Spring Gala

Silent Auction
Thanks to our donors, BGSP has a wonderful array of auction items to bid on, both at our silent auction on May 15, and by proxy. Scroll down to preview this great selection of trips, artwork, and other unique opportunities. Click here to download a proxy bid form if you cannot attend the auction and would like to bid. Enjoy!
These items are updated as of May 12th, 2010:
#1- Southern Italy Vacation

Travel back in time to a traditional village in Southern Italy, three miles from the Ionian Sea. You’ll spend two weeks in this 17th century palazzo, with the opportunity for spectacular day trips around the arid mountains of Calabria. With olive groves, ancient ruins of Greater Greece, 10th century Byzantine churches, and tiny hillside villages untouched by tourism, the area surrounding Gioiosa Ionica is a true getaway. Spend a day driving into the mountains overlooking the Mediterranean, then drive back to the coast for a swim in its warm waters. After a dinner of fresh seafood and Italian wine, stroll the piazza and have a gelato. Once home, climb the cool marble staircase to sleep with the sea breezes entering through the balcony doors. This large townhouse sleeps 8 people comfortably. Bring your family or friends for an unforgettable vacation.
Donated by: Vincent and Carol Panetta
Opening bid: $400
#2 - Learn to Speak Italian
Parla Italiano! Two months of weekly Italian language lessons will be yours if you are the winning bidder. Prepare for a trip to Italy, learn the language of your ancestors, or learn Italian just for fun, under the tutelage of native speaker and experienced teacher, Dr. del Re.
Donated by: Elisabetta del Re
Opening bid: $60
#3 - Fabulous Carmen Marc Valvo Cocktail Dress

The winning bidder will walk away with this stunning cocktail dress from Carmen Marc Valvo. Made of 100% silk, this flattering, sleeveless, chocolate color size 4 dress boasts a wide v-neck in front and back, with elegant pleats on the bodice. Retail value: $550.
Donated by: Virginia Elliot
Opening bid: $80
#4 - Arnold Arboretum Tour

Ten people will enjoy a guided group tour of the world renowned Arnold Arboretum by BGSP Librarian, Amy Cohen-Rose. An experienced Arboretum Interpreter, Ms. Cohen-Rose will lead you through this beautiful, 130 year old living collection of trees and plants, providing botanical information along the way. The Arnold Arboretum, part of Harvard University and a link in Boston’s Emerald Necklace of parks, is a must-see for lovers of horticulture. Select a tour on either Sunday, May 23 or Sunday, June 6, 2010. Bring your friends for a fun BGSP outing.
Donated by: Amy Cohen-Rose
Winning bid: $15
#5 - Tiffany Crystal Candlesticks

In beautiful crystal from Tiffany, this pair of candlesticks will add elegance to any home.
Donated by: Carol Panetta
Opening bid: $40
#6 - Custom Training in Microsoft Word
Bidders on this auction item will receive a custom 3-hour group Microsoft Word software training session and two follow-up technical support phone calls from award-winning writer and software trainer, Claudia Luiz. Ms. Luiz will train you on the tools she uses to write prized papers and web-site entries, including:
- Building a paper or thesis from an outline
- Adding automatic footnotes and endnotes (bibliography)
- Creating a Table of Contents
- Automatic Headings and Styles
- Automatic Pagination
- Headers and Footers
- Creating a table
- Margins and Page Setup
- Open Classroom (answering specific questions)
Space is limited to six bidders.
Donated by: Claudia Luiz
Winning bid: $90 per person
#7 - Standard Edition

A complete set of The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud can be yours if you are the winning bidder! This well loved collection has the original dust jackets, which show some wear from use, and penciled notes in the margins on selected articles. A great opportunity to own the complete Standard Edition.
Donated by: Ken Rogers
Opening bid: $750
#8 - Dinner for Four at Union Square Café
You and three friends will enjoy dinner at Manhattan’s Union Square Café, thanks to General Manager Christopher Russell. Serving American cuisine with an Italian soul, Union Square Cafe pioneered a new breed of American eatery, pairing imaginative food and wine with caring hospitality, comfortable surroundings and outstanding value. A critical success from the outset, Union Square Cafe has twice garnered The New York Times’ coveted three-star rating, and has been ranked #1 or #2 Most Popular Restaurant in the Zagat Survey for the past twelve years.
Donated by: Union Square Café
Opening bid: $100
#9 - Vacation in Tuscany

