GALA DINNER
~ LIVE AUCTION ~
GALA DINNER ~ LIVE AUCTION ~
GALA DINNER:
An Evening in Italy
Saturday 10 May 2025
6:00 pm 11:00 pm
Realm Hotel Ballroom18 National Circuit
Barton, ACT, 2600
Join us for our final event of Viva Italia and enjoy a wonderful Italian dinner inspired by the mothers of Italy.
Experience the passion of Italian opera as the soaring voices of the National Opera ensemble deliver timeless arias during our celebration of Italian cultural heritage that transforms each aria into a vivid, unforgettable moment.
DJ Joe (Joe Pelle) will step us into a world where every note tells a story and get us to kick up our heels on the dance floor.
The evening will include silent and live auctions (below). Items for auction include a week’s vacation in beautiful Tuscany, artworks, and a wine tour for ten.
Money raised will provide a scholarship for an ANU student of Italian Language and Culture to travel and study at the University for Foreigners in Siena.
TICKET SALES HAVE ENDED
vALUE $440
Rock Climbing Experience for Two
plus a copy of Armando’s Memoir “A Climbing Life”
DONATED BY GUIDED OUTDOOR ADVENTURES - ARMANDO CORVINI
Guided Outdoor Adventures specialises in climbing in the Canberra region and caving at Wee Jasper, NSW.
vALUE $4000
BUSH YAM FLOWER
Original painting by First Nations artist
Rosemary PETYARRE
DONATED BY ENRICO SACCARDO
Artist: Rosemary PETYARRE
Date of Birth: 1945
Title: "Bush Yam Flower”
Year: 2022
Region: Eastern Desert – NT
Community: Utopia – NT
Language: Anmatyerre & Alyawarr
Medium: Acrylic on Triple Primed Linen
Image Size: 1000mm x 500mm
Documentation: Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) + 2 Working Photos
Provenance: RedOchre Art – Alice Springs NT (Mr Gary CANNELL)
Signature: Signed on Rear (SoR)
vALUE $960
Hot Air Balloon Flight For Two Over Canberra
FLIGHT
As the new day dawns, you will ascend into the sky in your colourful balloon. During your flight you may find yourself drifting just above the treetops then moments later effortlessly ascending to heights of 3000 feet or more.
Your flight time is approximately 45-60 minutes, however, please allow 3-4 hours for the total tour time.
CHAMPAGNE CELEBRATION
Relax and enjoy a glass of champagne with your fellow passengers and your pilot as you celebrate one of the most exhilarating mornings of your life.
DONATED BY BALLOON ALOFT & VIVA ITALIA COMMITTEE
vALUE $1800
Canberra Wine Tour for Ten People
The tour includes Bus, Driver/Tourist Guide, visits to 4 cellar doors, lunch, wine tastings and a cheese platter.
DONATED BT MICHAEL MINTER - BUS OPERATOR & TOUR GUIDE
vALUE $5000
oil painting: BOTICELLI NUDE
Artist: Salvatore ZOFREA
Date of Birth: 1946
Title: " Botticelli Nude”
Year: 1979
Place of Birth: Borgia (Calabria) - ITALY
Place of Residence: Sydney - AUSTRALIA
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Image Size: 600mm x 500mm
Signature: Signed Lower Right (SLR)
DONATED BY ENRICO SACCARDO
vALUE $2800-$3500
7 DAY HOLIDAY
AT CASA DI LYNDALL
One week (7 nights) stay in Casa di Lyndall” plus lunch or dinner at Ristorante Malborghetto, to the value of 150 euro.
“Casa di Lyndall” is in the medieval village of Lecchi in Chianti, set in rolling hills, castles, vineyards & olive groves. It is 20 kilometres from Siena and is a perfect choice for a family or group of four people.
Casa di Lyndall is one of the favourite stays on AirBNB and one of the top picks in Tuscany.
For the auction the house is available from March to mid-June, and then from September to November.
Outside of this time a price can be negotiated but it is not included in the auction price.
Total Value approx (depending on holiday period) $2800 to $3,500.
DONATED BY LYNDALL HEDDLE - CASA DI LYNDALL
vALUE $300
WINE TASTING & PAIRED NIBBLES FOR 10 PEOPLE
Wine Tasting with Paired Nibbles for Ten People.
At DeVino Wine and Salumi, they believe life’s best moments are served with a glass of wine, a plate of salumi, and a side of great company.
Located in Phillip, Canberra, they are passionate about pairing premium wines, authentic Italian salumi, and artisanal cheeses to create unforgettable flavour experiences.
DONATED BY DEVINO WINE & SALUMI
vALUE $250
DERUTA ITALIAN CERAMIC PLATE & PARMESAN CHEESE BOWL WITH LID
Deruta Italian Ceramic plate and Parmesan cheese bowl with lid
Deruta ceramic tableware is completely handmade respecting the ancient tradition of ceramic craftsmanship.
DONATED BY LYNDALL HEDDLE
vALUE $200
STEPHANIE’S BOUTIQUE LINGERIE GIFT VOUCHER
Stephanie’s Boutique Lingerie is located in The Lawns in the heart of Canberra’s elegant shopping district of Manuka.
Owned by Fil since 1994, Stephanie’s has one simple philosophy that underpins every aspect of the boutique – Beauty and Comfort.
DONATED BY STEPHANIE’S BOUTIQUE LINGERIE
vALUE $1000
ming dynasty PLATE
Ming Dynasty Ceramic Plate
Description: Early "Ming Dynasty" Plate
Medium: Clay (Kaolin) / Porcelain
Dated: Circa 1390 to 1450 CE
Condition: Very Good - Minor chips / Hairline cracks
Size: 250mm x 60mm
Provenance: Purchased in Beijing - China 1951
Private collection in Australia - 1985
DONATED BY ENRICO SACCARDO
vALUE $500
catering event to the value of $500
Got a private birthday coming up? Having a big family BBQ? Are you looking for the perfect catering company?
Look no further than Sitting Ducks.
For 20 years, we have been providing exceptional private catering services that have blown away our customers no matter how big or small the function.
We offer menus that are creative, diverse, and suit all manner of private functions.
DONATED BY SITTING DUCKS CATERING
vALUE $320
paint pinot experience for 4
Join the fabulous team at Paint Pinot in Braddon and enjoy 3 hours of painting. The skilled artist will guide you to create a beautiful painting to take home.
Food and beverages are available for purchase. Paint Pinot is a no BYO venue
DONATED BY PAINT PINOT
vALUE $55 EACH
dinosaur family pass x 4
Dinosaur Family Pass x 4 - Value $55 each
Discover one of the biggest permanent collections of interactive dinosaurs in Australia.
The museum's exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of life, with a particular focus on dinosaurs. It features captivating indoor and outdoor exhibits with life-size replica dinosaur models, real and replica skeletons, bones, fossils, crystals, meteorites and more.
The museum provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
DONATED BY NATIONAL DINOSAUR MUSEUM
vALUE $40
italiy unveiled - a journey in poetry
English-Italian Parallel Edition
Luke Whitington is one of Australia's most beloved poets. He has led a remarkable life spending nearly 20 years in Italy.
In Italy Unveiled – A Journey in Poetry, Luke Whitington brings us his latest collection of poems - a tribute to Italy and twenty years of life he spent there.
The Italian translation was completed by Michael Curtotti.
DONATED BY LUKE WHITINGTON