Welcome to World in a Basket -- Washtenaw Literacy's 12th annual gala benefit auction.

Join us in the mission to support literacy.

This fun evening of good food, drinks and great baskets up for auction will be held Friday, October 1, 2010 at Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building. Devin Scillian of WDIV-TV Detroit is our host for the evening. See below for the wide array of exciting live and silent auction offerings. See sidebar for ticket information.
Trips to Costa Rica, Africa, New York City and Cancun are just a small sample of many wonderful items up for auction. Join us at this special event October 1 to support Washtenaw Literacy -- a dynamic nonprofit that has successfully been teaching adults to read and write basic English and speak English as a second language for almost 40 years. See page links below for more details on these special 'baskets.'

Baskets Up for Auction

See "labels" below in right margin for baskets in the same category. There are several pages of postings; click on "older posts" at bottom to see entries added earlier.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OCTOBER 14, 2011

Join us to celebrate 40 years of free literacy instruction to adults in Washtenaw County! We look forward to seeing you at the 2011 World in a Basket auction on Friday, October 14.  Find more information and pictures of this year's baskets at this blog site.

Costa Rica Luxury Resorts Six-Night Stay with Airfare for Two


A memorable Costa Rica beach resort vacation awaits!  Enjoy a total of 6 nights at either or both of two "world's best" luxury Marriott resourts in Costa Rica.
Nestled between the warm waters of the Pacific and a 1,100 acre tropical rainforest, these resorts are considered the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Both are world class luxury oceanfront properties with on-site restaurants, spas, golf, breathtaking swimming pools and more! Glide from tree to tree on a rainforest canopy tour or lie back and enjoy paradise.  See more details on this extra page.

Big House - Behind the Scenes


U of M football fans will enjoy this rare opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour not available to the general public. The tour includes Schembechler Hall, Football Locker Rooms, Michigan Stadium and a football practice.  Share this with 9 of your friends and really make their day. GO BLUE! 

Parade of Penfolds



Perfect for holiday entertaining or any occasion when it’s time to put the best on the table. This lot includes a selection of Penfolds' finest wines. Three bottles each of Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz, Bin 138 Grenache-Mourvedre Shiraz and Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon. Add a 12-bottle wine cooler to keep it at the perfect temperature and you have a red-wine-lover’s delight! Must be 21 to bid.

Eric Clapton Signed Guitar


One of rock and roll’s greatest legends, Eric Clapton is the only guitarist inducted 3 times into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: as a solo artist, as a member of rock’s first power trio Cream, and as a member of the Yardbirds. Clapton is #4 on the list of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time, behind Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman and B.B. King...all of whom he has performed or recorded with. Clapton has also collaborated with everybody from Pink Floyd and Bob Dylan to The Beatles. This is an investment-quality electric guitar autographed by “Slowhand” himself, Eric Clapton. Included is a certificate of authenticity with a lifetime guarantee.

Morgan and York Wine and Cheese Tasting for 10



Back by popular demand: Morgan and York, a long time Washtenaw Literacy supporter, will host a wine and cheese tasting party for 10 in your home or a designated location. A wonderful event on which to bid. Must be 21 to bid.

E-Read with Kindle

This new 3G wireless Kindle is thinner, lighter and faster than ever. It’s new high-contrast E-ink screen, built in Wi-Fi, enhanced PDF reader and web-kit-based browser account for the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon! Think of a book and be reading in 60 seconds! The leather cover protects it.

An Evening of R & B


See 9-time Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige and Jazmine Sullivan, along with special guests El DeBarge and Miguel on Friday, October 15 at Detroit’s crown jewel, the Fox Theatre. Arrive in style by chauffered sedan after enjoying dinner for two at a fine Detroit restaurant.