Just a short distance from Siena, the village home of Lorraine and Eugene Smithberg in Iesa, Italy has lovely views of the Tuscan hills. This marvelous destination can be yours for a week to enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and soul restoring vacation. Take advantage of numerous day trips of tremendous touristic interest. Closer to home, meander the olive groves or walk a short distance down the hillside to natural mineral springs – a perfect restful getaway. This small but charming antique village residence is lovingly furnished and can comfortably accommodate 4 people.
Donated by: Eugene and Lorraine Smithberg
Opening bid: $250
#10 - New Hampshire Sailing Trip

Your host, Dr. Waterson, is offering a beautiful day-long sail for two guests out of Newcastle, New Hampshire, an island in Portsmouth Harbor at the mouth of the Piscataqua River. Enjoy the picturesque New England coastline, including Portsmouth Lighthouse, quaint harbors, and the region’s signature rocky outcrops. You will stop for lunch at one of Maine’s southernmost off-shore islands and return to Newcastle by nightfall.
Donated by: Barry Waterson
Opening bid: $50
#11 - From Soup to Nuts, Julia Child Style
Milena and Bernie Cornick will host 6 lucky guests for a gourmet dinner in their Manhattan home, serving up delicious, fine cuisine. Don’t miss out on this fabulous dinner with equally great company!
Donated by: Milena and Bernie Cornick
Winning bid: $100
#12 - Ladies’ Hand Knit Sea Sweater

This beautiful sea sweater is hand knit in thick Irish wool, with a cozy roll neck, perfect for cold winter days and nights. With a lilac colored pattern, this rich, luxurious sweater is a ladies’ size medium, but is extremely roomy.
Donated by: Joan White
Opening bid: $50
#13 - Beachside Week in Rhode Island
 
If you are looking for a vacation home that allows you to walk to the beach, look no further! This beautiful, centrally air conditioned, 3 story, 3 bedroom, 3 bath home located 100 yards from the beach is your perfect destination. This home is tastefully decorated, complete with new comfortable furnishings, pillowtop beds, down pillows and blankets, lovely artwork, high speed internet for your laptop, ipod/iphone docking station, and deck furniture and gas grill. The granite kitchen is fully stocked right down to the coffee bean grinder. There are breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean from the 3rd floor north and south facing decks as well as the master bedroom deck. Along with the private deck, the master bedroom amenities include a sitting area, dressing room, jacuzzi tub, television, and glass shower with two shower heads. A small, semi-secluded yard provides a perfect area for grilling and games. Available October 1, 2010 to June 1, 2011.
Donated by: Kathy DelSesto
Opening bid: $300
#14 - Chinese Medicine Consultation and Treatment
A gift certificate for an initial consultation and three treatments with Chinese doctor and acupuncturist Shiqi Liu of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine of Sudbury. Dr. Liu is well known for her excellent acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments. (Herbal prescription not included.)
Donated by: Dr. Shiqi Liu
Opening bid: $50
#15 - Seated Nude by Audrey Jones

In charcoal, framed and matted, by Audrey Jones, this drawing highlights the play of light on the female figure. Dr. Jones is both an artist and a modern analyst who has been exhibiting since 1965. She writes, “I have always been of the belief that modern psychoanalysis liberates the creativity in each individual patient and enriches their lives.”
Donated by: Audrey Jones
Opening bid: $50
#16 - Boston Getaway Weekend

Enjoy two nights in a junior suite at the Holiday Inn, on Beacon Street in Brookline. A short walk from both Fenway Park and BGSP, the hotel boasts a lovely swimming pool, whirlpool and exercise room. Perfect for a weekend getaway.
Donated by: Holiday Inn Brookline
Opening bid: $70
#17 - Round-trip car service to Logan Airport

