Auction Items
Auction Items
We are thrilled to present an exquisite array of items up for auction, all generously donated to support our mission. Whether you’re looking for a treat for yourself, seeking a special gift for a loved one, or supporting a worthy cause, you’ll find something to captivate your interest here. Bid on a One of a Kind Experience during the cocktail reception, or show your support during the live auction.
Proceeds from New Americans New Beginnings will support programs that help New Americans achieve stability and success. We can’t wait to see you there!
Lakeside Vacation Home Getaway
Embrace the splendor of our home state this summer with a five-night stay on the shores of Lake Bemidji. Savor your morning coffee with a view of the water from the deck, soak in the sun on your private beach, and listen for loon calls under the stars. This beautiful vacation home sleeps up to ten guests.
There is so much to explore – take a drive to Itasca State Park to see the Mississippi River headwaters, bike around the lake, and discover the historic downtown, home of Paul Bunyon Park. Whether travelling in a group or as a family, this getaway is sure to be the highlight of the summer.
You don’t have to travel far when you live in a state as beautiful as Minnesota!
Donor: Jane Graupman
Restrictions: Date within the next 12 months to be mutually agreed upon with homeowner.
Safari in the Heart of Africa
Experience the adventure, wildlife, and culture of South Africa on this once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari.
For six nights, you and a guest will enjoy the Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge or Tents, located in the heart of one of the richest conservation regions in Africa. Your stay includes twice daily game viewing activities on the Zulu Nyala private reserve. Look out for elephants, leopards, zebras, rhinos, and the elusive Nyala antelope.
Off the reserve, Zulu Nyla invites you to immerse yourself in the culture, tradition, and craftsmanship of the indigenous Zulu people. Experience rituals and craftsmanship at the authentic Zulu Cultural Village, enjoy rhythmic dance performances, and taste African cuisine. You will receive full board and access to Zulu Nyala’s beautiful facilities.
Your South African safari adventure awaits!
Donor: Zulu Nyala Heritage Lodge
Restrictions: Roundtrip airfare to Durban, South Africa is not included in the package
In the Hot Glass Studio
Step into the artist’s studio and discover the art of glassblowing. You and seven friends will go behind the scenes with artist and owner of Fred’s Glass, Fred Kaemmer, for a rare, up-close look at his exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs.
Fred has developed unorthodox techniques that set his work apart, bringing originality and elegance to every piece. For more than three decades, he has sold his work from his studio, through commissions and in galleries nationwide. His work has also been featured at major American Craft shows across the country, including the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
You and your guests will enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while spending an unforgettable evening in his downtown St. Paul studio—observing his process and experiencing something truly unique.
Donor: Fred Kaemmer
Timberwolves All-Star Evening
Treat yourself, and three guests, to an evening among the stars of the Twin Cities.
Your night begins with fresh pasta, Italian wine, and handmade cocktails at local gem, Dario. After, you and your guests will cheer on 2026 All-Star Game MVP Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves at the Target Center. The seats, located in Section 132, Row F behind the Timberwolves bench, come with access to the Backcourt Club – featuring a private entrance and impressive wall-to-wall bar.
Prepare for an evening of excitement and action!
Donor: Evan Doran and Dario
Restrictions: 2026/2027 season home game date to be mutually agreed upon on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Dinner reservations are required. Dinner gratuity not included.
Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving Live
This is your chance to get your hands on tickets to Olivia Dean’s sold-out concert!
You and your guest will start the evening with a glass (or two) of wine and light bites at Milly’s Wine Bar & Bistro, a quaint neighborhood wine bar in downtown Minneapolis. Next, take your place in some of the best seats in Target Center for Olivia Dean’s show, The Art of Loving Live. The seats, in the lower level, offer an excellent view of the stage for the hottest concert of the year.
The Grammy-Award winner for Best New Artist will be in Minneapolis on July 29, and this is a show you don’t want to miss!
Donor: Ticket King and Milly’s Wine Bar & Bistro
Restrictions: Dinner value not to exceed $150, gratuity not included.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
You’re invited to watch the Minnesota Twins take on the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, July 29, and this isn’t just any ballgame. You’ll enjoy all-inclusive food, beverages, and premium seating for four with spectacular views at Target Field.
The seats, in row 2 of the Delta SKY360° Suite, offer some of the best sightlines in the stadium. Relax in comfort with stylish cabana lounge seating and indulge in a chef-inspired tapas-style menu featuring locally grown ingredients. With a capacity of just 120 guests, the Delta SKY360° Suite is an exclusive experience designed for those who appreciate both the game and something more.
Settle into your seats and get ready for an evening packed with excitement, delicious flavors, and summer fun!
Donor: Comcast
Plants with a Purpose
Get your outdoor space ready for spring with a landscape design package that brings both style and function to your yard. This package includes a one-hour landscape consultation with designer Ryan McEnaney-Rodriguez, family owner at Bailey Nurseries and author of Field Guide to Outdoor Style: Design and Plan Your Perfect Outdoor Space.