From the Vineyards to Caesars Windsor


Ontario’s Lake Erie North Shore is alive with the taste of wine! And it’s only 1.5 hours away! Marty Friedburg, local wine distributor and All-Canadian Wine Championships judge, and wife, Beth Dugdale, will start your group-of-four getaway with lunch at their Colchester, Ontario, cottage. Marty will then escort you on an afternoon tour of three local wineries, where you will taste wines and have private tours of the cellars. Following this, you’ll redeem your $100 gift certificate toward dinner at Foia, an upscale Windsor-area restaurant, where you will be assisted in your wine selection by Beverley Carnahan, Windsor’s star sommelier. Ms. Carnahan will provide you with a complimentary sparkling wine to begin the dinner and a complimentary dessert wine to conclude. Then it’s on to fabulous Caesars Windsor, where you can enjoy an evening of gaming and your two luxury complimentary overnight rooms. Passports required, must be 21. Date by mutual convenience, Sunday through Thursday.

Bona Sera Supper Club Hors d'Oeuvres Party


Hors d'oeuvres for 25 in your home prepared by two women with a passion for food. Red Zinfandel wine will complement the selections and the t-shirt will commemorate the occasion. We've included fun cocktail napkins and a finger food cookbook. Must to 21 to bid. Valid until Oct. 1, 2011.

Devin Scillian -- Author and Artist


Expand your library with this great collection of Devin Scillian books. Titles include the popular “A is for America”, “Fibblestax”, “H is for Honor: A Military Family Alphabet” and “Brewster the Rooster’. There are a couple recent ones you’ll want “D is For Down Under: An Australia Alphabet” and “Memoirs of a Goldfish”. Devin’s talents also include music as demonstrated by the songs on his CD’s “Tulsa” and “A is for America.” Meet the artist at the auction.

A Taste of Toledo


A wonderful day in Toledo starts by watching a rousing game of baseball with the Mud Hens. Then sample Tony Packo's authentic Hungarian food, shop at the Libbey glass outlet and fall into bed at the Crowne Plaza.

SpongeBob Fun


For the young SpongeBob fans, here is a backpack filled with a DVD for the complete Season 1, a colorful throw and a jigsaw puzzle. Have fun!

Social Networking with Your Ancestors


Organize records and build your family history through Internet research. Includes software, 90-day subscription to Heritage Quest, and a 3-hour consultation with amateur genealogist.

Memories . . .


Print your own 4- color personal memory book to share with friends and family. Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, special birthdays, or any occasion you want to capture in a memorable way. Basket includes a gift certificate from Edwards Brothers, Inc. for printing up to 50 copies of a softbound color photo book (maximum 64 pages, value $600), a best-selling book on taking those once-in-a-lifetime photos, and professional grade software for creating your special book.

WDIV News 4 Behind the Scenes


You and 9 others will be the guests of honorary host Devin Scillian as he takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the newsroom at WDIV Channel 4. Meet the team!   Afterward, use the gift certificate for the Hard Rock Detroit for a special meal. You and your guests will dine in a separate area, and a speaker will share the history of and answer questions about the Hard Rock Café.

Go Blue! Beat the Badgers!


Four fabulous tickets to the Michigan/Wisconsin game on November 20. Cheer on the Wolverines in their last home game of the season. For the ultimate UM fan: "100 Things Michigan Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die."

South Africa Photo Safari for Two


Experience the Magic of Africa! A tantalizing taste of the wild in the heart of Africa’s richest conservation region. Zulu Nyala Game Lodge offers several luxury facilities for you to choose from in Zululand, South Africa. Package includes six days and nights, three meals/day prepared by international chefs, two daily land rover trips into the wild with experienced game rangers. One traveller said, “We’ve been around the world and I’m glad we took this trip last, as everything else paled in comparison!” You have a two-year window to book. Don’t miss the chance of a lifetime! (Does not include airfare.) See extra page for details.

White Wines of the World



A worldly collection of Old and New World white wines: 2009 Vicomte Bernard de Romanet (Saint-Jean-d'Ardieres), Chardonnay; 2006 Beretzenheimer Kronenberg (Spatlese-Nahe), Silvaner; 2009 Sartirano Figli (Piemonte-Novello), Moscato d'Asti; 2007 14 Hands (Columbia River), Reisling; 2002 Bowers Harbor Vineyards (Old Mission Peninsula), unwooded Chardonnay; Cuvee, Bowers Harbor Vineyards (Paw Paw), "Otis" White.

