2011 Catalog Preview

Dear Da Vinci Families,

We are excited to share with you the draft catalog and program for the 2011 Da Vinci Academy Annual Benefit Auction. Steak and jumbo prawns are on the menu, and an evening of fine dining and exciting raffles, silent auction items, and live auction items await.

Final attendance numbers are due to the club on Monday. If you would like to attend but have not had the opportunity to RSVP, please contact auction@dvacademy.org as soon as possible. If you cannot attend but would like to proxy bid on any of the items in the catalog, please also contact auction@dvacademy.org and we will walk you through the process. Don’t miss your chance to bid on some wonderful items! Remember, too, that families can register bids for the various Fund-A-Project items listed in the catalog via proxy bid, even if they are not able to attend the auction. Contact us for more details.

We look forward to seeing many of you next Saturday, April 30 at the St. Charles Country Club.

Warm Regards,

The 2011 Da Vinci Academy Annual Benefit Auction Committee

Parent Education Breakfast Pictures

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the Parent Education breakfast last Tuesday. I thought it was a very informative talk and a special thanks to Dr. Michelle Bidwell for the amazing information and taking the time to answer our questions.

Here are some pictures from the event:

2011 Sponsors

We are so grateful to our generous sponsors for the 2011 Annual Benefit Auction. Below are details on what each contribution will fund:

1. Wheaton Eye Clinic  - Hors' dourves                                
2. Brian Bemis Automotive Group - Buy-A-Bottle                            
3. Janet and Jeff Stroebel - Class Projects                                
4. Orlando Greco and Sons Imports - Centerpieces
5. Wet & Forget - Dinner Wine

Additionally, we wanted to thank the Knight Sponsors:

1. James and Paige Fitton
2. Tony and Jill Sikorski
3. Michael Simon and Nancy Sohn
4. Matthew and Nancy Owen

Thank you so much for participating in our Annual Benefit Auction.

Auction Item: Week in Paradise, Antigua

Enjoy One Week in Paradise
Take your pick of from four luxurious four- and five-star resorts offered by Elite Resorts. Enjoy up to seven days for 2 people.

St. James Club and Villas in Antigua
Indulge in the world-renowned private 100-acre peninsula on Antigua’s southeastern coast where clear, turquoise waters surround your own private oasis. St. James’s protected Bay is great for swimming, windsurfing and kayaking. There is also a deep-sea fishing boat on site. The two magnificent white-sand beaches; rooms, suites and villas with every amenity imaginable, supervised kids activities, and spa, St. James’s Club will capture you and leave you with unforgettable memories for a lifetime.

The Verandah Resort and Spa in Antigua
The 200 luxury studio style suites, with king size beds and pull out sofa fit a family of four comfortably. The recently opened, eco-conscience tropical resort will rejuvenate your body and senses with its pristine surroundings on the northeast coast of Antigua. Two white-sand beaches, nature trails to the historic Devil’s Bridge, three wedding gazebos, kids club & mini cinema, multiple dining options and world class Spa Tranquility, is perfect for those seeking a romantic hideaway, family vacation or just looking to escape and leave the world behind.

Long Beach Resort and Villas in Tortola
Plan a getaway to a slice of paradise and set your course to our gem, the largest resort in Tortola. With 90 breathtaking rooms and 26 exquisite villas, guests can take a relaxing walk to the romantic Smuggler’s Cove, enjoy tropical drinks at our swim up pool bar, or just breathe in the spectacular views on land and on the water with our sailing tours and excursions. Pamper yourself at our Spa Tranquility. Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas is perfect for couples and families seeking an island retreat.

Palm Island Resort in Grenadines
This exclusive resort is set in pure paradise where tranquility reigns and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime is inevitable. Palm Island Resort is located on its own private 135-acre island hideaway amidst lush tropical landscapes embraced by five dazzling white sand beaches. Your choice of cottage, loft, suites, or villas will fit your accommodation needs. The world famous Tobago Cays (great for snorkeling), palm groves, nature trails and indigenous wildlife make this a paradise for nature lovers.


Restrictions and Rules:
Expires: 12/20/11 This Resort Certificate provides accommodations for up to 7 nights (double occupancy) at any of our participating Caribbean beachfront resorts. All reservations are subject to a mandatory surcharge which provides all dining, beverages, resort facilities, activities, taxes & service charges, which must be paid in full at time of confirmation. See inside for resort & nightly supplement information. Guest choosing to upgrade to a higher guest room or suite category may do so at the applicable upgrade charge. Blackout dates do apply (may be used Christmas & February) and is subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. Air transportation not included.

Value: $3,000

Auction Item: Chicago Fire vs. Manchester United

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club, in conjunction with MLS and CAA Sports, announced today that the Chicago Fire will take on Manchester United at Soldier Field on Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. CT as part of the World Football Challenge.

"We are excited to host Manchester United, one of the world’s finest clubs, at home in Chicago, in front of our supporters,” said Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman. “Bringing United to Chicago helps the Fire continue to expand our reach in one of North America’s premier soccer markets. Our participation in the World Football Challenge gives our players an opportunity to take on one of the most talented clubs on the planet, while galvanizing Chicago’s vast soccer community.”
Led by Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United is one of the most recognized clubs in the world, lifting a total of 18 English Premier League titles, four Carling cups, three European Cups and a record 11 FA Cups. In 1999, United were the first team to win the Treble (English Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League) in one season. Founded in 1878, the Red Devils have competed in the top division of English soccer since 1938, with the exception of the 1974-1975 season. United currently sit atop the Barclay’s English Premier League table with 63 points through 30 games.