Whether you’re looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden, solve a problem spot in your yard, or add curb appeal with the right plant choices, Ryan will help craft a design that works for your specific goals and space. To bring your plan to life, Bailey Nurseries will provide up to $1,000 in plants that suit your design and environment. From practical to bold, the plants included will be selected to fit your vision and your space.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to tackle an outdoor project with meaning, this is it.
Donor: Bailey Nurseries and Ryan McEnaney-Rodriguez
The Great Minnesota Get-Together
Enjoy the perfect day at the fair and leave the logistics to us. This package includes admissions tickets to the Minnesota State Fair for you and a guest, a $40 Fun Card for the Mighty Midway, and reserved free parking at the Institute—right across the street from the Como Avenue entrance gates. No need to navigate street parking.
Your evening at the fair ends with a Grandstand Stage show of your choice. Pick from performers like Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart, AJR, Brad Paisley, and TLC and Salt n’ Peppa.
Everything is taken care of; all that’s left for you is to enjoy the Great Minnesota Get-Together!
Donor: The Minnesota State Fair
A Taste of Hungary and Transylvania
Delight in the flavors of Hungarian and Transylvanian cuisine.
You and up to five guests will join Csilla Grauzer, Honorary Consul of Hungary to Minnesota and founder of International Gourmet, for an unforgettable hands-on dinner as she prepares three beloved traditional recipes—sharing the how-to, stories, and cultural traditions behind each dish.
For Csilla, cooking is inspired by childhood memories, a love of bringing people together, and her Hungarian heritage. Through International Gourmet, she leads culinary tours of Hungary that highlight local culture and time-honored food traditions. Her cooking and baking focus on clean eating and sustainably sourced ingredients.
Donor: Csilla Grauzer
Restrictions: Date is to be mutually agreed upon by the winner and chef. Dinner to be hosted in winner’s home in the Twin Cities or at the International Institute of Minnesota.
Fly Fishing Adventure on the Rush River
Spend a relaxing and memorable day casting for trout on one of Wisconsin’s most scenic rivers, guided by passionate experts. Whether you are a novice, or a veteran looking to polish your skills, this experience is for you.
This package includes a 5-hour guided fly-fishing experience on the beautiful Rush River in Wisconsin. International Institute of Minnesota board member, Sam Myers, and split cane rod enthusiast, Steve Yasgur, will accompany you and a guest on a lovely day fishing and enjoying the outdoors. To sustain you during the big day, a cooler of thoughtfully selected beverages and snacks is included.
Fly fishing equipment is optional if you don’t mind borrowing equipment from Sam and Steve. Or you can bring your own. Wisconsin fishing license is required and easy to acquire.
Donor: Sam Myers
Pan-African Culinary Experience
Experience the best-of Pan-African cuisine with former restaurant owner and current IIMN financial coach, Stephen Sengendo. You and up to five guests will enjoy a “family-style” meal prepared by Stephen.
Before becoming the Financial Coach at the International Institute of Minnesota, Stephen owned his own restaurant for many years in Cedar-Riverside: Tam Tam’s African Restaurant.
From Uganda, Stephen’s cooking offers something for everyone and features the flavors and traditions of African cooking, spanning countries and regions to bring you the best flavors from across the continent. For Stephen, a dining experience is not just about food, but tradition and culture.
Stephen looks forward to sharing his passion, expertise, and story with you!
Restrictions: Date is to be mutually agreed upon by the winner and chef. Dinner to be hosted at the International Institute of Minnesota.
Donor: Stephen Sengendo
Flavors of Persia
Experience an unforgettable evening of Persian cuisine. Former student and current board member, Mary Hedayatirad, will share her many years of knowledge cooking traditional Persian dishes.
You and five guests will learn the techniques and traditions behind the rich flavors of Persian cooking. In this hands-on experience, you will enjoy an appetizer, entree, and dessert prepared right in front of you. This will be the dinner party of the year.
Taste the flavors of Persia from home!
Restrictions: Date is to be mutually agreed upon by the winner and chef. Dinner to be hosted in winner’s home or at the International Institute of Minnesota.
Donor: Mary Hedayatirad
Historic St. James Hotel Stay
Experience small town charm and luxury with a stay at the St. James Hotel, located in the center of historic Red Wing, Minnesota. Established in 1875, the hotel is nestled in the heart of the Mississippi River Valley, boasting beautiful views, elegance, and serenity. Explore the streets of Red Wing’s historic downtown, enjoy the view while hiking the Barn Bluff, or take a drive along the Mississippi River.
Your weekend away includes a one-night stay in a premium room with a view, followed by a delicious breakfast for two at the Scarlet Kitchen & Bar in the morning.
Best of all, your getaway is just one hour from the Twin Cities!
Donor: St. James Hotel
Date Night at the Four Seasons
Treat your significant other to a luxury staycation in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.
Your date night will include a one-night stay at the Four Seasons in a Deluxe River View King Room – offering panoramic views of the Mississippi River and Minneapolis skyline. The hotel features a dedicated wellness floor with indoor and outdoor pools, and is centrally located, connecting you to sports and entertainment venues.
In the morning, enjoy a gourmet breakfast at Mara Restaurant—or better yet, have breakfast in bed!
Donor: Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Live auction and fund-a-need by Glen Fladeboe of Fladeboe Advancement
