Pollinators & Flower Power RTPEC’s 5th Annual Benefit – Live Auction

A Private Magical Morning Garden Tour at River Road Farm in Hadlyme, CT and Champagne Brunch for 8 people
Opening Bid: $1,200

Internationally recognized horticulturalists, landscape and interior designers Robb Nestor and Bill Reynolds are opening their magnificent gardens in Hadlyme, Connecticut for a very special event, “A Private Morning of Garden Magic”. Eight guests will be welcomed at 10:00am to River Road Farm. Your hosts will escort you through these exceptional gardens offering information about the evolution of the landscape and answer your horticultural questions. The tour will be followed by a visual and culinary delight with a Champagne Brunch in the hilltop Garden Temple. You can access the River Road Farm Instagram account for a peek into the “magic”. An extraordinary and truly unique experience awaits the winning bidder.

A bespoke tour of Ecuador’s world-renowned birding sites with expert birder and travel guide, Andy Griswold, for 4 people
Opening Bid: $36,000

This all-inclusive 13 day trip takes you on the “Magic Birding Circuit”. You will visit four private birding reserves in four different ecosystems throughout Ecuador. Experience a birdwatching tour at its best as you visit the High Barren Plains and Paramo, Highland Rainforest, Cloud Forest, and Subtropical Rainforest.
This auction item is for FOUR (4) Persons and includes round-trip airfare from New York; an in-country flight; meals as outlined in full itinerary; a CT Audubon Guide; all transportation in the host country; lodging for 12 nights; reserve entry fees; and the services of local guides. Additional trip participants may be added by arrangement.

A Julia Child Gastronomic Adventure: A catered dinner for eight prepared by Chef Ani
Opening Bid: $800

Honoring dishes of the late Chef of French Cuisine, Julia Child, enjoy a delectable meal at RTPEC (former Bee & Thistle Inn) or at your home. Wines will be included, carefully selected by Chef Ani, who is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City, worked as a sous chef for Monique Barbeau, a protégé of Julia Child. This private dinner will consist of decadent, delicious and buttery French selections, including Duck Liver Mousse, Coq Au Vin, Reine De Saba, warm madeleines, conversations of Julia, French food & wine!

Live auction will be led by world renowned Senior Auctioneer C. Hugh Hildesley who has conducted some of Sotheby’s most prestigious sales, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Sale and the Property of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Silent Auction featuring items from the former Bee & Thistle Inn, custom gardening baskets, art from local artists & more!