Auction Catalog 2011
2000
Learn to Make Pizza on the BBQ for 12
Barbequed Pizza!  Does it get any better than that?  It does if you combine 11 other people, Italian wines, beer, appetizers and lot and lots of Pizza.  Recipes to take home and Italian Trivia with prizes.  September 10, 2011, 12 guests, $50/person.  Hosted by Francesco and Becky Indrio
2001
Oaklander Zoo-Lander for 15
An amazing personal tour of the Oakland Zoo where 15 people will have the rare opportunity to see and experience exotic animals, led by Joel Parrott, Executive Director and Veterinarian at the zoo. You will get behind the scenes exposure to the animals, their habits, and unique personalities. Joel will share many of his own, as well as other zoo keepers' personal stories. The event begins with many of the animals' morning feeding routines (we'll be sure to try to include a giraffe feeding experience) and extends to remarkable insights into their day. This private tour has received the highest accolades from previous attendees! This exceptional and unique tour will be followed with a family style lunch of delicious earth and animal friendly foods. Saturday, May 7, 2011, 15 Guests, $75/person. Hosted by Dr. Joel Parrot & Dr. Laura Backer, & Jackie Walts.
2002
Martinis and Jazz for 12
Enjoy a delightfully delicious evening of appetizers, four choices of martinis and live jazz at the home of Frank and Rebecca Faiola. Song stylings from the Sinatra and Clooney era, "classic American songbook" along with current hit surprises from their band "JetBlacq" will entertain six couples for a four hour evening. Check out JetBlacq at www.reverbnation.com/jetblacq.  Redeem by March, 2012, 12 Guests, $75/person. Hosted by Frank and Rebecca Faiola.
2003
Bunco Party for Ladies Only
Back by popular demand! Enjoy a night with 11 other women playing ridiculously fun dice game that requires very little thinking, but promises tons of laughs and socializing. Your hosts will make sure your wine and Cosmo glasses are never empty and promise, "No one goes home hungry." September 24, 2011, 12 guests, $100/person. Hosted by Ann Reis, Joyce Smail, Wendy Karanfilian, Debra Kay, Robin Dustan, Ellen Diamond, Jillian Ellis and Shelley Crayton.
2004
Mosaics Party for 10
From the famous Santa Maria mosaics in Venice to the floors in Cyprus, mosaics are a classic art form that has been revered for centuries. Join us for a relaxing afternoon workshop on this impressive, but easy to learn art form. We'll sit in a shaded garden and show you how to create a mirror, picture frame or tray. All materials and tools are provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own found objects (broken china, tile, beads, jewelry, seashells, rocks/pebbles, etc.) to incorporate in the mosaic if you'd like. NO ART OR MOSAIC EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Since the adhesive needs to dry overnight, we'll meet again the following day to grout the pieces or provide you with the supplies to finish grouting your piece on your own. Light Snacks and beverages provided. May 15, 2011, 10 guests, $50/person. Hosted by Leslie Carey, Karen Avery and Alison Blessing.
2005
Bocce Ball and Festa Al Fresco
The party gets rolling with a few games of Bocce Ball at the Kvochaks' custom designed court.  Bocce Ball, a game originating with the Romans, requires a steady hand and deep concentration, which will be tested by the flowing Italian aperitifs.  After the game, the twelve players will head next door to the Counts' house where they can talk about the greatest shots of the evening over an elegant five course Italian feast served under the moonlight.  October 1, 2011, 12 guests, $125/person.  Hosted by Tom and Annette Counts, Terry and Kristine Kvochak, Peter and Becca Laufenberg, Dan and Theresa Vaughan.
2006
Mad Men, Martinis and Magic!
Mad Men defines the era:  Up-dos, A-line shifts, Manhattans, Shrimp Cocktails, Fox collars, Whiskey Sours! Martinis are magnificent so think Lemon drops, Appletinis, Cosmopolitans, Dirty martinis, Chocotinis, and more! and Magic is a home in the Oakland hills offering sweeping views of the Marin Headlands, Sausalito and Alcatraz as the sun sets over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Enjoy an evening being served great martinis (and other great drinks!) and sophisticated cocktail fare by 'Mad Men' clad characters who will sweep you back to the era of JFK and Camelot, Moon-shots and 60s glamour days! And you can dress up too if you want to join in!  Chat up the events of the day - communism, civil rights, women's rights, peace, love and the Beatles! Only 30 lucky folks can have the chance to live up another era so sign up now!  This is a party that you can't miss! August 27, 2011, 30 guests, $75/person. Hosted by the Dolan, Knauss, Russo, Shaw and Van Remortel families.
2007
Texas Hold 'Em
It all starts when you take your seat at one of the three tables of ten poker players. This could be your lucky night. No experience is required to enjoy what will be a great evening filled with food, drink, poker and prizes. The luck of teh cards will help determine who walks away a winner.

The 2011 O'Dowd Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011 starting at 5PM. Secure your spot at a table for only $100.

1st prize will be a Trip to Las Vegas for two. (airfare and 2 nights at a Vegas hotel), 2nd Prize will be a Claremont Resort package and 3rd Prize will be an HDTV. The evening will include wine, beer, margaritas, bbq dinner and dessert. It is time to begin honing your poker skills so you can make your way to the Final Table. September 10, 2011, 30 guests, $100/person. Hosted by Hanada and Jimmy Yamini, Ellie and Don Knauss, Pam and Wayne Swafford. 
2008
Arrivederci Joe!
Join us at the Fratellanza Club in Oakland for a fun "Pasta Festa" to celebrate Joe Salamack's contributions to O'Dowd over the past 6 years and to wish him all the best as he moves on! Menu to include Antipasto, Salad, Pasta, Meatballs and Sausage, Wine, Dessert and Coffee. A celebration of community with great food, dancing and a no-host bar. May 7, 2011, 100 guests, $60/person. Hosted by the DaMaren, Ghiglieri, Carlson and McFann families. 
2009
Hoe Down at Hiller
Pony up for a ticket to the greatest Hoe Down this side of Texas.  Your chuck wagon staff will make sure no one goes hungry with gourmet hors d'oeuvres; then Shaw's Texas Style Bar B Que will provide melt in your mouth tri-tip sandwiches that are tender and sweet, ribs so juicy they fall off the bone, and all the sides too (potato salad, beans, chips). You'll chow down at tables set with a western flair and you won't go dry with a saloon well stocked with margaritas, mojitos, beer and wine. 

While the food and drink are top notch, the highlight of the evening is line dancing led by a professional line dance caller.  Enjoy old line dances and learn a few new ones. Soon you'll be kicking up your heels in the Boot Scootin' Boogie.

Rustle up a posse of pals and sign on up.  October 14, 2011, 50 guests, $75/person.  Hosted by the Carlson, Ghiglieri, Halstenrud, McFann, Natsues and Tuckner families and Shaw's Texas Style Bar-B-Que, David and Sheila Shaw.