2025 Corks & Caps Live Auction Items
Once again, Corks & Caps will feature unique and outstanding items and experiences available in our live auction. There will also be fantastic baskets in our raffle, so be sure to bring some raffle ticket dollars!
For most items, click the item title for a website link with additional information.
ALL proceeds from this event directly benefit Seven Ponds Nature Center.
All aboard for a pontoon ride around the lakes! Your boat trip will start at the Seven Ponds dock on Treetop Pond, where you will meet your captain. A Seven Ponds naturalist will be on board to provide interesting interpretation of the Seven Ponds waterways and ecosystem. Wine and snacks will be provided. The boat ride will be 1.5-2 hours in duration and is good for a party of four. Swimming is optional! Cruise will take place on a mutually agreed upon date, and must be redeemed prior to September 30, 2025. Provided courtesy of Mike Ross (Ross Home Solutions), Sherry Ross (Realtor-Brokaw Group), and the Zach Family (Swiss Farms).
The winning bidder will enjoy an updated on-the-beach condominium in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida! This two bedroom condo sleeps six and includes a pool and hot tub. Stay for seven nights based on availability up to December 31, 2028. Approximate value: $3,500. Dates based on availability (excluding prime spring break season). See website linked in event title for more information, including available dates. Provided courtesy of Evelyn Slagon & Brigitte Crawford.
Begin your day with a bird walk through the tranquil trails of this 87-acre estate. Your Grosse Pointe Audubon host will help to identify Michigan’s year-round and seasonal avian residents. Following the bird walk, a knowledgeable guide will lead you through a tour of this historic estate, sharing fascinating stories about the Ford family. This experience for four guests includes a $100 gift certificate to dine at The Continental, the on-site restaurant overlooking Lake St. Clair and is good for a mutually agreed upon day within one year. Provided courtesy of The Ford House and Trina Bresser-Mattous, Grosse Pointe Audubon.
This tour of Indigo Lavender Farms in Imlay City takes you through vibrant lavender fields filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the gentle hum of bees. Following this exclusive experience for 8-12 people is a presentation where you’ll learn about the farm while you sample and shop all-natural lavender products. Winning bidder may schedule the tour with Indigo Lavender Farms between July 13 and August 1, 2025, or between June 20 and August 1, 2026 to be in season. Provided courtesy of Indigo Lavender Farms.
Metamora Farms Progressive Plates
Discover the history and charm of Metamora with an exclusive guided tour of three local, historic horse farms. Savor a delicious food course and refreshments at each location while taking in the scenic beauty and stories of these treasured landmarks. This progressive dining experience blends history, hospitality, and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable afternoon. Tour is good for up to twelve guests on a mutually agreed upon date. Must be redeemed by October, 2026.
Indulge in the sophistication and elegance of bourbon tasting accompanied by a delicious barbecue meal while enjoying a delightful train journey on a diesel-powered dinner train! This three-hour tour takes place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, and is good for two guests (21 and over only). It includes dinner for two, bourbon tasting, and the optional cigar. Provided courtesy of the Steam Railroading Institute.
Join host, Paul Messing, as a citizen science experience to document new plant species in Michigan counties where they are not yet documented with the University of Michigan Herbarium (michiganflora.net). You will collect plants, under restricted permission, and learn the process to layout and press your finds for a collection. Includes a fall tour of the Herbarium to view the expansive collection of 1.8 million specimens from around the world. Experience is good for up to four people on a mutually agreed upon date by July 31, 2026. Provided courtesy of Paul Messing.
Enjoy an exclusive and inviting dinner at this unique cabin, located at the country club. Start with a car ride to the cabin, where a warm bon fire awaits, Hors D'oeuvres are served, and a scrumptious four course meal ensues. Good for up to 8 attendees, October 1, 2025 through March 15, 2026. Reservations subject to rescheduling due to weather or accessibility. This unique experience is provided through the generosity of the Metamora Golf & Country Club.
The Lingenfelter Collection, located in Brighton, features more than 150 muscle cars, Corvettes, and exotic European cars; it’s said by some to be one of the most magnificent car collections in the world! Offer is for a private, guided museum tour for up to ten people at a mutually agreeable date and time within one year. Provided courtesy of The Lingenfelter Collection.
Enjoy an evening for two at a Detroit Symphony Orchestra performance of your choice. Tickets are good for any performance this season. Provided courtesy of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Take in a morning of fishing at Hunters Creek Club! Your group will board a pontoon boat for a half-day of fishing at this beautiful location. All equipment will be provided, or you can bring your own tackle. Also included is breakfast or lunch (your choice) provided by the club. Good for up to six people, all ages. Provided courtesy of Hunters Creek Club.
Artwork Pieces (2)
Package includes two beautiful watercolor prints of standardbred horses by artist Carol Ratafia. Pieces are double matted in dark green and black with black frames. Image size: 13" x 10"; overall size: 21" x 16". Provided courtesy of Dr. James Sillers.
Enjoy a private weekday lunch tour for six where you will receive a personal guided walk of the museum along with lunch with the staff. Stahls has over 100 cars on display, from the 1886 Daimler prototype to the muscle cars of the 1960s with special emphasis on the great cars of the 1930s and 1940s, a period of style and constant evolution. The Stahl Collection is home to a number of restored and operational automated musical instruments dating from the early 20th century. See and hear these incredible, magical, music machines. You will have access to the museum for up to two hours on a weekday to be agreed upon by the staff. Valid until July 12, 2026. Provided courtesy of Stahls Automotive Foundation.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Experienced field trip leader, Joanna Pease, will lead a nature and birding walk at the Port Huron State Game Area. Winning bidder may select from either a spring trip to see early migrants or a fall trip to experience autumn’s vibrant colors! Port Huron State Game Area has habitat unique to southeast Michigan: ravines with hemlock and hardwood forests along the Black River and Mill Creek with many breeding birds that are otherwise difficult to find in this area and many migrants especially in the spring. There are lovely scenic views overlooking the river, beautiful trails with mature large trees and interesting botany with a profusion of wild flowers in the spring. Fall colors are lovely. The trip is for four people with picnic lunch included and will last from approximately 8 AM to early afternoon on a mutually agreed upon date. Joanna will meet you at Bearrs Memorial Park, 5240 Wildcat Rd., North Street, MI 48049, and then will drive you in her car to the sights. Provided courtesy of Joanna Pease.