Calling iCarly Fans


iCarly fans will love this backpack. We’ve filled it with DVD’s for iCarly season 1 and a Nancy Drew mystery. The Jonas Brothers throw will keep you warm while enjoying the movies on a chilly day – every girl’s dream.

Thanksgiving Decor



Everything you need to get in the Thanksgiving spirit:  serving platter, dip bowl, paper  plates, wine charms, and a decorating kit!

A Superior Getaway to Marquette, Michigan


Head up north to a lively city nestled on the largest freshwater lake in the world. Stay at the historic and elegant Landmark Hotel, where former guests include everybody from Amelia Earhardt to The Rolling Stones. Tool around for the day on your bikes, or explore the area by cross-country skis if coming up visiting in the winter. (Thanks to Downwind Sports.) After all that exercise you can fill up on the best Cornish pasties in the UP from Jean Kay's Pasties. Later take in dinner and entertainment at famed Upfront & Company. The next day you’ll be ready to lunch at the historic Vierling Brewpub, one of Michigan’s first. As your UP guide, take along your signed copies of The Superior Peninsula and Going Back to Central, signed by author Lon Emerick, Ph.D.

Heisman Football


Heisman football signed by 21 Heisman Trophy winners including Howard ‘Hopalong’ Cassady ’55, Dick Kazmaier ’51, (two of the oldest) to Danny Wuerffel ’96 and Troy Smith ’06 (two of the youngest). Review the list of signatures to see if your favorite college player is included.

Create Memories


More scrapbooking materials than "you can shake a stick at" to make lasting memories for you and your family.

Sumptuous Gourmet Dinner for Six


Martin Friedburg and Beth Dugdale welcome you to their home for a sumptuous gourmet dinner prepared by Professional Chef Barry Gair. Chef Barry spent 20 years in some of the best kitchens in Florida and Michigan, including a five-year appointment as Private Chef to Mr. A. Alfred Taubman. Having earned his juris doctorate in 2006, access to Barry’s cuisine is now limited annually to only a handful of special occasions. Barry welcomes your questions and observations as he prepares your dinner and looks forward to a special evening with supporters of Washtenaw Literacy! See menu in live auction display area. Date by mutual convenience. Must be 21 to bid on this item. Valid until Oct. 1, 2011.

Ellen Show Tickets for Two


You’re on your way to enjoying an upcoming Los Angeles taping of the Ellen DeGeneres show! These VIP tickets are not available to the general public. Tickets are valid until November 30, 2010 Monday through Thursday. See certificate for details. Airfare on AirTran airways is included (3 flights daily DTW-LAX via Atlanta). Also enjoy two nights at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport hotel -- a contemporary masterpiece of luxury located in the heart of the entertainment and media capital of the world, pivotal to many of the world's most famous visitor attractions!

Fall Fantasy Flight for Two


Enjoy a one-hour flight for two in a Piper Comanche. Go anywhere in SE Michigan with commercial pilot Chris Felton.

Michigan Microbrew Extravaganza


These 96 bottles of some of Michigan’s finest beers come from four top Michigan microbreweries. Find a variety pack from Arcadia Brewing in Battle Creek; Sacred Cow IPA from Arbor Brewing Company; Cerise, made from Michigan tart cherries, from Founders Brewing of Grand Rapids; and Hobo’s Breath Brown Ale from Mt. Pleasant Brewing. Share with friends and enjoy! Must be 21 to bid.

A Culinary Adventure


Our area is home to some of Michigan’s finest restaurants, and here are 12 of the best! Italian, French, German, Asian fusion, American... they’re all here! Go crazy and have a 12-day marathon or treat yourself to a night out once a month for the next year. Featured restaurants include Mercy’s, Pacific Rim, The Earle, Quarter Bistro, Paesano’s, Zingerman’s Road- house, Red Hawk, Metzger’s, West End Grill, Arbor Brewing Company, Weber’s Inn, and Gratzi. Gift certificates range in value from $25 to $100. Bon appetit!

