John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner Auction Prizes
Support the John R. Rhodes Scholarship through unforgettable experiences
Join us in celebrating education and community spirit at The John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner. Each auction prize has been carefully curated to offer extraordinary experiences while supporting scholarships for deserving students. From soaring above the Algoma region to savoring world-class wines, your bid makes a lasting impact on the future of our students. Browse our exceptional collection of prizes below and prepare to bid on the experience of a lifetime.
FLIGHT OVER NORTHERN SPLENDOUR
Starting bid: $1,000 CAD
Enjoy a 1-hour private flight for 4 over the Algoma region through Killarney Air Services LTD.
- It includes 4 seats on the aircraft
- Passengers can park at the Bushplane Museum and walk towards the waterfront where the pilot and aircraft will be waiting
- Can either be booked by the 30th of October and fly by October 31 2025 or in the 2026 season
- No age or weight limitations
- Children under the age of two must be held in the lap of a guardian but are still considered to fill one of the four seats
GRAND CRU WINE EXPERIENCE
Starting Bid: $1,000 CAD
Enjoy a collection of choice wines donated by Dale Harrison.
Wines included:
- 1x 2001 Chateau Suduiraut (Sauternes)
- 1x 2003 Chateau Angelus
- 1x 2000 Chateau Palmer (Bordeaux)
| 1x 2001 Chateau Suduiraut (Sauternes) | Wine Advocate (93points): With 150 grams per liter of residual sugar, the 2001 Suduiraut is showing elegantly today with a delicate, mature bouquet of apricots, spices, candied orange, saffron and pineapple. Medium to full-bodied, it has an elegant and round palate and a somewhat metallic character, and it’s long and fresh with delicate notes of quince in the finish. This blend of 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc was matured for 24 months in oak barrels (40% new, 30% one year and 30% older). Drink 2014-2044 98 points [Wine Spectator] |
| 1x 2003 Chateau Angelus | Wine Advocate: I had this wine from my cellar, as well as at a tasting in Zurich in February of 2015. It is one of the handful of 2003s I bought from the Right Bank of Bordeaux in this vintage. Angelus really nailed the vintage, and has produced a fully mature wine that’s truly strutting its stuff. Dense, bluish/purple, it offers gorgeous notes of espresso roast, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, acacia flowers and a touch of chocolate. 98 points |
| 1x 2000 Chateau Palmer (Bordeaux) | Wine Advocate: Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 2000 Château Palmer was closed for a number of years, but it appears to be finally opening. Deep in colour, there remains a slight broodiness on the nose, although it loses its inhibitions and develops potent blackberry, strawberry and mint aromas, perhaps just a smudge of camphor. It is unashamedly rich on the entry: intense and vibrant with layers of black cherry and cassis fruit pierced by a fine line of acidity. This millennial tightens everything up towards the, finish whereupon it reverts to something much more classic in style, long and tensile. It does not quite occupy the same class as the 2005 or the imperial 2010, but it certainly has long-term potential. My advice? Drink 2015-2045 94 points |
CULINARY EVENING
Starting bid: $1500 CAD
Dinner at Peace (all-inclusive)
Treat yourself and guests to an unforgettable dining experience at Peace restaurant, known for its warm ambiance, exceptional service and inspired menu. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply gathering with friends, this auction item promises an evening of exceptional food and memories.
NORTHERN SERENITY ESCAPE
Starting bid: $500 CAD
Enjoy a two day get away to the Sunnd Eco Resort Experience – inspired by Scandinavian slow living.
As soon as you unlock the door to your dome nestled in the woods, on a private lake, you’ll feel the rest of the world slip away.
Settle in before taking a soak in your private hot tub or relax with a glass of wine by the fire. Take time to breathe and soften your shoulders.
Get a peek at what it’s like to live the Scandinavian way!
ULTIMATE SPORTS GETAWAY FOR TWO
Starting bid: $3500 CAD
Enjoy a sports get away of your choice!
Includes 2 seats to your chosen regular season MLB, NBA, NFL, or NHL game, or 2 ground passes to a non-major PGA golf tournament*
and a 2-night weekend stay in a standard room at a Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton, Wyndham or comparable
Flights NOT included
Tickets to Choice of a Select Regular Season MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL or PGA
Event, 2-Night Weekend Stay for 2
This Experience Includes:
- 2 seats to your chosen regular season MLB, NBA, NFL, or NHL game, or 2 grounds passes
to a non-major PGA golf tournament* - 2-night weekend stay in a standard room at a Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton, Wyndham or
comparable - Winspire booking & concierge service
Enjoy a trip for two to your choice of an exciting Friday, Saturday or Sunday MLB, NBA, NFL or NHL
regular season game, non-major PGA golf tournament* – that’s up to 5,000 games a year to choose
from among 50 markets nationwide. Relax and attend your favorite U.S. professional sporting event.
