The Gather Auction Directory

Check back often as we continue to add new, exclusive items!

Live Auction Items

"Party Book" Buy-In Parties

Live Auction Items

Andy Warhol From A to B and Back Again
This is Andy Warhol as few get to see him: on a private tour for ten guided by SFMOMA’s head curating staff. A legendary figure in the history of post-war and contemporary art, Andy Warhol’s works are immediately recognizable around the world. Organized by The Whitney Museum, Andy Warhol at the SFMOMA will carefully reconsider each decade of Warhol’s prolific career and the ways his work tracked changing perspectives on both American pop culture and the sub-cultures he explored. In the evening, ten adults will join Janet Barnes and Thomas Weisel, MMS parents and leading contemporary art patrons, along with one of SFMOMA’s renowned head curators, for your own expertly guided visit through the exhibit. Then, Janet and Thom will host you for dinner at Michelin-starred In Situ where you will also enjoy wine from Janet and Thom’s private collection. In Situ, located within SFMOMA, is known as an exhibition restaurant, reimagining the traditional model of a restaurant by curating exclusive dishes from the best restaurants around the world. As Andy Warhol said, “Everyone needs a fantasy.” This one can be yours!

Value: Priceless; MINIMUM BID $10,000
Date: May 23, 2019, 5pm
Restrictions: Adults only (you’ll be inspired to take your kids back and share what you’ve learned about Warhol’s work)
Donated By: Janet Barnes and Thomas Weisel

Marimar Estate Tapas & Wine Pairing and 5L Bottle of 2002 Pinot Noir
At Marimar Estate, winemaking is a family affair. And what pairs better with family than MMS? Marimar chose MMS for her own daughter, Cristina’s, education, and Cristina now serves on our Board of Trustees. Marimar Torres has been involved in the wine business all her life, first in Spain in the Torres family wine business, and then in California in the 1970s, blazing a trail for women early in the California wine business. In 1983, she purchased a property in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley and proceeded to build Marimar Estate. The wines, made entirely from estate-grown grapes, are truly an expression of the terroir. The emphasis is on the vineyard -- and sustainable farming is a natural extension of Marimar’s philosophy. Savor Marimar and Cristina’s legacy! Four lucky people will become part of the Marimar Estate family for a day, complete with a tapas and wine pairing. You’ll enjoy four authentic Catalan tapas from Marimar’s cookbooks along with a selection of five Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, AND you’ll take home from The Gather a 5-liter bottle of their 2002 Estate Pinot Noir. Salud!

Value: $810
Expiration Date: January 1, 2020
Donated By: Marimar and Cristina Torres

Go Mad for Madcap!
Ron Siegel is known as one of the very best chefs in the Bay Area, intuitively balancing ingredients to turn out dishes that excite but never overwhelm. For us, he has teamed up with MMS parent and president of Marin-based importer Martine’s Wines Greg Castells. Together, they will host a one-of-a-kind evening for four people at Kim and Ron Siegel's latest venture, Madcap, in San Anselmo. Ron will create an 8-course dinner tasting menu showcasing the haute French cuisine with subtle Japanese touches upon which he built his formidable reputation at The French Laundry, Masa’s, the Ritz-Carlton’s Parallel 37, Michael Mina, and Rancho Nicasio. Greg will expertly pair the perfect wines, and you’ll enjoy it all in the comfort and luxury of Madcap’s artistic dining room.

Value: $950
Restrictions: Tips and taxes not included
Donated by: Kim & Ron Siegel, Madcap; Greg Castells, Martine’s Wines

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice with Allwyn
Fairmont San Francisco’s two-story, life-sized Gingerbread House has become a must-see attraction for guests from near and far. What child wouldn’t delight in the sight and aroma of more than 10,250 homemade gingerbread bricks, 1,650 pounds of candy and 3,300 pounds of royal icing? To make it even sweeter, Red-Tailed Hawk teacher Allwyn Fitzpatrick will escort up to 9 lucky young revelers to a private high tea INSIDE the edible house. The MMS carriage awaits the trip. Sorry grown-ups, kids only!