Rafael of A & S Executive Limo Service has graciously offered round-trip service from Logan Airport to BGSP, or a comparable trip, for one lucky bidder. This trip comes highly recommended by Dr. Laquercia.
Donated by: A & S Executive Limo Service
Opening bid: $30
#18 - Sing-a-long and dinner with Drs. Steve Price and Lynn Perlman
Three winning couples will enjoy song and fine cuisine with Drs. Lynn Perlman and Steve Price.
Donated by: Steve Price and Lynn Perlman
Winning bid: $100
#19 - Live Like a Star
You and a guest will enjoy one week of true magnificence in this Los Angeles high-rise condominium, just West of Beverly Hills, near California's Gold Coast. With 10th floor city views all the way to the beach, this one bedroom, two bath condo is the perfect place for your spectacular L.A. vacation. Luxurious amenities include a doorman, valet parking, a fitness center, pool, and many others. Hit the beaches, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the spectacular coastline, all within minutes. Valued at $300 per night, this is the perfect L.A. getaway!
Donated by: Marvin Koven
Opening bid: $400
#20 - Bavarian China

This elegant set of china, presumably made in the 1940s and in exquisite condition, is hand-painted by Heinrich & Company from Bavaria, Germany. Entitled “Golden Harvest,” the pattern features gold rims and a graceful hand-painted wheat design in stunning gold with gray. This set includes 10 complete place settings as well as a number of extra pieces. The set is in excellent condition; the gold in particular shows very little wear. Seven teacups appear to have been purchased separately and show slight wear. Now discontinued, replacement value for the entire set is in the several hundreds of dollars.
Donated by: Dena Reed
Opening bid: $100
#21 - Beauty Salon Special
This gift certificate entitles the winner to a haircut and blow dry with selected stylists at Davis Hairdressing in Newton. A visit to this top-notch salon will leave you looking marvelous!
Donated by: Davis Hairdressing
Opening bid: $20
#22 - Bermuda Bloom

Attractively matted and framed, this beautiful 8 x 10 floral photograph can grace your home or office.
Donated by: Carol Panetta
Opening bid: $20
#23 - Mermaid Mosaic Table by Vivienne Shalom
A beautiful mermaid theme mosaic tops this cottage style white end table with drawer. Known for her mosaic art and furniture, artist Vivienne Shalom offers this table to enliven the lucky winner's room.
Donated by: Vivienne Shalom
Opening bid: $90
#24 - Genealogy Research
Who are you and where did you come from? In this country, almost all of us are immigrants or descended from them. Experienced amateur genealogist Doug MacMillan offers you 15 hours of genealogical research to help you learn more about your family’s history. Because of the time-consuming nature of the research, this item is most suitable for people with a slight foot in the door to their history (e.g., they know where their family immigrated to or from), and less suited for people whose information is only available overseas. Please feel free to consult with Mr. MacMillan or Dr. Carol Panetta before bidding if you are wondering whether this item is for you.
Donated by: Doug MacMillan
Opening bid: $60
#25 - Man and Woman in Charcol

For the discerning art collector, artist Gunta Kaza has donated this pair of charcoal nudes, 18" x 24" each, and attractively matted.
Donated by: Gunta Kaza
Opening bid: $75
#26 - “I’ll Have What She’s Having!” – Athans Coffee
For some unknown reason, Athans does not charge Dr. Wagner for coffee. Thanks to the generosity of both Dr. Wagner and Athans, this item entitles you to Dr. Wagner’s free coffee each class Friday for the Fall 2010 semester (in the form of a $25 gift certificate).
Donated by: Athans Bakery
Opening bid: $10
#27 - “I’ll Have What She’s Having!” – Homemade Lunch
Forget about cooking! For the Fall 2010 semester, on class Fridays, Dr. Wagner will bring you the same lunch she brings for herself (twelve lunches in Brookline). The usual selection includes homemade soups, salads and Mediterranean or Asian fare. Bon appétit!
Donated by: Mara Wagner
Opening bid: $60
#28 - “I’ll Have What She’s Having!” – Fresh Flower Arrangements by Dr. Wagner
The winning bidder on this item will receive a duplicate of the gorgeous flowers that Dr. Wagner has in her office each class Friday for the Fall 2010 semester (twelve Fridays in Brookline). Her elegant arrangements tend toward Ikebana, seasonal flowering plants, and fragrant selections. A great way to beautify your office!
Donated by: Mara Wagner
Opening bid: $90
#29 - Lobster Boil and Beach Retreat
Ten lucky bidders will join the Drs. Panetta on a summer weekend for fresh-off-the-boat lobsters, panoramic ocean views, and great company at their spacious home in Hull, Massachusetts. After lunch, take a short walk down to the secluded beach for a splash in the ocean. Summer refreshment at its finest!
Donated by: Carol and Vincent Panetta
Winning bid: $70
#30 - New York Giants
Two lucky Giants fans will visit Giants Stadium for a home team game! The schedule is yet to be determined, but these tickets are a hot commodity.
Donated by: Bob Mittleman and Jill Solomon
Opening bid: $80
#31 - Expert Consultation on Your Writing
Would you like to jump start your writing process or hone your writing skills? This experienced writing consultant is offering two hour-long consultations to give your writing the boost you’re looking for.
Donated by: Helen Michael
Opening bid: $60
#32 - Fabulous Dinner for Two at Brooklyn’s Buttermilk Channel
  
