Thursday, March 29, 2007
Appreciated by the CAA, and the LAB.
Donna Levinstone has once again donated to our event.We knew that Donna is renowned for her soft, natural landscape paintings. But did we know that Donna's work is officially endorsed by the The Cloud Appreciation Society ? Me neither.
Did we even know there was a Cloud Appreciation Society? Because I think my kindergartner would like to join. Just the other day, he almost startled me into oncoming traffic on East 84th Street, yelling out, "Look Mom!! A dragon!!!". Yikes.
So, next time we get into the car, perhaps I will provide him with a print-out of Donna's work so he can save himself the trouble of peering out the windshield. Many thanks to Donna.
Eye Caramba
Here's a few items that stand alone - well in any case their donors don't have websites. We are happy to list HL Purdy Optical, Eye to Eye Vision Center and Intensive Spanish Lessons among our list of participating vendors.
Just because we can't link 'em up doens't mean we don't appreciate 'em!
New Donations Coming!
Hi Everyone! I got me a pageful of new donations to log in. We've got some great stuff to tell you about. While I'm searching for websites (and hopefully finding them), you can check out this fabulously Della-Robiesque pieces from Vellum. Vellum ordinarily only sells to the trade , but since we have some extraordinary people out there soliciting, we'll be offering a goody from them onMay 5th .
Friday, March 23, 2007
Manny Out , Johnny In
Breaking sports news! I'm sure lots of people will be disappointed to learn that the Manny Ramirez Grill has been removed from Eb
ay with no further explanation. However, our Johnny Damon authentic signed baseball is still waiting patiently for its new home on May 5th . Yes, unlike Ebay, you can depend on Lab for all of your reliable sports memorabilia needs. Also, unlike Ebay, we don't care how high the bidding gets. Please feel free to bid any sort of astronomical amount you choose. It all goes back to the kids.
No word on the status of the Johnny Damon pumpkin.
No word on the status of the Johnny Damon pumpkin.

Thursday, March 22, 2007
Re-Living History...For a Cause
On March 22, 1933, Franklin D Roosevelt legalized the sale of beer and wine. Way to go, FDR! Let's honor this noble legacy by going out and tipping a glass. You'll find a phenomenal wine list (and generous, community-oriented management!) at our newest partner, David Burke & Donatella (shown) or any of these restaurants:

Cafe Gray, Porter House New York, Gramercy Tavern, Churrascaria Platforma, EtcEtc, and Mediterraneo.
A few great places to kick back and have a beer for a cause: Geronimo, EJ's, MJ Armstrong's, or Nick's Restaurant. If your local hangout isn't listed here yet, why not stop in for a beer and ask them if they'd li
ke to participate . Most local merchants are happy to help their community.
ke to participate . Most local merchants are happy to help their community. I'll be having my symbolic beer while "throwing hard balls on wood", as my friend Jenn would say. Lab sponsor Harlem Lanes has offered my running club bowling for 2 hours, unlimited pizza and beer at an awesome great price. I'll let you know if they live up to their rave reviews .
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Remember When....

...... this was what a birthday party looked like? Well, somewhere between that and this are about afew dozen other birthday celebrations for us all to plan, implement, and clean up after.
Make that One less!
Gymtime /Rhythm & Glue has donated a birthday party for 10 kids at their place! You can choose from five party themes and it wi
ll be orchestrated by Gymtime Coaches. Running, jumping, tumbling, climbing, and bouncing are all available at no cost to your sanity.They take care of the setting up and cleaning up. You will be a guest at your own party, free to enjoy time with your family and friends.
Thank You, Notes!
We are pleased to once again welcome Notes by Nanette to our vendor list.
Thank you to "Notes", and to all who are avidly working your connections to make this an awesome auction. I just received a pageful of new donations for the week.
While I'm busy linking them up to this blog , why not hang around awhile and check out Notes by Nanette's breathtaking website. I just love her soft, whimsical, elegant styles. Almost makes me want to have a baby again just to send out one of her announcements.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Green Day
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! When my Lab student had his first St Patrick's Day, it was 75 degrees. . ..Today, he went sledding! Gotta love east coast weather. While there are many green subjects about which I could post today, you are looking at A-Rod's 2006 hit chart. Alex Rodriguez is the starting 3rd baseman for the NY Yankees, the highest paid player in the history of Major League Baseball and often referred to as the best all-around player currently in baseball. He has had numerous MVP and Golden Glove titles and All-Star Game appearances.
I've got A-Rod on the brain today because we've received an A-Rod autographed baseball from a kindergarten parent. Wow, talk about not coming home from the auction with "something boring"! Bid on this and you can be a hero to both your kid, AND your kid's school.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Picture Yourself On The Red Carpet
...and bid on two passes to the Tribeca Film Festival . This pass entitles the lucky winner to selected events at the upcoming 2008 festival.Don’t let the name fool you—the Tribeca Film Festival is much more than just movies. With the TribecaESPN Sports Saturday, Tribeca Family Festival, the Tribeca Talks panel series, music events, special presentations for working and aspiring filmmakers, you could be quite entertained without entering a theatre. . . not that we recommend that approach!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
We're All In The Same Boat
....with some great steering efforts too! Thanks so much to the Solicitation Committee, for keeping us all apprised of our donations to date. And thanks to all who have solicited sofar. There's still plenty of time for everyone to get out there, work their relationships, and extort even more goodies for us.
On the nautical side, we have some wonderful donations worth mentioning. We've already talked about Bateaux New York a Parisian-style dinner cruise with breathtaking skyline views. We also have received a wonderful donation from Shearwater Sailing , who do custom charter cruises in the New York area on their romantic fleet of yachts. It bears mention that Shearwater is a repeat donor this year, and we thank them very much for their generosity.