Value: $1,700
Date: December 16, 2018, 1pm
Restrictions: Up to 9 children, ages 6+
Donated by: Allwyn Fitzpatrick

Your Very Own Greatest Show on Earth
Ernest Hemingway said that the circus is the only fun you can buy that is good for you. So do yourself a favor: buy yourself the circus and comedy duo of Coventry & Kaluza! There's no reason for the enchantment of a Midsummer Night's Dream to end tonight. You can take the magic home with you for your own fun and amazement! Bid tonight on 1.5 hours of entertainment at your next birthday party or special event. Coventry & Kaluza will "wow" your guests and exceed your expectations with their uplifting, heartfelt, and dazzling performances. Come one, come all to your very own greatest show on earth!

Value: $550
Expiration date: November 3, 2019
Restrictions: Subject to performer’s availability


Photo: Lauri Levenfeld

New Year, New You! A Personal Consultation with Neka Pasquale, L.Ac. + Evo Spa Day for Two!
Hit the reset button and kick off the new year in vibrant good health! Neka Pasquale is a MMS parent, long-time licensed acupuncturist, and inspired founder of Urban Remedy, which provides the ready-to-eat, plant-based, organic meals, juices and snacks we all love. Neka will consult with you one-on-one about your personal health goals and curate either an Urban Remedy 3-day juice cleanse or meal plan based on your individual goals. You'll also receive Neka’s book, Urban Remedy: The 4-Day Home Cleanse Retreat to Detox, Treat Ailments, and Reset Your Health. Sharing her belief that food is healing, Neka will show you how to nourish every cell in your body so you can take on 2019 with vitality! Meanwhile, Neka's mother, Gail Ann, will treat you to a luxurious spa day at the fabulous Evo Spa.

Value: $1800
Expiration Date: November 3, 2019
Donated by: Neka Pasquale

Calder Farm-to-Table Weekend at Longview Ranch, Mendocino
Inspiration. Relaxation. Stunning views. Scrumptious food. MMS parent and Mourning Dove assistant Heidi Newell invites two families to a Calder-inspired, farm-to-table weekend at her industrial-chic Mendocino ranch. During the day, she will guide your children through a Montessori lesson on Alexander Calder’s playful works and take them on outdoor adventures to the nearby Redwoods or secret swimming holes. That leaves you to enjoy a weekend of relaxation, including visits to the local hot springs, a ranch ramble or lazing about in hammocks that overlook an uninterrupted view to the ocean. Meals will be luxuriously curated by chef, wine lover and Great White Egret parent Chris Losa, including a complete gastronomic feast on Saturday.

Longview Ranch is a modern, 3-bedroom home surrounded by 200 acres of Mendocino's dramatic wilderness. Your group will arrive Friday evening to settle in with hors d’oeuvres and wine around a bonfire. Saturday starts with a ranch breakfast followed by Heidi taking the children for their Calder lesson, picnic lunch and outdoor adventures while parents relax. All materials, supplies and meals will be provided. All you need to bring is your adventurous spirit, a hungry tummy and your best ranch duds.

Value: $2,000
Expiration Date: November 3, 2019
Donated by: Heidi Newell & James Vaughan

Rule the School! Head of School for the Day with Sam + Parking!
Back by popular demand! Do you think your child would like to be the leader of MMS for the day? Well, here is the chance for your lucky MMS student to assume Head of School duties alongside Sam. Join in the high-fives with Sam at morning drop-off (white sunglasses optional), navigate the balance beam or monkey bars together, help in Miss Brie's garden, and host a myriad of Very Important Meetings in Sam’s office while using his treadmill desk and taking notes on the chalkboard wall. The experience will wrap up with lunch, including up to 3 friends, and a debrief of the day with Sam. But that's not all! You'll also get a reserved parking space at the Corte Madera campus for the school event of your choice! Get ready to bid and launch your future head honcho straight to the executive suite!

