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Pixar Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Take an intimate tour of one of the most beloved and respected animation studios today! Headed by Facility Operations Manager Peter Schreiber, this is a rare opportunity to learn about the studio behind Toy Story, The Incredibles, Brave, and many other amazing films. You will see how magic is made at Pixar from beginning to end. You will even have the opportunity to meet one of the animators and get a behind-the-scenes look at current projects he is working on and be given the opportunity to try out the animation software! In addition, this special tour includes lunch in the Pixar Café and a trip to the employee-only gift shop that sells one-of-a-kind Pixar items. Groups may be up to five people, including kids. It’s sure to be a day to remember!
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Cooking, Wining, and Dining with Kelsie Kerr
Your group of ten lucky foodies will join chef extraordinaire Kelsie Kerr (Café Rouge, Chez Panisse, Zuni Cafe) for a multi-course cooking lesson, followed by dinner with fine wines at her catering location in Berkeley! Kelsie Kerr’s innovative project “Standard Fare” revolutionizes ‘take-out’ by transforming it into fine cuisine that travels to your home in custom-fired ceramic dishes. See how this is done and learn to cook up some fine cuisine of your own! Dinner is to be scheduled by mutual agreement for between June 4, 2016 and August 27, 2016.
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Italian Hill Town Vacation
Spend a glorious week in a Tuscany villa with your party of four! Crowden School cofounder Piero Mancini and his wife Brigitte have graciously donated a week-long stay in their lovely stone villa in the hillside town of Fiesole. The villa is fifteen minutes by car from the heart of Florence—or you can easily take a relaxed stroll there. If fact, Piero has promised a guided art tour of Florence to the lucky winners! You can also try your hand at cooking local delicacies in the villa’s kitchen, and enjoy a lovely dinner with Piero and Brigitte in the home of Janet Shapiro and Stefano Magazzini. We will even prepare you for your trip with private Italian lessons from Crowden School parent Emanuela Tallo! The dates of the stay must be mutually agreeable. Airfare not included.
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Exclusive Film Screening with Guest Artists
Berkeley’s Meyer Sound is world-famous for its sound systems. Its theater is no less remarkable, with extraordinary acoustics and maximum audience comforts. Meyer Sound is welcoming up to 25 winning bidders into this special venue for a private reception and screening of The Rifleman’s Violin (2015), the amazing story of a 19-year-old American GI, Stuart Canin, who played his violin for Truman, Churchill, and Stalin on the outskirts of Berlin in ruins. Following the film will be a special Q&A session featuring the film’s subject and director Sam Ball. Stuart Canin will also join Miles Graber for an intimate private performance. Hear the story and experience the man behind it, all in a comfortable, state-of-the-art venue!
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Jay Haide Instrument of Your Choosing
Take home an instrument of your choice from Ifshin Violin’s Jay Haide line of violins, violas, cellos, and string basses! These are beautiful, quality instruments with exceptional sound. Jay Haide instruments are set up to the highest professional standards by the expert Ifshin instrument makers, in close collaboration with master European luthiers. These instruments will make you want to get out on that stage and perform!
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You Can Be the Conductor
Imagine yourself conducting an entire orchestra before a lively and appreciative audience. This can be you! One lucky winner will conduct a spirited rendition of “Fiddle Faddle” at Crowden’s Spring Concert in May 2016. Feel the exhilaration of conducting the Crowden School in their final concert of the year. You’ll be following in the footsteps of such Maestros as Michael Morgan and John Adams when you take up the coveted baton for this beloved annual tradition. This is a truly priceless opportunity!
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Private Getty Party
Be welcomed to an exclusive private reception at the elegant home of Ann and Gordon Getty! A treasure trove of art and history, this San Francisco landmark is as intimate as it is inspiring. The Gettys’ own personal curator will even provide a tour of the home’s impressive art collection. This is an amazing opportunity for up to 20 winning bidders. Gain special access to a living space that most of us can only imagine! Date is May 18th, 2016.
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A’s Game: Private Suite with Special Guests
Cheer on the A’s as they take on the Yankees in Oakland on May 19th. In fact, cheer them on from the comfort of a luxurious private suite, along with 13 of your friends! As if that weren’t enough, you will be accompanied by a group of special artistic and musical guests, including Crowden’s Executive and Artistic Director Doris Fukawa, Crowden School Music Director Eugene Sor, and acclaimed photographer Deborah O’Grady and special guests. Enjoy the ballgame in style. Go A’s!
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Special Dessert and Champagne at Your Table
Earn the gratitude of your peers and enjoy a delicious dessert to boot! You and your table will be treated to a delectable chocolate profiterole gateau prepared by Gerhard Michler Fine European Desserts in San Francisco. A signature polka-dot jaconde band is wrapped around a yellow cake filled with a rich chocolate mousse – all garnished with chocolate-glazed vanilla profiteroles. Magnifique! Pair this with a magnum bottle of sparkling Brut Reserve by Mumm Napa, and you are in for a sweet time indeed!
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Wine and Dinner at the Home of Doris Fukawa
Have you ever wondered what Crowden’s Artistic and Executive Director Doris Fukawa is like when she is relaxing outside of work? Have you had a chance to meet her husband Marijan, who is an expert at organizing social events for seventh-grade Crowden School families? Now you can join Doris and Marijan for an intimate evening of food and wine at their home. Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Bay Area from the deck, while sipping fine red wines from Doris and Marijan’s personal collection. With Grégoire providing scrumptous hors d’oevres—including signatures like their famous potato puffs—this will be an evening to savor!
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