On the nautical side, we have some wonderful donations worth mentioning. We've already talked about Bateaux New York a Parisian-style dinner cruise with breathtaking skyline views. We also have received a wonderful donation from Shearwater Sailing , who do custom charter cruises in the New York area on their romantic fleet of yachts. It bears mention that Shearwater is a repeat donor this year, and we thank them very much for their generosity.

Most recently, we've received a 3 hour Manhasset sunset cruise from EJH Corporation, whose website I cannot locate. EJH , you out there?
Those of you who have yet to solicit, please remember that these goods and services will be auctioned to benefit all of our children . Many merchants welcome a chance to reach out to the community...give them that opportunity to by soliciting!
Those of you who have yet to solicit, please remember that these goods and services will be auctioned to benefit all of our children . Many merchants welcome a chance to reach out to the community...give them that opportunity to by soliciting!
PS: Original watercolor (below) by Carolyn Stevenson - more on Carolyn soon!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Upgrade U
What's a March day without a Beyonce post? In the tradition of one more lively song re-writes I've heard, here are some of the posh boutique items we will be offering on Auction Night. To the tune of the outro that is permanently ingrained in my mind due to massiv
e radio replay........"....Valentino Handbag,
Oscar de La Renta ,
(Donated a nice scarf),
Siman Tu Ear Clips,
Tryst Down Jacket,
MD Skincare® Facials
Lotsa Lotsa Luxe links
6 star choc sweets
Partner let me upgrade you grade you..."
Let us introduce you to some new things on May 5th!
I Always Wanted To Try That Place
We have received donations from some seriously world class restaurants - we'd like to thank:Gramercy Tavern (pictured), Porter House New York, andCafe Gray ,as well as many neighborhood favorites .
Additionally, Private Chef and Lab Dad Tim Ryan has offered to come to your home and cook dinner for six! 

Monday, March 12, 2007
If You See Something, Say Something
If you're peeking at this blog, and you notice YOUR hard-earned donation is conspiculously absent from our list --- give a holler! If you would like to correct a fact, or add some information to my description of an item - set me straight!
I'm all ears.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Slightly More Graceful Than Patrick Ewing
On a collegiate level, the meaning of the word Hoya is much debated, misrepresented, and even jeered. However, we are all way past college and onto something much , much more difficult and that is life as a NYC elementary school parent. Those of you whose Lab kids have siblings know what I mean.Years after English 101 we all continue to build our vocabularies and today I was made awar
e of a different meaning to the word "Hoya". They are a lovely Japan-based Crystal Company , who create magnificent hand-blown vases and other decorative pieces.
e of a different meaning to the word "Hoya". They are a lovely Japan-based Crystal Company , who create magnificent hand-blown vases and other decorative pieces.
Also noteworthy is the generosity of this company, who have bestowed on us their "Cloud" crystal vase, valued at $1300. I cannot capture a photo of the Cloud vase, as it comes up on FlashPlayer, but you may see it on their site, as well as at the Auction on May 5th, where you can take it home and store your M&M's in it.
Interestingly enough,this reliable source defines the word to mean literally, "what rocks". I'd say a donation this generous does just that. Thank you to the Hoya Crystal Company
and to the diligent parent who procured this wonderful contribution.
and to the diligent parent who procured this wonderful contribution. 


