This coming Saturday night, we will hold our annual fundraiser at the Jay Estate Gardens! This is one of our primary sources of revenue to support staff salaries, operating and program expenses. We are exceptionally proud to have won our very first Best of Westchester Award because our programs were excellent but also the majority are offered for FREE. Help us continue to serve our community and YOU by bidding on one of the items below OR by raising your paddle to pledge support for our annual expenses and programming costs. Please note that we rarely rent out our facilities, so the ability to hold a private party on our grounds or in one of our buildings is in itself truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity. THANK YOU!
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LIVE AUCTION #1
Private Shopping Party at Veronica Beard, Greenwich
Sip prosecco and splurge with friends as you explore the timeless wardrobe collection of Veronica Beard at their Greenwich, Connecticut location. Try on chic essentials from standout jackets and suede boots to sleek dresses all in a gorgeous setting with 10% of proceeds benefiting your favorite charity! Includes a $500 gift certificate to apply to any purchase. Plus you and your friends will save an added 10% on all your selections! Choose day or evening for this fun experience.
Starting bid $500. Increments of $250
Valid through March 2025. Mutual date to be arranged. Holidays excluded. Complimentary beverages provided by Veronica Beard, Greenwich.
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LIVE AUCTION #2
Daytime Brunch or Luncheon for 50 in the Jay Estate Gardens
The ultimate venue for a joyous baby shower, new neighbor welcome or birthday gathering with friends!
You choose the occasion and we provide the picture-perfect setting for your dream event!
The day will be a winner with the surrounding landscape as your view! Complimentary docent-led tour of the gardens and complimentary copies of a garden book from our library for you and each of your guests. Enjoy an oasis away from it all. We’ll arrange for a professional photographer to get pics of your special day.
Starting bid $2500. Increments of $250
Details and available dates: October 1 – November 30, 2024; April – September 2025. Mutual date to be arranged. Holidays excluded. Includes use of lunch tables, high tops and Chiavari chairs. Catering and decorations etc. to be provided by auction winner. May not be transferred or used for fundraising purposes.
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LIVE AUCTION #3
Family Campout for 50 in the Jay Meadow
Campout with your friends or scout group under the stars in the Jay Meadow. There’s no better place to set up a telescope and search for Orion’s Belt. We’ll provide an astronomer to guide your group through the marvels of the night sky complete with high powered telescopes. We’ll throw in galaxy guides, s’mores and hot cocoa for all!
This auction item is for you!
Starting bid $3500. Increments of $500
Details and available dates: September to November 2024; April to August 2025. Mutual date to be arranged. Holidays excluded. At least 5 adult chaperones required. Catering and decorations etc. to be provided by auction winner. May not be transferred or used for fundraising purposes.
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LIVE AUCTION #4
Cruise for two people on the Galileo through the Greek Cyclades Islands!
Enjoy a luxurious 7-night cruise in double or twin cabins courtesy of Variety Cruises to the exotic Greek Isles! The Cyclades is a group of Greek islands, southeast of the mainland in the Aegean Sea. It centers on uninhabited Delos, considered the birthplace of Apollo, and home to some of Greece’s most important archaeological ruins. Many of the islands are popular holiday destinations, known for their beaches, ancient sites, rugged landscapes and traditional blue-and-white stucco towns overlooking the sea. Your English speaking escort will make sure you have the perfect experience. Includes buffet breakfast and 1 meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Greek night Evening, fun BBQ (weather permitting), and Captain’s Dinner. Try snorkeling and fishing. This is the trip of a lifetime!
Starting bid $2500. Increments of $500
Does not include airfare, meals or excursion expenses. $7500 value.
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LIVE AUCTION #5
Dinner with History for 40 at the 1838 Jay Mansion Complete with Cocktails on the Veranda
Bid on a chance to see the mansion in the evening light. Host a seated dinner party for 40 people in the National Historic Landmark 1838 Jay Mansion. Step back in time as you enjoy conversing with friends in luminous interiors surrounded by 17th, 18th and 19th century paintings and antiques. We’ll open up the museum cases for you and your friends and share our discoveries. Includes a docent-led tour of the Jay Heritage Center’s collection along with a curated after-dinner Madeira tasting and lesson. Guests will receive complimentary copies of a history or architecture book from our library. We’ll also arrange for a professional photographer to preserve memories of the night.
Starting bid $5000. Increments of $500
Details and available dates: October 1 – December 3, 2024; March 1 – September 1, 2025. Mutual date and 4-hour window to be arranged. Holidays excluded. Includes use of bar tables, high tops and Chiavari chairs. Catering and decorations etc. to be provided by auction winner. Madeira and Madeira glassware to be supplied by JHC. May not be transferred or used for fundraising purposes.
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LIVE AUCTION #6
Private Tour, Cocktails and Light Bites for 30 in the 1916 Tennis House
Invite your friends for a truly incomparable experience. Bid on a private tour of the 8th oldest surviving indoor tennis house in the entire country. Perfect for any racquets aficionado. The Palmer Tennis House has a rich and vibrant history tied to the emergence of tennis in America which began in 1874. The court was designed by Walter Dabney Blair who also designed the historic Gould Court at Jekyll Island, Georgia. Learn about plans to preserve and rehabilitate this iconic structure and make it playable again. We’ll provide wine and hors d’oeuvres and arrange for a professional photographer to preserve memories of the night.
Don’t miss this priceless experience!
Starting bid $2000. Increments of $500
Details and available dates: October 1 – November 1, 2024; April – September 2025. Mutual date and 2 1/2 hour window to be arranged. Holidays excluded. Includes use of bar tables, high tops and Chiavari chairs. Any additional catering and decorations etc. to be provided by auction winner. May not be transferred or used for fundraising purposes.
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LIVE AUCTION #7
Evening Garden Party for 100
Bid on a chance to host a private 4-hour party in our historic sunken gardens at sunset! Make an indelible memory when you and your guests celebrate an anniversary or milestone birthday in these gorgeous garden rooms.
Don’t miss this epic experience!
Designed by awarding-winning landscape architect Thomas Woltz, the newly opened Jay Estate Gardens are 2 acres of breathtaking color, fragrance, and butterflies! Named one of Cottages & Gardens Must Visit Gardens, these stunning green spaces will make any party a standout. Wow your friends at the golden hour by our reflecting pool. Stroll through the perennial gardens or take pose under the rose arbor. We’ll throw in a jazz trio for atmosphere!
Starting bid $5000. Increments of $500
Details and available dates: October 1 – November 30, 2024; April – September 2025. Mutual date and 4-hour window to be arranged. Holidays excluded. Includes use of bar tables, high tops and Chiavari chairs. Catering and decorations etc. to be provided by auction winner. May not be transferred or used for fundraising purposes.