Who could blame you for bidding on comfort food with a Brooklyn flair? Doug Crowell, owner of the popular Buttermilk Channel restaurant in Brooklyn, has generously donated this dinner for two and a bottle of wine. Enjoy!
Donated by: Doug Crowell
Opening bid: $50
#33 - Still Life by Lynne Laub

This beautiful floral oil painting by Lynne Laub can grace your home or office. Framed, the still life measures 24” x 30”.
Donated by: Steve Hayes
Opening bid: $50
#34 - Vintage Bordeaux Wine
One gracious collector has donated his 1967 bottle of Margaux (Chateau Laronze –Appellation Margaux Controllee). Valued anywhere from $500 to $1500, this vintage Bordeaux will enhance even the most discriminating connoisseur’s collection of rare wines.
Donated by: Siamak Movahedi
Opening bid: $150
#35 - Vacation in North Conway, New Hampshire

Get away to the White Mountains for fresh air, rushing rivers, and fabulous mountain vistas. You’ll enjoy one week in this large, well-appointed condominium. With 4 bedrooms on 4 levels, this very attractive townhouse is located in Bartlett, New Hamphsire, in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley. You’ll be located centrally to all local amenities and just a few miles away from hiking, river kayaking, skiing, Storyland and North Conway Village. With an on-site outdoor swimming pool and 2 living areas for privacy, this home townhome sleeps 10 and is perfect for large groups, extended families, or two families. Available selected weeks in Fall 2010 and Spring 2011.
Donated by: John Balzer and Leah Alexander
Opening bid: $250
#36 - Musical Arrangement of a Song
Do you have a song that you would love to figure out how to play? Dr. Goldwater has the solution. He will take your song in its original or translated form and provide a musical arrangement for two instruments to play (with vocals, if desired, counting as one instrument ). He’ll need your help in obtaining a recording of the song and understanding or translating the lyrics. He’ll then put it on paper for instruments of your choice. This unique item also makes a wonderful gift for the music-lover in your life!
Donated by: Eugene Goldwater, who maintains copyright of the arrangement
Opening bid: $100
#37 - Winter Scene Oil Painting

This winter scene, measuring 41” x 30” framed, is an oil painting by artist Richard E. (Dick) Grace (1926-2006). Grace, formerly of West Falmouth, Massachusetts, went to The Students’ Arts League of New York to establish a career as a professional illustrator and cartoonist with Ernie Bushmiller, the creator of the famous “Nancy” comic strip. He also assisted with the “Gumps” comic strip. During the same time, Dick designed editorial cartoons for numerous high circulation newspapers. In addition, Dick developed off-Broadway poster art for actors such as Telly Savalas and others. Dick went on to open his own successful advertising, marketing and public relations agency, utilizing his multi-faceted creative telents for television, radio, special events, outdoor and print campaigns. He was also an accomplished author, writing several high profile sports and prolific medical books. His additional artistic talents in oil, watercolor, pastel, and pen and ink were admired by many and are evident in this subtle painting.
Donated by: Steve Hayes
Opening bid: $90
#38 - Solitary Sail

