2026 Child of America Gala Live Auction Experiences
Get a first look at the exceptional live auction experiences featured at Carver’s 2026 Child of America Gala, taking place this Friday, May 1. From unforgettable travel and exclusive entertainment to once-in-a-lifetime private dining, this year’s curated offerings are designed to inspire generous bidding and meaningful impact. Guests are invited to explore the experiences in advance and take advantage of early or proxy bidding—ensuring you don’t miss the opportunity to secure a remarkable experience while supporting Carver students and families.
Bid early or arrange proxy bidding by contacting:
Emily Berliet
Senior Development Manager
emily@the-carver.org, or 203-687-3288/mobile.
How It Works
Review the auction experiences below.
Choose the lot or lots you would like to bid on.
Contact Emily with your maximum proxy bid or early bid instructions. See instruction below for information on how your proxy bidding happens during the live auction.
Metropolitan Opera Private Box & Grand Tier Dinner for Eight
An Elegant Night at the Met
Treat eight guests to an extraordinary evening at the Metropolitan Opera with private box seats for Samson et Dalila on Saturday, December 12, 2026. The evening begins with a 6:30 p.m. dinner reservation for eight at the Grand Tier, followed by the 8:00 p.m. curtain.
Private box for 8
Grand Tier dinner reservation for 8
Saturday, December 12, 2026; 6:30 p.m. dinner; 8:00 p.m. curtain
Place Early or Proxy Bid here via email to emily@the-carver.org, or 203-687-3288/mobile.
Saturday Night Live Dress Rehearsal & Dinner
Go Inside an Iconic New York Night
Enjoy a truly iconic New York experience with two tickets to a Saturday Night Live dress rehearsal—an opportunity typically available only through a highly competitive lottery—on a mutually convenient date between October 2026 and May 2027. Complete the evening with dinner at Locanda Verde (either the original 377 Greenwich Street location or Hudson Yards), making for a seamless and memorable night in the City. Rare, exciting, and nearly impossible to replicate, this is a unique chance to experience one of America’s most legendary shows from the inside.
Mutually convenient date
October 2026–May 2027
Includes $300 Locanda Verde gift card
Place Early or Proxy Bid here via email to emily@the-carver.org, or 203-687-3288/mobile.
New York Giants VIP Game-Day Experience for FOUR
Experience the thrill of NFL football in style with four premium club seats at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. This exclusive package includes access to the VIP Coaches Club, featuring all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages in a private, upscale setting.
Feel the energy of the crowd, the intensity on the field, and the behind-the-scenes atmosphere that makes game day unforgettable. The 2026 NFL schedule will be announced in mid-May, adding to the anticipation of selecting the perfect matchup.
Details:
• Four Club Seats (Section 113, Rows 13 & 14)
• Access to the VIP Coaches Club
• All-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages
• MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
• Game date to be selected once schedule is released
Place Early or Proxy Bid here via email to emily@the-carver.org, or 203-687-3288/mobile.
Private In-Home Chef’s Tasting with Wine Pairing for Up to 10
Host an extraordinary evening of culinary artistry with a private chef’s tasting for up to 10 guests, held in your home or at a venue selected by the chefs. This exclusive experience will be prepared by Chef Damon Daye Sawyer—co-owner and creative force behind the acclaimed 29 Markle Ct in Bridgeport, known for his signature “elevated comfort cuisine”—and Chef Prasad Chirnomula, a renowned restaurateur and two-time James Beard Award semifinalist with three New York Times stars.
The evening is thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines curated by JoAnn LoGiurato, sommelier and Italian and French wine specialist, in partnership with Stew Leonard’s Wines & Spirits of Norwalk.
Elegant, intimate, and highly personalized, this experience offers a rare opportunity to bring restaurant-level excellence into a private setting for an unforgettable night of fine dining and connection.
Details:
• Private chef’s tasting for up to 10 guests
• Hosted in your home or a chef-selected venue
• Chefs Damon Daye Sawyer & Prasad Chirnomula
• Wine pairing curated by JoAnn LoGiurato
• Wines provided through Stew Leonard’s Wines & Spirits, Norwalk
• No expiration date for the dining experience (subject to chefs’ availability)
• Wines must be selected by May 2027
Place Early or Proxy Bid here via email to emily@the-carver.org, or 203-687-3288/mobile.
7-Night Private Tuscan Villa Stay for Up to 4 Guests
Escape to the beauty and tranquility of the Tuscan countryside with a seven-night stay in a private villa just beyond the ancient Etruscan walls of Cortona. This elegant 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom villa offers the perfect setting for relaxation and exploration, complete with modern amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living areas, and your own private swimming pool.
Surrounded by lush gardens and inviting outdoor living spaces, the villa is ideal for enjoying long, sun-filled days and unforgettable evenings—whether sharing a glass of wine, dining al fresco, or simply taking in the sweeping views of the Tuscan landscape.
Enhancing the experience is a traditional three-course Tuscan dinner prepared by a private chef in the villa, offering an authentic taste of the region in a truly intimate setting.
Elegant, restorative, and rich with Old World charm, this is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Italy’s most celebrated destinations—where every moment invites you to slow down, savor, and reconnect.
Details:
• Seven-night stay in a private Tuscan villa near Cortona
• Accommodates up to 4 guests (2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms)
• Private swimming pool and outdoor living areas
• Fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning
• Includes one in-villa traditional three-course Tuscan dinner by a private chef
• Experience available twice
Place Early or Proxy Bid here via email to emily@the-carver.org, or 203-687-3288/mobile.
Every winning bid directly supports Carver students and families, expanding access to the opportunities that shape bright futures. Thank you for being part of the 2026 Child of America Gala and for helping make this evening a true celebration of generosity, opportunity, and a world of possibilities.
How Early & Proxy Bidding Works During the Live Auction
If you are unable to attend the gala—or simply prefer not to bid in the room—you can still fully participate in the live auction through early and proxy bidding.
Here’s how it works:
1. Submit Your Maximum Bid in Advance
Before the gala begins, contact Carver’s Bid Assistant, Emily Berliet, and let her know which item you are interested in and the maximum amount you are willing to bid.
2. Your Bid Is Held in Confidence
Your maximum bid is kept completely confidential. It is not shared with the auctioneer or other bidders—only used to guide bidding on your behalf.
3. Real-Time Bidding on Gala Night
During the live auction, Emily will act as your representative in the room. As bidding progresses, she will raise the paddle for you—just as if you were there—incrementally advancing your bid only as needed to stay competitive.
4. You Stay in the Auction Without Overbidding
Emily will continue bidding for you up to (but never beyond) your stated maximum. If bidding exceeds your limit, she will stop automatically.
5. You Win—or Set the Pace
If your maximum bid is the highest, you win the item. Even if you are ultimately outbid, your early participation helps establish a strong opening price and momentum for the auction.
Why Use Proxy Bidding?
You can participate from anywhere
You won’t miss out if you are unavailable during bidding
You stay in control of your spending with a defined maximum
You help build early momentum for Carver’s most important fundraising moment
To place a proxy bid or ask questions, please contact:
Emily Berliet
Senior Development Manager
emily@the-carver.org or 203-687-3288/mobile