Get ready to raise your paddle! Our A Place at the Table live auction features an exciting lineup of exclusive experiences and packages—all to support VEAP’s mission of building stronger, more hopeful communities. Check out the items below!
If you’re unable to attend but would like to participate through a proxy bidder, please contact Jennifer Harrison, Vice President of Advancement, at jenniferh@veap.org.
Arboretum Adventure – A Day at the Farm
Hop aboard your private golf cart for a guided summer tour of the Farm at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where beauty, bounty, and knowledge grow side by side. You and your guests will explore demonstration agricultural crop plots, vibrant horticultural beds, a cultural garden, a working vineyard and orchard, a century-old barn, and a buzzing pollinator center.
Along the way, meet the experts who make it all happen. Farm staff will share fascinating insights into the programs and projects that keep the Arb blooming.
Cap off your adventure with a farm-fresh picnic lunch from Rootstock Café, enjoyed in the Farm’s picnic shelter, surrounded by nature’s beauty. This is the perfect blend of learning, leisure, and a little summer magic.
Generously donated by: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Friends of VEAP
Restrictions: Tour to take place in summer for peak crops. Date to be mutually agreed upon.
Legends of the Barn – A “Suite” Game Day Experience
Experience Gopher Basketball like never before with 13 of your closest friends in a private suite at historic Williams Arena on Saturday, February 28 vs. the UCLA Bruins. Watch every dunk, three-pointer, and nail-biting play from your plush seats while enjoying a delicious spread of food and beverages. Includes 2 parking passes.
This is more than a game; it’s a Minnesota sports tradition wrapped in VIP comfort, electric energy, and maroon-and-gold pride. Gather your crew, cheer loudly, and savor an unforgettable experience of Big Ten basketball.
Generously donated by: Friends of VEAP
Restrictions: Must be able to attend on February 28th.
Tee Time in the Big Apple: Golf, Gourmet, and Glamour in NYC
Fore! Get ready to swing, sip, and savor in one of the most iconic cities in the world. This unforgettable getaway includes exclusive rounds of golf for three Liberty National Golf Club, one of New York’s most prestigious private courses. Skip the $500,000 initiation fee: you’re getting an all-access pass!
After your time on the greens, unwind in comfort in your favorite NYC hotel and enjoy the city’s vibrant dining scene with restaurant gift cards to some of Manhattan’s favorites. Whether you’re teeing off against the skyline or toasting to a perfect day with a Manhattan IN Manhattan, this is a golfer’s dream come true.
Package includes:
- 2 Rounds of golf for three at Liberty National Golf Club
- $1,000 towards accommodations in New York City
- $500 NoHo Hospitality Gift Card (Locanda Verde, Lafayette, Café Carmellini, Gilly’s)
Generously donated by: Friends of VEAP
Restrictions: Must be able to make tee times on June 25-26, 2026
The Art of Dining: A Night at Bûcheron
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey for six guests with the talented team at Bûcheron, the celebrated James Beard award-winning French-American gem on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. Your group will indulge in a private five-course tasting menu crafted especially for you; each course a story told through seasonal ingredients, thoughtful pairings, and impeccable technique.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy personal interaction with the chefs, who will share insights into their inspiration, sourcing, and craft, making each bite as enlightening as it is delicious. Set within Bûcheron’s warm and refined atmosphere, this exclusive dining experience perfectly blends neighborhood charm with modern sophistication. Raise your paddles high! This is more than dinner; it’s an evening of discovery, connection, and culinary delight.
Generously donated by Bûcheron and Friends of VEAP
Restrictions: Reservations must be made at least two months in advance to allow for meal planning and food sourcing. Offer valid until November 8, 2026. Blackout dates and chef availability may apply.
Stunning Saint-Émilion
Your Saint-Émilion experience includes 5 nights for up to 2 guests in a picturesque, 14th-century vineyard estate house immersed in the French countryside. Quintessentially French and effortlessly enchanting, Saint-Émilion offers a retreat steeped in world-class wines, culinary excellence, and centuries-old history. Discover the magic of Southwest France with a stay at a private vineyard estate, featuring panoramic vineyard views, a soothing Jacuzzi, and an indulgent winery tour and tasting.
Understated elegance meets rural French charm at your lovingly restored home, dating back to the 14th century. Cheerful living, dining, and kitchen spaces overlook picturesque countryside views, while your inviting bedroom features a sumptuous European King-sized bed and sleek bathroom, perfect for recharging after days of wine tasting and exploration.
Savor sweeping vineyard vistas and sweet country air from your private patio, shaded by a centuries-old mulberry tree. Let the day melt away in your private Jacuzzi with a glass of Grand Cru in hand. For a tailored taste of French living, elevate your stay with optional experiences like restaurant dinners, a welcome hamper, or watercolor painting sessions.
Your stay includes a guided winery tour where you’ll uncover the secrets of Bordeaux’s Grand Cru production, followed by a tasting of fine wines paired with regional delicacies. With UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion just five minutes away and Bordeaux’s vibrant streets reachable in under 30 minutes, your escape offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and cultural discovery.
Donated by: Friends of VEAP
Showtime at the Garden: NYC Double-Header
Experience New York sports like a true VIP with two unforgettable nights at the world-famous Madison Square Garden!
Your adventure for two begins with the New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins on January 26, 2026, where you’ll enjoy front-row seats in the exclusive Madison Club (Sec MC60, Row 1, Seats 3 & 4). The next night, keep the energy high as the New York Knicks take on the Sacramento Kings from Madison Club standing room, where plush lounge seating and unbeatable views await; first come, first served.
Each ticket includes all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a $35 credit for drinks at the bar or merchandise at the team store. Between the gourmet dining, private lounges, and electric energy of the Garden, you’ll be living the high life in the heart of Manhattan.
To round out your weekend in style, enjoy a $500 dining gift card to one of the acclaimed NoHo Hospitality Group restaurants (Locanda Verde, Lafayette, The Dutch, and more!) and $1,000 in VISA gift cards to cover your luxurious hotel accommodations.
Two epic nights. Two legendary teams. One unforgettable New York experience.
Generously donated by: Friends of VEAP
Restrictions: Must be able to attend games on January 26 + 27, 2026 dates