This lovely small painting depicts a solitary sail and is elegantly framed in gold.
Donated by: Therese Bilodeau
Opening bid: $40
#39 - Manhattan Terrace Tapas Party
Lucy Holmes and her husband Jerry Orens will host a sunset tapas party on their 1200 square foot terrace with magnificent views of the Hudson River and the city. Twenty very lucky bidders will enjoy abundant food, extraordinary ambiance, and good solid fun. Weekend date in September or October to be determined.
Donated by: Lucy Holmes and Jerry Orens
Winning bid: $75
#40 - Gift Certificate to City Feed

City Feed and Supply in Jamaica Plain has donated this $25 gift certificate for your culinary pleasure. City Feed and Supply is a neighborhood grocery, café, and deli supplying the neighborhood with a fine selection of natural foods, specialty groceries, local and organic fruits and vegetables, regional artisan cheeses, local meats and free range eggs, fresh bread and pastries, fair trade organic coffee, and prepared foods for all your soirees and shin-digs! Support both BGSP and local vendors when you bid on City Feed.
Donated by: City Feed and Supply
Opening bid: $10
#41 - Weekend in the South End of Boston
Enjoy a two-night stay at a quaint, 1863 townhouse bed and breakfast in the heart of the South End of Boston. Located close to Copley Square and Boston’s favorite attractions, this B &B will offer you a weekend to remember.
Donated by: Jane and Ben Siegel
Opening bid: $60
#42 - Evening at the Symphony
Classical music aficionados will appreciate these two tickets to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. You’ll sit in the first row at the front of the balcony – so close you can almost read the musical scores. The tickets are for a Saturday night, with the schedule yet to be determined.
Donated by: Paula Berman and Bob Stolzberg
Opening bid: $70
#43 - Expert Consultation on your Research
Are you looking for some direction in your research or writing? Widely published researcher, Dr. Siamak Movahedi, will give you two hour-long consultation sessions to help you hone your research skills, whether you need help formulating a question, developing a research method, or analyzing results.
Donated by: Siamak Movahedi
Opening bid: $60
#44 - Interior Design Consultation
If you are redecorating a space, this item is for you! You will receive two hours of design consultation from a full-service interior design firm. Whether you need help with choosing colors, planning a space, kitchen or bath design, or selecting window treatments, your designer will help you transform your project from ideas into reality.
Donated by: Roseli and Daniel Schmitt of Phillips Design
Opening bid: $75
#45 - Scenic Acadia Getaway to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor, Maine

The winning bidder will enjoy a one-week fall foliage vacation in scenic Southwest Harbor, Maine. This comfortable four bedroom vacation home has two bathrooms, a hot tub, a full kitchen, all appliances, a living room with cable TV, a dining room, a large yard for the kids, all in a pleasant Maine forest environment. Explore Acadia National Park, quaint local villages, and Maine’s beautiful, rocky coastline. Located near beautiful harbors, fine restaurants, golf, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and the night and cultural life of Bar Harbor, this house is sure to be a wonderful retreat for your autumn vacation. Available for one week in October or November, 2010.
Donated by: John and Karen Madonna
Opening bid: $250
#46 - Fabulous Full-Body Massage
Who could pass up an hour-long massage by a faculty member’s favorite massage therapist? This gift certificate entitles you to be pampered and indulged with a full-body massage to relieve your muscles and your stress.
Donated by: Nanda Eagle of Inner Light Massage, Newton, MA
Opening bid: $30
#47 - Custom Framing
This gift certificate entitles the winner to $75 in custom framing from this custom frame shop and gallery. A perfect complement to your artwork or photography.
Donated by: Joel Moskowitz of the Frameloft & Gallery
Opening bid: $30
#48 - Modern oil painting in blue

Large and colorful, this 48” x 36” framed oil painting is by Simmi Bradie, entitled Colorscape Blue II.
Donated by: Steve Hayes
Opening bid: $90
#49 - Portrait of an Old Man

This portrait of an old man is vividly done in pastels by artist Richard E. (Dick) Grace (1926-2006). Grace, formerly of West Falmouth, Massachusetts, went to The Students’ Arts League of New York to establish a career as a professional illustrator and cartoonist with Ernie Bushmiller, the creator of the famous “Nancy” comic strip. He also assisted with the “Gumps” comic strip. During the same time, Dick designed editorial cartoons for numerous high circulation newspapers. In addition, Dick developed off-Broadway poster art for actors such as Telly Savalas and others. Dick went on to open his own successful advertising, marketing and public relations agency, utilizing his multi-faceted creative telents for television, radio, special events, outdoor and print campaigns. He was also an accomplished author, writing several high profile sports and prolific medical books. His additional artistic talents in oil, watercolor, pastel, and pen and ink were admired by many and are evident in this lively portrait.
Donated by: Steve Hayes
Opening bid: $90
#50 - New Zealand Whale

