2022 Chardonnay Reserve. This is where it all began, the family went “all-out” with this anniversary vintage. And the world knows it, this is a 92-point wine and all the judges at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair agreed, the Chardonnay won Double Gold.
Boich Family Cellars – Estate tasting for four at the Boich Family Cellar’s estate
This is another premier “family” winery. John Boich is committed to producing world class wines from Napa and Sonoma’s most prestigious vineyards. The Boich Family wine maker, Jeffery Ames, is one of California’s “star” wine makers and his approach is to use the very best fruit possible from the most iconic and proven vineyards and allow mother nature to perform her magic. And the Boich wines are exactly that magic!
Bottle of wine included: A magnum of 2019 Boich Wall Road Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This 94-point wine is a full-bodied wine with classic mountain tannins, and notes of red and black fruits. This is a magnum that you cannot buy anywhere.
Robert Young Winery & Vineyards – An estate flight tasting experience for four
The story of Robert Young begins with family, and their deeply rooted connection to the land. Since 1858, six generations of the Youngs have lived and farmed this ranch in the famed Alexander Valley. The ranch went from being a plum orchard, weathered almost losing it all to foreclosure, the great depression, two world wars and has evolved into one of the premier wine makers in the Alexander Valley.
Bottle of wine included: 2020 Robert Young Cabernet Sauvignon estate wine. This 92-point wine is lush and full-bodied with soft tannins and acidity, showing notes of dark chocolate, dark cherries and dried herbs and will only get better with time.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards – an estate tasting of exquisite wines paired with epicurean bites
For over 50-years, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has defined Sonoma County excellence by producing world renowned, award-winning wines of the highest caliber from mountain and valley vineyards throughout the region. As a 100% certified sustainable producer, their wine’s deliver exceptional quality and amazing flavors.
Bottle of wine included: St. Francis 2022 Artisan Collection Old Vine Zinfandel. This 92-point gem is a deep ruby red, with aromas of raspberry, chocolate-covered fruits, and cloves and delivers a powerhouse of bold flavors. The grapes come exclusively from vines that are over 100 years old.
Chateau Montelena – Exclusive tour of the historic chateau and estate and a tasting of amazing wines
A truly historic winery that “shocked the world” when the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay “beat the French at their own game”. At the “Judgement of Paris” competition, this “upstart” winery’s Chardonnay took first place in this blind tasting event. For more than 50 years the Barretts have cultivated the land they farm and capture each unique season making some of the finest wines in the world.
Bottle of wine included: Of course it’s the Chardonnay!! 2020 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay – 94 points. After spending 10 months in 100% Frenck oak barrels, this wine is bright gold and presents a “parade” of citrus, green apple, honeysuckle and when open to the air the orange blossom and bolder tastes start to jump out. Oak forward, but not overbearing, with time this wine will blossom.
Stags’ Leap Tasting and Food Pairing for Six People
At the home of your choice Michael Resnick and Chef Eric Wells will bring this incredible wine and food experience to your table. You will work your way through a flight of Stags’ Leap (the winner of the red category at The Judgement of Paris in 1976) finest wines. Each will be paired with an incredible dish prepared specially for the wine it accompanies. You and your guests will not forget this one-of-a-kind wine and food experience.
Painting by Bruce Conforti. 36 in x 48 in.
About the Artist: Bruce Conforti is a contemporary American painter who primarily works in mixed media. He is known for his vibrant and colorful abstract compositions that often feature geometric shapes and patterns. Conforti’s work is inspired by a variety of sources, including architectural elements, nature, and urban landscapes. His artistic process involves layering and blending various materials, such as acrylic pain, oil pastels, and found objects, to create richly textured and dynamic pieces. His use of bold colors and energetic brushstrokes give his work a sense of movement and depth.
His paintings adorn villas and private homes locally and throughout the world in Verona, Italy, Beverly Hills, Pacific Pallisades, Denver, Houston, Scottsdale, to name a few. Businesses throughout the country display his work, including offices in Silicon Valley, Atlanta, and right here at University Hospitals, Lubrizol, and major law firms in Cleveland. His works have been included in major art shows throughout the country, including LA and Miami and auctioned through Sotheby's. To learn more about Bruce and his body of artistic work, visit his website https://bruceconforti.com/
Donated by: Bruce Conforti
Chefs’ Night Out -The Ultimate Insider Culinary Experience
Ever wondered what chefs eat when they're off the clock? Here is your exclusive invitation to find out. Experience an unforgettable evening as an industry insider where you and your friends join Chef Doug Katz and his Chef friends as they cook for-- and with—each other.
A Chefs’ Night Out is when chefs step out of their restaurant kitchens and let loose in their own. You’ll join these culinary creatives on a rare night off— in the kitchen and around the table—sharing the kind of food, stories, drinks, and camaraderie that happens after hours.
You’ll enjoy:
- Crafted cocktails and snacks upon arrival
- Dinner; dishes prepared by each of the chefs
- Favorite wine finds selected by the chefs
- A seat at the table—with the chefs
- Real conversation about what life is like behind the line and beyond the pass
A chef’s time is the one thing you can’t buy—which makes this night truly priceless.
This is not just a dinner— it’s a Chefs’ Night Out and for one night, you’re in.
James Beard Award semi-finalist Doug Katz (Edgewater Hospitality Group) and at least three other celebrated Cleveland chefs are guaranteed, with participation varying based on availability. Winner receives invitations for up to 8 total guests. A mutually agreeable date is to be determined and will take place on a night other than Friday or Saturday. Must be redeemed by April 30, 2026. Winner is to propose several optional dates at least 4 weeks ahead of desired date. Doug Katz will confirm the date and personally select the other chefs participating, based on availability. Dinner: Menu tbd. Dietary restrictions will be observed. Location: tbd. Expectations of winner: mutually agreeable dates, flexibility with planning time and participants
Donated by: Doug Katz & Friends
Virgin Galactic Spaceport Exclusive Access Tour for 4
Virgin Galactic pilot Nicola “Stick” Pecile will lead four guests through exclusive areas of Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic Suborbital Space Tourism operations facility at Spaceport America in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico - including VMS Eve and VSS Unity. This rare level of exclusive access is normally restricted to Virgin Galactic personnel, client astronauts, and government officials. While you’re in New Mexico, enjoy hiking in some of the country’s most beautiful National Parks and Monuments. Or spend the afternoon in the charming town of Mesilla, the Chagrin Falls of the Southwest, strolling the town square and visiting shops, galleries, and historic sites. Package includes a $500 Visa gift card for lodging expenses, 100,000 American Airline Travel Miles, restaurant and recreational experience gift vouchers unique to New Mexico.
Proof of US citizenship required. Subject to staff, equipment and facility availability. Schedule to be mutually agreed-upon. Suborbital spaceflight purchase upgrade options available at $450,000 per person. Access, staff and equipment availability subject to Virgin Galactic operations. Valid through 10/25/2026.
Donated by: Nancy Griffith and Griffin Allen
Pearl Necklace by Maria Pujana Designs
María Pujana is a Spanish-born designer, neurologist by training, and founder of Maria Pujana Designs. Based in The United States, her vision fuses science, art, and elegance into timeless jewelry pieces that have graced Fashion Weeks, luxury boutiques, and international publications.
To see other pieces by Maria Pujana Designs, visit https://mariapujanadesigns.com/
Donated by: María Pujana