Take a trip to see your home team play on the road or just get away for a fan-tastic sports adventure!
You have the ability to pick the sports event you want to see and when you want to see it.
Game date must be on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. While every effort will be made to
accommodate your first choice of game, confirmation is based on both event ticket and hotel
availability.
*Excludes the U.S. PGA Championship, Masters, U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, Waste
Management/Phoenix Open, Presidents Cup and select NFL games including Packers home games.
Hotel Accommodations
Enjoy a 2-night weekend stay in a standard room in hotel accommodations such as Hyatt, Marriott,
Sheraton, Wyndham or comparable, subject to availability.
WINSPIRE PACKAGE REDEMPTION:
Winspire Travel packages and experiences must be booked within one year of the purchase date.
The actual travel date must occur within two years of the purchase date.
WINSPIRE BOOKING & CONCIERGE SERVICES:
Winspire provides a team of seasoned travel professionals to help you redeem your experience. We
will book all travel-related details and reservations for every part of your experience. Included within
our services, Winspire can assist with extra hotel nights, airfare, and additional guests as a full-
service travel agency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Reservations are subject to availability, blackout dates, and major holidays. Reservations must be
booked 60 days in advance of travel. Purchases through charity fundraisers are non-refundable.
Certificates cannot be resold or replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Ground transportation is the
responsibility of the winner unless otherwise stated.
DREAM GETAWAY FOR TWO
Starting bid: $5200 CAD
Choose 1 of 3 traveling experiences. Flights NOT included.
- 7-Night Stay for 2: Rome 2-Nights, Renaissance Tuscany 5-Nights, Winery and Olive Oil Tour & Tasting
- Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery tickets, 48‐hour Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, Dublin Pub Tour, Roundtrip Airport Transfers and 3‐Night Stay at the Iveagh Garden Hotel for 2
- Unearth Mexico Choose Your Experience: Cancun, Los Cabos, or Puerto Vallarta for 2
Choose Your Experience: Cancun, Los Cabos, or Puerto Vallarta for 2
With pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and luxurious accommodations, it’s a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring vibrant coral reefs, or savoring authentic Mexican cuisine, the warm hospitality and stunning coastal scenery create an unforgettable vacation experience.
Choose a destination from the below options:
Cancun All-Inclusive
4-Night Stay at the Hyatt Zilara or Hyatt Ziva Cancun Resort for 2
This Experience for 2 Includes:
- 4-night stay for 2 at the All-Inclusive Hyatt Zilara or Hyatt Ziva Cancun Resorts
- Winspire booking & concierge service
Step into a world of endless sunshine, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife in Cancun, Mexico. With its stunning white-sand beaches, Mayan ruins, and lively atmosphere, Cancun is the ultimate tropical paradise. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the shore, thrilling water sports, or exploring the rich history and culture, Cancun has it all.
Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva All-Inclusive Resorts (Cancun, Mexico)
Enjoy a 4-night stay for two at either Hyatt Zilara (adults-only) or Hyatt Ziva (family-friendly) all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. Food, alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages, resort taxes, and gratuities are included. Up to two additional guests are permitted in the room for an additional fee. All-inclusive costs and taxes for additional guests will be the responsibility of the Winning Bidder.
Package Blackout Dates: The week of major US holidays and major local events. Additional dates may apply.
Los Cabos All-Inclusive
4-Night Stay at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, Mexico for 2
This Experience for 2 Includes:
- 4-night stay for 2 at the All-Inclusive Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
- Winspire booking & concierge service
Unleash your wanderlust and embark on a journey to the breathtaking paradise of Los Cabos, Mexico. With its golden beaches, azure waters, and vibrant culture, this enchanting destination is a world of wonders waiting to be explored.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico)
Enjoy a 4-night stay for 2 at this family friendly all-inclusive resort, a luxurious oasis of sophistication and comfort. Located in an exclusive area overlooking the Sea of Cortez, this beachfront resort is minutes from beautiful San Jose del Cabo. Food, alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages, resort taxes and gratuities are included. Up to two additional guests permitted in the room for an additional fee. All-Inclusive cost and taxes for additional guests will be the responsibility of the Winning Bidder.
Package Blackout Dates: The week of major US holidays and major local events. Additional dates may apply.
Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive
4-Night Stay at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 2
This Experience for 2 Includes:
- 4-night stay for 2 at the All-Inclusive Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
- Winspire booking & concierge service
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
Enjoy a 4-night stay for 2 at this family friendly all-inclusive resort. Surrounded by the sparkling Pacific Ocean and boasting the region’s unique cloistered beach-cove, Hyatt Ziva creates the perfect backdrop for guests seeking a romantic getaway, a family reconnection, or a special celebration. Food, alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages, resort taxes and gratuities are included. Up to two additional guests permitted in the room based on availability of a double room for an additional fee. All-Inclusive cost and taxes for additional guests will be the responsibility of the Winning Bidder.