A stunning photograph of a breaching whale off of New Zealand's stunning, mountainous coastline. Awash in blues and grays, the photo is printed on canvas stretched on a wood frame, measuring approximately 10" x 14".
Donated by: Marc Laquercia
Opening bid: $40
#51 - Vermont Boutique Bed & Breakfast Weekend
A warm welcome awaits you at the Parker House Inn in Quechee, Vermont, near Dartmouth College and Woodstock, Vermont, steps away from one of Vermont's covered bridges, gorgeous waterfalls, and the Simon Pearce glassblowing galleries. A celebrated, chef-owned boutique bed and breakfast noted for its rich decor, warm hospitality, and superb attention to detail, the Parker House Inn offers two nights and a dinner for two guests. Guests have full privileges at the Quechee Lakes Country Club for outstanding golf, tennis, and activities. The inn itself boasts seven newly decorated guestrooms, all with private baths, some with jacuzzis or spa showers. A wonderful weekend awaits you!
Donated by: Joan Lippincott and Alex and Adam Adler at the Parker House Inn
Opening bid: $80
#52 - Italian Scene
Colorfully depicting the Italian coastline, this large, framed oil painting will enhance the decor of your home or office.
Donated by: Ted Laquercia
Opening bid: $40
#53 - Turkish Camel Blanket

An intricate, handmade quilt from Istanbul, with beautiful colors and cutwork, marked by the artist.
Donated by: Ted Laquercia
Opening bid: $40
#54 - Extrodinary Canyon Photograph
This stunning poster of Anetelope Canyon was photographed by Eileen Keating on her recent tour of Arizona with the Society of Modern Psychoanalysts. The 20" x 24 " poster is a dramatic, colorful portrait of a natural wonder.
Donated by: Eileen Keating
Opening bid: $40
#55 - BGSP Family & Friends Cookbook
A compilation of old favorites, new recipes, and good culinary humor, from BGSP faculty and friends. Bidding on this item constitutes a pre-order for the cookbook, which Dr. Perlman has offered to compile, to be published this summer. Don't miss out on recipes for Dr. Snyder's salmon mousse, Ms. Dorsey's guacamole, Dr. Perlman's carrot souffle, or Dr. Bernstein's hilarious drunken chicken.
Donated by: BGSP faculty and friends
Winning bid: $20
#56 - Converse Gym Bag with Goodies
Perfect for the athlete in your life, this huge Converse gym bag is loaded with valuable goodies, including a smaller drawstring backpack, a beach towel, an extra-large tee shirt, a mini-chuck keychain, and a gift certificate for a free pair of chucks.
Donated by: Converse
Opening bid: $20
#57 - A Week at Your Dream Destination
The successful bidder wins one week at this wonderful Silverleaf Resorts timeshare. Because weeks are "banked" at Interval International, where resort owners who are not using their week place them in the bank for exchange with other owners, you can go just about anywhere! Resorts in the Interval International system are found worldwide, including Europe, South America, the U.S., Canada, Asia, and the Caribbean. Popular destinations include Paris, St. Kitts, California, Banff, and lots more. Availability depends on the owner of the selected resort making it available for exchange. This timeshare includes one week lodging at a resort condo which sleeps six, with two bedrooms and two baths, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and living room with sleep sofa. (European condos may be smaller with less complete kitchens, but you get the idea!) Don't miss this rare opportunity!
Donated by: Marjorie Kettell and Joseph Golner
Opening bid: $300
#58 - Dinner at Dalia's
Dine in style at Dalia's Bistro and Wine Bar in Brookline. The winning bidder will enjoy a $100 gift certificate for Mediterranean fare and fine wine at this romantic bistro near BGSP.
Donated by: Dalia's Bistro and Wine Bar
Opening bid: $25
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