Arcadia Brewing Tour and Lunch or Dinner


Arcadia Brewing Company, located in Battle Creek, invites you to enjoy lunch or dinner in their restaurant and a private tour of the brewery. Specializing in British-style ales, you'll see firsthand how some of Michigan's finest ales are produced. Must be 21 to bid.

Books to Go



Enjoy reading the Stieg Larsson trilogy, starting with "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." The leather backpack will withstand many trips and fits well in the overhead bin.

Golf on Mackinac Island


Four people can enjoy 18 holes of gold at The Jewel, the golf course at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Includes golf cart and horse-drawn carriage between the Grand Nine and Woods Nine.

No Excuses!


Time to get moving with this 30 Day Gift Certificate for the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, Washtenaw County's facility on Washtenaw at Platt in Ann Arbor.

The Essential Kitchen


This basket is essentially the stuff you'd love to have but don't get for yourself. A set of essential cookbooks, beautiful red bowls, cutting board, and a set of spreaders might not make you a better cook - but they certainly are fun! Even clean up will be fun with your own personal flower power scrubber!

Rock Your Style


A hair cut and style by hairstylist Suzanne Visel. She will make you look like a rockstar! Stay "cool" with the Matrix products and when you are strutting your new style don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.

Red Wines of the World


Explore the world through sumptuous red wines in a variety of vintages, from the classic Old World vineyards of France and Spain, to the New World fruit of your backyard. Reds from Chile, South Africa, and Australia round out your world tour! 2002 Chateau Les Barrades; 2003 Oligitum (Navarra), Reserve; 2009 (PAARL) Cabernet Sauvignon; 2007 Golden Grape; 2005 Casa Nueva (Central Valley), Family Reserve, Limited Edition; Cuvee, Bowers Harbor Winery (Paw Paw), 45th Parallel Red

Family Cultural Experience


Be a part of the future while exploring the past. Enjoy a full year of family fun at the Detroit Historical Museum and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, take a peak "Behind the Scenes" on a fascinating tour.

Raise a Goblet to King Arthur


Make some mulled wine with the provisions in this basket and then serve it in the 6 handcrafted pottery goblets. If you have a round table...

Create Your Own CD!


You provide the performers and music, we provide the recording lab! Four hours in the Washtenaw Community College Recording Lab and you'll have your digitized disc!! Books on mixing and sheet music will get you ready for your session.

"Ciao" or Rather, Chow!


Learn to create traditional Italian foods in one of the many 3 hour classes offered at Whole Foods Market with Francesca Giarraffa. Then, come home and use this basket of Italian products to create your own masterpiece!

Freezer to Table


Cook, store, and freeze your food with these Tupperware products that are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe!

Wild Dorm Room


Spruce up that dorm room with these animal print towels and throws.

Christmas Sparkle



Add extra interest to your holiday decor with an array of ornaments. You can display on the included stand, on your tree, or use one of the ideas from the book "Christmas Details." Happy Holidays!

M-I-C-K-E-Y - Why, Because we Love You!


Everyone loves Mickey Mouse and fans of all ages will appreciate the plush Mickey, watch, calendar, and more. Read about Mickey and more in "The BIG Little Book of Disney."

Pretty in Pink



Pamper yourself with a potpourri of bath and spa products. When you are properly pampered wrap yourself in the pink terry robe and slip on cute polka-dot flip-flops!

Bunch O' Flowers


Pamper yourself or someone else with the beautiful and delicious - flowers and chocolate! A gift certificate for a gorgeous flower arrangement, a gift certificate to the decadent Schakolad, and a vase and book to arrange your own flowers at home.

Feed Your Feathered Friends



The birds will flock to this handsome, easy to fill, and durable feeder! Watch them with the binoculars and shelter them with the paint-it-yourself bird house.