Value: Priceless
Expiration date: November 3, 2019
Donated by: Sam Shapiro

Safari West Glamping with Lynn Gulick
Miss Lynn, the toddler whisperer, has guided generations of parents and their children through one of the most formative developmental planes of life. In this, her MMS retirement year, she has graciously offered to guide four lucky families on an overnight adventure at Safari West. No matter how old your child is now, we know Miss Lynn holds a special place in your hearts. Join her in our own local safari classroom, Safari West (aka, The Sonoma Serengeti), to see if you can spot a coalition of cheetahs, a cackle of hyenas, a conspiracy of lemurs, or even a fling of Sandpipers! Each family will spend their safari night in a luxurious tent with a king size bed and a double-sized bunk bed, after a day of communing with the many animals that live on the property. Dinner buffet and breakfast included. As they say in Swahili, “safari njema” or have a good trip!

Value: $3,000
Date: A weekend TBD in May 2019
Restrictions: Children must be 3 years or older to participate in tours
Donated by: Lynn Gulick

Tennessee Valley Overnight Adventure: Camping with Ranger Amy
Up to 8 families will experience an overnight adventure at Haypress Campground, located in the mystical, yet conveniently located Tennessee Valley, an easy three-quarters of a mile walk from the Tennessee Valley parking area. This overnight adventure is hosted by MMS parent and NPS ranger, Amy Brees, who will provide a whole slew of activities for up to 8 families or a total of 40 campers. Please leave your pets at home, but be sure to bring your own camping gear and an appetite for a catered dinner, followed by a continental breakfast with steaming hot coffee in the morning! Don’t miss out on this exclusive camping opportunity at a stunning GGNRA campground.

Value: Priceless
Date: Saturday, May 25 - Sunday, May 26, 2019
Donated by: Amy Brees


Insiders Tour of Lucasfilm + Disneyland Adventure + PlayStation 4
Take a super-exclusive tour of Lucasfilm with Lynwen Brennan, MMS Parent and Executive Vice President & General Manager at Lucasfilm. Go behind the scenes to find out, “How did they do that?!” Discover props, costumes and models used in some of your all-time favorite family films, including Star Wars, Jurassic Park and ET. View movie trailers and behind-the-scenes clips in Lucasfilm’s exclusive screening theater before enjoying lunch in the company dining commons. The adventure continues south where you will enjoy a two-night stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (sleeps up to 5) and Disneyland tickets for 4. Added bonus: a Star Wars Special Edition PlayStation 4 with Battlefront II and a gift bag full of Star Wars goodies!

Value: $2,250
Expiration date: Disneyland passes expire November 4, 2019
Tour has no expiration date
Restrictions: Tour participants will be required to sign a NDA, no tours available on weekends
Donated by: The Brennan Family

A Master Winemaker’s Dinner for 8 @ Perbacco
Take over the Chef’s Table at Perbacco to enjoy a one-of-a-kind, five-course Peter Paul Winemaker Dinner. Your host will be Martin R. Reyes, one of only 50 Masters of Wine in the country and named one of America’s top 40 under 40 Tastemakers by Wine Enthusiast. Martin will guide your group of eight through rare Peter Paul library selections from Martin’s personal cellar, as well as barrel samples from Napa Valley and the Russian River, including the famed Bacigalupi – a vineyard that helped California win the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris.

Sit back and enjoy as Chef/Owner Staffan Terje and Owner Umberto Gibin design a special menu just for you, bringing you the full range of flavors from Piemonte and Liguria.

Value: $2,500
Expiration Date: November 3, 2019
Donated by: Elena Sysovskaya and Peter Paul

"Party Book" Buy-In Parties

Due to popular demand, we are re-introducing a limited selection of Buy-In Parties this year! Unlike Live Auction items, which go to the highest bidder, these experiences are designed to maximize community building and feature a set ticket price. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis at The Gather. Don't be late!

