Live Auction Preview: Bid High to Build Forward!

The Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala is just around the corner - Saturday, April 26, is nearly upon us! Get excited to bid on some incredible auction items to support affordable homeownership in the Twin Cities. Take a look at the items that will be included in our Live Auction below. 

A Week in Beautiful Kauai, Hawaii

Donated by: Canetani Properties, Dave and Jane Moline, and Friends of Habitat

Want a fun family getaway? Visit the gorgeous Waipouli Beach Resort on Hawaii's beautiful island of Kauai. You and your family will stay in a luxury penthouse with unforgettable ocean views, two master suites, three bathrooms, two soaking bathtubs, designer furnishings, a private lanai, and heavenly beds. Enjoy central air conditioning, wall mounted TVs in every room, and a state-of-the-art kitchen equipped with top quality appliances. The resort features a stunning pool, waterslide and waterfall, perfect for kids of any age. It is centrally located in the historic town of Kapa’a near shops, restaurants, the bike path and provides easy access to both the north and south shores of Kauai. Also included is a $500 gift card for Delta Air Lines. 

Note: Travel dates to be agreed upon by donor and winner, some blackout dates apply. Travel must be completed by April 26, 2026.

A Week in Belize

Donated by: Bruce and Lisa Paradis and Delta Airlines

Experience a private paradise at Blue Tang Inn in Belize. Located in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, Blue Tang Inn is one of the town’s most charming beachfront inns. This is a six night/seven day stay for two people in an ocean view suite which includes daily continental breakfast and a half-day kayak rental for two. The suite offers a full kitchen and air conditioning. Relax by the private pool or rejoice on the third-floor sundeck with inspiring panoramas of the ocean and reef. 

And if this package isn’t already decadent enough, two International Delta One tickets are included. As one of the most exclusive cabins in the sky, Delta One offers spacious lie-flat seats, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and use of Sky Priority services — all perfected by luxurious details that truly make a difference.

Note: Valid from May 1 to December 14, 2025, or May 1 to December 14, 2026.

Willamette Valley Wine Weekend

Donated by: Norm and Kathy Baer and Friends of Habitat

Partake in a luxurious stay for two nights as Norm and Kathy Baer's guest in Oregon. Two guests will stay in their guest suite which includes one bed, one bath, kitchenette, private entrance, and patio overlooking Willamette Valley. The principal wines are world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, including sparkling wine. There are dozens of vineyards and wineries within just a few minutes' drive from their home. They can provide recommendations and conduct a day-long tour to small places unknown in Minnesota that are making fantastic wine. Finally, enjoy a dinner provided by the hosts (with wine, of course) one evening. Also includes a $500 Delta gift card to help get you there. 

Note: Travel dates to be mutually agreed upon by donor and winner. Stay must happen within a year. 

Week in Luxurious Park City, Utah Home 

Donated by: Brendan and Jana Johnson and Friends of Habitat

Escape for a week to a gorgeous vacation home in Park City, Utah. Overlooking the ruggedly beautiful Wasatch Mountains, this luxurious home sleeps ten and is decked out with a theater room, game room, gym, and five adult-size mountain bikes to use as you please. Go in the winter and you’ll be minutes away from multiple ski resorts, including Deer Valley, which is consistently voted the number one ski resort in the country. Or, go in the summer and you can hike on 400+ miles of trails, rent jet-skis or kayaks, and try your hand at fly-fishing. To help you get there, Friends of Habitat have donated a $500 Delta Gift Card.

Valid June 1, 2025 to June 1, 2026. Not available September 15-October 4th, 2025 and January 19-31, 2026.

Beth Dooley In-Home Dinner with Wine Pairings from Solo Vino

Donated by: Beth Dooley and Solo Vino

Experience the best in local seasonal cuisine with a private in-home family-style dinner for eight, prepared by chef Beth Dooley, paired with a wine experience from Chuck Kansky, proprietor of Solo Vino. For over 30 years Beth has celebrated the local food scene and the bounty of America’s Northern Heartland. Beth is a James Beard Award-winning food writer who has authored and co-authored over a dozen books, including The Perennial Kitchen: Simple Recipes for a Healthy Future and The Steger Homestead Kitchen: Simple Recipes for an Abundant Future. Beth also writes for the Taste section of the Minnesota Star Tribune and appears regularly on KARE-11 and MPR Appetites with Tom Crann. 

Note: Dinner must be on a mutually agreed date (with flexibility as work/life may demand rescheduling). Not valid July or August 2025. Expires April 26, 2026. 

Minnesota Twins vs. Toronto Blue Jays Suite

Donated by: Securian

Cheer on the Twins in luxury with this suite package on Friday, June 6. You and 23 of your closest friends get to experience a Friday evening game against the Toronto Blue Jays from a comfortable suite at Target Field, with a prime view for the post-game fireworks. Plus, your group will receive $500 toward food and beverages. 

Barbette Wine Tasting with Chris and Connie Coleman

Donated by: Barbette and Chris & Connie Coleman

You and nine of your friends can join Chris & Connie Coleman in a wine tasting at Barbette.  Named “Best French Restaurant, populist vote” by Mpls St. Paul Magazine, Barbette is simply good food, all day and night. Enjoy the tasting, complete with light appetizers, in their private event space. 

Event to take place on a mutually agreed upon date. Expires April 26, 2026. 

In addition to these items, there will be dozens of great silent auction items! You can even bid on the silent auction from the comfort of your home—bidding opens on Wednesday, April 23. Get ready and excited to bid high!

Still have questions about the event? Take a look at our FAQs here.