River-Themed Live Auction Items at An Evening Celebrating the River 2017

Livingston, Montana Experience

Enjoy five nights at the iconic Murray Hotel in the heart of Livingston, Montana’s historic district. Once an elegant railroad hotel in the Wild West, The Murray Hotel has been meticulously restored and was recently named one of the world’s best hotels by Anthony Bourdain.

Livingston is situated on the banks of the Yellowstone River and proximal to the national park, and serves as the ideal basecamp for all of your outdoor – and indoor – adventures. Depending on the season of your stay, enjoy world-class fly-fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, rafting, climbing, cycling, hunting, golf, skiing, dogsledding, fine dining, art galleries, museums and more! The highest bidder will also receive a signed a copy of Jamie Harrison’s new novel The Widow Nash, which takes place at The Murray Hotel.

Generously donated by The Murray Hotel, Dan & Kathleen Kaul Proprietors

Metro Paddling Adventure & Evening at the Nicolet Island Inn

Enjoy a guided paddling excursion on the river for four with our very own river experts, FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark and a noted river historian and author. The day will begin with a gourmet breakfast and coffee before embarking on a day trip to experience many of the scenic, cultural, and historic sites along the river. A stop for a locally-sourced, catered lunch with white table cloth service will punctuate this one-of-a-kind adventure. The route will take you on a tour of the upper river and will conclude just above St. Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis with a night’s stay at one of the Twin Cities’ most storied hotels, the Nicolet Island Inn. 

Generously donated by a committee of FMR board members

Progressive Dinner with Explorer Ann Bancroft

You could be the lucky winning bidder of a progressive dinner for six Summit Hill-style, with special guest Minnesota native and noted explorer, Ann Bancroft. Known for being the first woman to accomplish numerous exploratory feats, Ann is currently in the midst of planning to take her international team of women down the Mississippi River - fall of 2018. Her Access Water team launched on the Ganges River in 2015 and will travel to each continent to advance clean water awareness.

The progressive dinner begins with hors d’oeuvres at FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark’s home. Enjoy an artisan cheese tasting paired with fine wine and local craft beer. From the Clark’s home you will travel to board member Chad Dayton’s Italian Beaux Arts historic residence on Summit Avenue. Built with limestone in 1894 and designed by Allen Stem, you will experience fine dining paired with carefully selected wines from Chad and Maggie’s cellar, and panoramic views of Saint Paul’s Mississippi River Valley.  

Generously donated by Chad & Maggie Dayton, Whitney & Sarah Clark

Mississippi River Towboat Ride

Enjoy the Twin Cities’ "working river" in a way few have experienced: a two-hour ride for four on a Mississippi River tow boat! A chance to experience the history and culture of our great river from a new on-the-water perspective.

Generously donated by Upper River Services

Guided Fly Fishing Excursion & Patagonia Shopping Spree

Enjoy a guided half-day fly fishing excursion for two on a local river (river TBD depending your preference and local conditions), coupled with a $500 Patagonia shopping spree for all of your gear needs. Whether you’ve never fly fished or you’re an old pro, you’ll enjoy the guidance of seasoned fly fisherman Jake Keeler, a Minnesota native and artist. Jake grew up learning to fish on the Mississippi River, while spending the rest of his free time drawing. He has a MFA in painting and drawing; his work has been shown all over the U.S. and has been used by outdoor apparel and gear companies like Simms and Patagonia. The highest bidder will also receive an original drawing from Jake.

Generously donated by Jake Keeler and Patagonia

Year on the Town Package

Experience the best of the Twin Cities with this package of outings curated by FMR board members. Be sure check back for additional information as the event approaches.

Generously donated by a committee of FMR board members