The Good Stuff for Wine & Cheese Lovers
Whether you are an experienced wine collector or just enjoy sipping a glass or two with friends, MMS parent and president of Marin-based importer Martine’s Wines Greg Castells is sure to enrich your understanding. Martine’s Wines is known for their personal relationships with their producers. You’ll be in the very best hands as Greg guides you on a wine journey and shares his point of view. Greg will curate a tasting of rare, delicious, and important French wines, while his cheese-obsessed friends at Fisher’s will provide the finest cheese and charcuterie to nibble and nosh. Unwind from your day with MMS friends old and new, and enhance your understanding of good wine and food from two of the very best!

Partygoers: Adults
Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Tickets: 12 tickets, $200 per person/$300 per couple
Hosted by: Gregory Castells, Martine’s Wines; Fisher’s Cheese & Wine
Venue: Fisher’s Cheese & Wine, Larkspur

Little Builders, BIG WORK!
“Can we fix it? Yes, we can!” Sign up your children to build it with Mark & Pete. Nothing beats a real, live construction site for fun, learning, and adventure. Thanks to early generous donors to our BIG WORK capital campaign, remodeling of the 5164 Paradise Drive property into beautiful Montessori classrooms is underway! Your little builder or budding architect gets the chance to see behind the scenes with the construction crew, learn some hands-on skills, and have lunch at the worksite. All of this will be supervised by MMS Facilities Manager Mark Nichols and BAC Science Instructor Pete Hudson. “Mark and the gang have so much fun, working together they get the job done!”

Partygoers: Students ages 6-12
Date: March 25, 2019 (Monday, MMS inservice day)
Tickets: 10 tickets, $75 per person
Hosted by: Mark Nichols and Pete Hudson

Get the Kona Edge
MMS’s very own Primary Movement Specialist Kathy Winkler will inspire you to conquer your own (real or metaphorical) highest mountain, biggest distance, longest swim. As a busy mom of 2, Kathy Winkler turned a girls’ weekend into an Ironman career, becoming a world-class triathlon champion and instilling that self-discipline and joyful athleticism in her now-grown daughters. Our Primary students benefit from her warm coaching and encouragement every day at school. Let her inspire you, too! Spend the morning with Kathy hiking the Dipsea trail. She’ll share her training and nutrition expertise, tips for staying healthy, plus lots of motivation for you no matter your fitness level. After the hike, join Kathy at Urban Remedy in Mill Valley to connect with MMS parent and Urban Remedy founder Neka Pasquale, and enjoy a complimentary healthful lunch together. Who knows? Maybe this weekend will be your own turning point!

Partygoers: Adults and 13+
Date: TBD, Early 2019
Tickets: 12 tickets, $150 per person
Hosted by: Kathy Winkler and Neka Pasquale
Venue: Dipsea Trailhead, Mill Valley

The Heart That Gives, Gathers: Faculty Dinner Under the Stars
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” That’s a lesson our dedicated faculty and staff model each and every day as they pour love, patience, and kindness into our students and into their work. Here’s an opportunity to give it as good as they do! Each sign-up slot sponsors a faculty-and-staff-only seat at a sumptuous DINNER UNDER THE STARS at the le Duc family’s home to show our appreciation to our dedicated Marin Montessori faculty and staff.

Partygoers: MMS faculty and staff
Tickets: 54 tickets, $50 each
Hosted by: The le Duc Family and YOU!

Friday Night Disco!
F-R-I-D-A-Y Night! Drop off your little Bay City Roller at the le Duc’s house for an outdoor disco party! Think disco balls, glow sticks, dance floor, and DJ. Snacks, thirst quenchers, and get-your-boogie-on dance music provided! (Also provided, lots of adult supervision.) Friday, May 17, 6-8pm. Rain reschedules.

Partygoers: children ages 6+
Date: May 17, 2019
Tickets: 60 tickets, $25 per person (3rd & 4th sibling free!)
Hosted by: Lisa and Colin le Duc
Venue: The le Duc Outdoor Disco