Package Blackout Dates: The week of major US holidays and major local events. Additional dates may apply.
WINSPIRE PACKAGE REDEMPTION:
Winspire Travel packages and experiences must be booked within one year of the purchase date. The actual travel date must occur within two years of the purchase date.
WINSPIRE BOOKING & CONCIERGE SERVICES:
Winspire provides a team of seasoned travel professionals to help you redeem your experience. We will book all travel-related details and reservations for every part of your experience. Included within our services, Winspire can assist with extra hotel nights, airfare, and additional guests as a full-service travel agency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Reservations are subject to availability, blackout dates, and major holidays. Reservations must be booked 60 days in advance of travel. Purchases through charity fundraisers are non-refundable.
Certificates cannot be resold or replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Ground transportation is the responsibility of the winner unless otherwise stated.
Hotel Ponte Sisto Rome 2-Night Stay, Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa 5-Night Stay, Winery and Olive Oil Press Tour & Tasting with Lunch for 2
This Experience Includes:
- 2-night stay in a superior room at the Hotel Ponte Sisto, Rome
- 5-night stay in a deluxe room at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa (Barga, Lucca)
- Daily breakfast for 2
- Wine cellar and olive oil mill tour and tasting with lunch for 2 at Fattoria Colleverde (Lucca)
- Winspire booking & concierge service
Gourmets and wine buffs descend on this hidden Tuscan Valley to enjoy local specialties. The Garfagnana Valley is famous for its prosciutto, pork, pecorino cheese, and honey. The area also boasts beautiful areas for walking, hiking, and biking so you can work up an appetite in between meals.
Pisa, Florence, and Cinque Terra are reachable by car or train, and day trips are not to be missed. Cinque Terra, a 5-mile stretch of breathtaking rocky coast at the border of Tuscany and Liguria, was declared a National Park in 1999 and has been protected by UNESCO as a unique natural environment since 1997. Walk along the winding paths that overlook enchanting beaches and bays and admire the hundreds of miles of walls and man-made terraces to cultivate vineyards that cling steeply to the cliffs, making this region a true masterpiece where the work of man and natural beauty found an ideal balance.
Hotel Ponte Sisto, Rome
Enjoy a 2-night stay in a superior double room (one queen bed or two twin beds) including daily buffet breakfast for two, subject to availability. Guest rooms overlook either the charming courtyard or the garden of the historic Palazzo Spada. The 4-star Hotel Ponte Sisto is a gorgeously renovated palazzo and is just steps from Trastevere and Campo de’ Fiori. Located in the heart of Rome on a quiet downtown street, you are within walking distance of the Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Via Giulia, and the Trastevere district. A wonderful choice of trattorias awaits just across the Ponte Sisto in Trastevere.
For your convenience, you may wish to split your stay, so you have one night at the beginning of your trip and one night at the end in Rome.
Renaissance® Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa (Barga, Lucca)
Enjoy a 5-night stay in a deluxe room (one king or two twin beds) including daily breakfast for two at the #8 Resort in Europe according to the 2017 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Awards and #4 Best Hotel in Tuscany according to 2018 U.S. News Ranking.
Nestled on the hill of an expansive, two-mile estate in the heart of one of Italy’s most beloved regions, this luxury Tuscan resort offers an off-the-radar, authentic Tuscan experience inspired by local traditions. The Renaissance overlooks the magnificent Serchio Valley and is a stone’s throw from medieval villages like Barga and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. The resort was featured on ABC’s “The Bachelor” in February 2018, with the town of Barga and the Renaissance Tuscany as the home base for the show’s cast. The hotel’s romantic setting, the region’s beauty, and the town’s culture made the perfect location for this episode.
Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa overlooks the mountainous Serchio Valley, one of the most unexplored areas of Italy. Here guests can discover nearby quaint medieval villages, Barga and Lucca, or travel within one or two hours to well-known city favorites like Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre. The property also offers a full-service spa, two restaurants and a bar serving local cuisine, two swimming pools, a health club, and varied excursions within the surrounding area.
NOTE: Tuscany is 200 miles north of Rome (approximately 4 hours by car or 3 hours by train).
“La Cucina Italiana”, Fattoria Colleverde (Lucca)
Enjoy lunch, a tour of the wine cellar and olive oil mill, and a tasting for two at Fattoria Colleverde, an organic/biodynamic vineyard producing some of the most distinctive wines and olive oil in Tuscany. You’ll cook with Chef Rodolfo as he shares the secrets of Tuscan cuisine with you – including how to make fresh homemade pasta!