Four Tickets
Section 209 Row 12 Seats 8-5
Value $735.00

Auction Item: Chicago White Sox Fans

Included in this Auction item are a signed baseball and four tickets to a White Sox game.

• The baseball is autographed by #50 starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox John Danks
   
• The tickets are for the White Sox vs. Texas Rangers, U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, IL on Fri, Aug 19, 2011 at 07:10 PM. Four Tickets with parking pass as well as food and drink.

Price of this item is $830.00.

Auction Item: Peter Gabriel Concert

You can hear Peter Gabriel play all your favorite hits when he tours this summer. However, there will be a twist…

No drums, no guitar, just a 53 piece orchestra.
The 2011 Peter Gabriel New Blood Tour will be a brief one – only 12 dates are currently scheduled in the United States and Canada over a three week period this June. It will also feature the New Blood Orchestra, who, along with Gabriel, will play his most famous songs but with a completely new orchestral arrangement.

Auction Item: Enjoy a day and a night in downtown Chicago

Enjoy a walking tour, learning about Chicago's world class architecture by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Four guest passes for special walking tours. 


After the tour, stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago offers unique and upscale accommodations in the heart of downtown Chicago. Frequented by musicians, celebrities, and fans alike, our Chicago downtown hotel on Michigan Avenue combines exceptional service standards and upscale surroundings to serve as a stylish oasis in the midst of Chicago's vibrant city culture.

Stretching 40 stories tall in the heart of downtown Chicago, hotel guests will find a musically inspired atmosphere where Art Deco meets the art of hospitality. Stylish and forward thinking, our contemporary ambience blends seamlessly within the walls of the iconic Carbide & Carbon building, a historic Burnham masterpiece fashioned from green terra cotta and black polished granite.

Service at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is second to none, with a team of professionals standing ready to welcome you. Our four-star quality blends with practicality, and guests will appreciate the extras afforded to them - including complimentary Gibson guitar rentals and 10 free iTunes downloads.

Early Bird Pricing Extended

Dear Da Vinci Families,

Our Auction Committee has decided to extend the deadline for early auction RSVP pricing to this Friday (April 15).  If you are planning on attending (and we certainly hope that you are), you definitely do not want to miss the discount pricing.

We will make it easier than ever, just use this hyperlink to e-mail the Auction Committee that you are coming and how many are in your party:

Respond Now

After you respond, fill out the reservation form and send it to school with your check.  Once we get your e-mail RSVP, your discount pricing will be good as long as we get your paper registration and check by Friday.

Six compelling reasons why you should attend the Auction!

1.      It is a fun, adult evening out.

2.      You get a fantastic meal (wine, steak, jumbo prawns).

3.      You get to see the fantastic class projects our students have been working on for the auction.

4.      Auction revenue accounts for about 5% of our educational budget.  Your child’s education is positively impacted every day by funds provided through past auctions.  We need everyone in our community’s support going forward.

5.      You show your appreciation for the countless hours that our parent volunteers devote toward making the auction a great event.

6.      Every attendee has a chance to win a Barnes and Noble Nook Color eBook Reading Tablet.  Your odds of winning are going to be about 1:150.  Not bad at all!

The auction is Saturday, April 30.  Please join us!  Much more information is available on our website.

Jeff Stroebel

Class Projects 2011

Class projects are getting started in anticipation of the 2011 Annual Benefit Auction here at Da Vinci.  Each child gets the opportunity to participate in the class projects and there are really exciting things going on!

PK - The pre-Kers are working on a Fairytale quilt.  Check out the pictures of the progress of their work.

K - The Kindergartners are creating a mosaic birdbath with a Jake and the Beanstalk theme. Pictures of the work in progress are here.

1st - The first graders are working on a canvas painting. We can't wait to see what they are making!

2nd - The second graders are making a sidetable with a "Rumpus in the Rainforest" theme.

3rd - The third graders are going to make a world clock.

4th- The fourth graders are going to be creating a Photoshopped piece of art.

5th - The fifth graders are using the Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass theme for a mirror.

6th - The sixth graders are making a Red Wolf Paper Collage theme.

7th - The seventh graders are working a Mona Lisa theme.

8th - The eighth graders are working on a reproduction of the "Son of Man" artwork by René Magritte.

Welcome back from Spring Break!

The official countdown to the auction has begun. A few things to remember in these upcoming weeks.

1. Volunteers are still needed. Please see our volunteer page for more information.  
2. The Parent Education event is also coming up Find out more information about this event.  Please consider coming. 
3. Lastly, don't forget to consider coming to the auction.  The early-bird ticket pricing expires on 4/11. RSVP information has been added here.

Hope everyone had a great break! Stay tuned for class project updates and continue to check out the blog for auction items and various other information.

Auction Item: Bonita Springs, Florida

Up for auction at our event on April 30th. You don't want to miss this!

8 Days in beautiful Southwest Florida. This condo is located in the Fort Meyers Area in the town of Bonita Springs.  Ideally located between Naples and Ft. Myers, the community of Bonita Springs offers the unique and inviting Old Florida lifestyle of a charming, small, beach town. Beautiful beaches, along with the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and the natural beauty of Estero Bay, offer sun-lovers and anglers the ultimate paradise.  

This gorgeous 3 bedroom plus loft, 2 bathroom condo is on the second floor overlooking a pool and waterfall.  Water taxi is available to island beach. Condo can sleep up to 8 (four twins, one King, one Queen) and is completely furnished and equipped, including laundry, linens, towels, well-outfitted kitchen, broadband Internet and WiFi.

Winning bidder may select a date between May 15, 2011 and September 15, 2011, subject to availability.