Located in the beautiful rolling hills just minutes from the medieval walled city of Lucca, Fattoria Colleverde is a half-hour drive from Pisa and an hour drive from Florence and Cinque Terre. Beautiful vineyards and olive groves lie within a wide, south-facing valley. This natural amphitheater of terraces creates an extremely well-balanced and unique agricultural ecosystem that produces flavors that are full and rich.
Open Year-Round (Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, excluding Easter Monday).
WINSPIRE PACKAGE REDEMPTION:
Winspire Travel packages and experiences must be booked within one year of the purchase date. The actual travel date must occur within two years of the purchase date.
WINSPIRE BOOKING & CONCIERGE SERVICES:
Winspire provides a team of seasoned travel professionals to help you redeem your experience. We will book all travel-related details and reservations for every part of your experience. Included within our services, Winspire can assist with extra hotel nights, airfare, and additional guests as a full-service travel agency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Reservations are subject to availability, blackout dates, and major holidays. Reservations must be booked 60 days in advance of travel. Purchases through charity fundraisers are non-refundable. Certificates cannot be resold or replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Ground transportation is the responsibility of the winner unless otherwise stated.
Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery tickets, 48-hour Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, Dublin Pub Tour, Roundtrip Airport Transfers and 3-Night Stay at the Iveagh Garden Hotel for 2
This Experience for 2 Includes:
- Tickets to the Guinness Storehouse
- Tickets to the Jameson Distillery
- 48-Hour Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour
- Dublin Pub Tour
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- 3-night stay at the Iveagh Garden Hotel
- Daily breakfast
- Winspire booking & concierge service
Raise a glass to good times in the heart of Ireland! Journey through Dublin’s historic streets, where the stories are rich and the pints are perfect. From sipping smooth Jameson at the source to tasting the world-famous Guinness straight from the tap at St. James’s Gate, this trip blends culture, character, and a whole lot of cheer. Explore iconic pubs, hear live traditional music, and toast with locals in the city where every pour tells a story. Sláinte!
Day 1 – Welcome to Dublin & City Exploration
Arrive in Dublin and check in to the elegant 4-star Iveagh Garden Hotel, a chic, eco-friendly property located just steps from St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to start exploring!
Your included 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass gives you the freedom to discover Dublin at your own pace. With stops throughout the city, you can visit iconic landmarks such as Trinity College & the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Christ Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo, and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Admissions not included.
Spend the rest of the day soaking up the city’s charm, dining at a cozy local pub, or enjoying live music before returning to the hotel for a restful night.
Day 2 – Jameson Whiskey & Guinness Storehouse Experience
Continue your adventure using your Hop-On Hop-Off pass to reach more top sights, before diving into two of Ireland’s most iconic experiences.
Begin with a guided tour and tasting at the Jameson Distillery Bow St., where you’ll learn about the whiskey-making process and enjoy a comparative tasting led by expert guides.
Next, step into the world of Ireland’s beloved stout with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Discover the history and brewing secrets of Guinness through interactive exhibits, then take in 360° views of Dublin as you sip a freshly poured pint at the Gravity Bar.
The rest of the day is yours—shop, stroll, or settle into a snug pub to experience Dublin’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 3 – The Ultimate Dublin Pub Tour
Get ready for a truly authentic Irish experience with a curated 3-hour guided pub tour that goes beyond the usual tourist trail.
- Explore 4 of Dublin’s Best Pubs: Sip on perfectly poured pints of Guinness (or your drink of choice) in some of the city’s most historic and atmospheric pubs.
- Learn to Pour the Perfect Pint: Step behind the bar for a fun hands-on session in the art of pouring your own Guinness.
- Hidden Gems & Local Favorites: Visit off-the-beaten-path pubs steeped in character and local charm.
- Luxury Transport Included: Travel in comfort and style, enjoying scenic views as your local guide shares stories, laughs, and insider tips.
Day 4 – Farewell Dublin
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checkout. Depending on your departure time, you may wish to take one last walk through St. Stephen’s Green, enjoy a final coffee in a nearby café, or pick up some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Slán go fóill – until we meet again!
Package Blackout Dates: The week of major holidays and major local events. Additional dates may apply.
WINSPIRE PACKAGE REDEMPTION:
Winspire Travel packages and experiences must be booked within one year of the purchase date. The actual travel date must occur within two years of the purchase date.
WINSPIRE BOOKING & CONCIERGE SERVICES:
Winspire provides a team of seasoned travel professionals to help you redeem your experience. We will book all travel-related details and reservations for every part of your experience. Included within our services, Winspire can assist with extra hotel nights, airfare, and additional guests as a full-service travel agency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Reservations are subject to availability, blackout dates, and major holidays. Reservations must be booked 60 days in advance of travel. Purchases through charity fundraisers are non-refundable.
Certificates cannot be resold or replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Ground transportation is the responsibility of the winner unless otherwise stated.