Gala Auction Items Announced

The Shaw Main Streets gala is here!  As part of the amazing event on Wednesday, April 18, 2012,  the following eleven auction packages will be auctioned off by the hilarious and larger than life drag queen Lena Lett.  Don't miss out on the fun or the opportunity to win one of the fabulous packages; be sure to purchase tickets here and attend the extraordinary  event!


1. The Bitten Word Dinner Party for Six- The Bitten Word is an internationally known food blog written here in Washington, DC, by creators Zach Patton and Clay Dunn. The website chronicles the men's culinary adventures through beautiful photography and engaging tales from their kitchen. Saveur magazine named it a 2011 Best Food Blog, and in 2009 the London Times named it one of the World's Best 50 Food Blogs.

Zach and Clay will work with auction winner to curate a menu for six that they will cook – and potentially document on their blog – for the lucky winner and five other guests. The dinner will feature four seasonal courses (wine included) served at a to-be-decided location on a date that works for all parties.

Estimated value: $300

2. Dinner for Two at Corduroy - Tom Power’s highly acclaimed fine dining establishment Corduroy relocated to Shaw in 2008. The restaurant’s modern American menu is served in a tranquil elegant setting.

The winner of this package will receive a chef's surprise five-course tasting menu for two, available Monday through Thursday.

Estimated value: $130 value (excludes pairings, tax and gratuity)

3. Wagtime Services Package and Gift Basket – Wagtime is a star business in the Shaw neighborhood. Its adorably renovated and sparkling facility on 9th Street is always abuzz with activity by way of its retail store, grooming center, and daycare and boarding facilities.

This package includes a gift basket of dog toys and treats, as well as a gift certificate for $250 dollars in services at Wagtime. The certificate is not valid for holidays.

Estimated Value: $300

4. Seasonal Pantry Pasta Making Class for Six – Seasonal Pantry has been drawing foodies to Shaw since its opening in 2011. From its tiny storefront on 9th Street, Seasonal Pantry sells prepared foods, hosts gourmet dinners, and holds cooking classes. Seasonal Pantry won Shaw Main Streets’ best new business of 2011 award.

This package is a pasta making class class for six at Seasonal Pantry. Learn how to make pasta from acclaimed Chef Dan O’Brien in DC’s most unique, foodie market.

Estimated Value: $294

5. Dinner for Four at Ristorante Tosca – The award winning Italian eatery Ristorante Tosca in downtown D.C. is owned by Shaw resident Paolo Sacco. It has been consistently named by Washingtonian Magazine one of DC’s top 100 restaurants.

This package is for a dinner for four for up to $200 (food only) at Ristorante Tosca

Estimated Value: $200

6.  Beau Thai Dinner Party/Cooking Class for Six - Beau Thai began serving its authentic, made-from-scratch Thai cuisine in the Shaw neighborhood in August 2010. It has quickly garnered a loyal following and fantastic reviews – it has been named in City Paper’s Best Of DC Readers’ Poll for two years in a row.

This package is a hybrid dinner party and cooking class for six. The creative forces behind Beau Thai will host six people at a centrally located, beautiful Shaw row house for a meal that’s part cooking class and part dinner party. During this intimate evening, you will nosh on delicious Thai appetizers and sip signature cocktails and wine while the main meal is prepared for you in front of you. Enjoy dinner by candle-light and then take a few recipes home with you to make on your own later.

Estimated value: $360

7. Rogue 24 Journey Dinner for Four – Rogue 24 is an interactive culinary experience where the kitchen is at center stage and diners experience a progression of 24 courses created by James Beard Foundation award winning Chef RJ Cooper. Chef Cooper’s vision is to remove traditional barriers to dining and showcase seasonal flavors in novel textures and presentations served directly from the creator.

This package is a dinner for four Rogue 24. The diners will enjoy Rogue 24’s signature twenty-four-course “Journey Menu.”

Estimated value: $480 (excludes pairings, tax and gratuity)

8. DC Taste Cooking Class for Four – DC Taste is the amazing caterer of the Shaw in Bloom Gala. Chef/owner Jennifer Tye is formerly an assistant chef instructor at L'Academie de Cuisine, a two-year veteran cook at award-winning Michel Richard Citronelle as well as Central Michel Richard in Washington.

This Package is a cooking class for up to four people in your home with Chef Tye. The winning bidder can choose from a variety of cooking classes (like hors d’oeuvres, classic French dishes, breads, pasta, desserts, and knife skills classes).

Estimated Value: $500

9. Four In-Field Box Seat Nationals Tickets - This package is for four in-field box seat tickets to a 2012 season Nationals game. Tickets are based on availability on a mutually agreed date, excluding opening day, post-season, marques and prime games.

This package made possible by The Washington Nationals.

10.  Have a Drink Named for You at The Passenger – The Passenger, Shaw's nationally-recognized home of creative cocktails, will name a drink created with your preferences in mind (flavors and ingredients, like sweet, gin, cherry, vodka, etc.), which will be available at the bar for one week and promoted on Facebook andTwitter. You'll be able to go to The Passenger and ask for the "Joe Smith" (insert your name), and have your friends (and total strangers) do the same.

This prize has a suggested starting bid of $250.00.

11. Virginia Getaway for Two – Flint Hill, Virginia, is a peaceful retreat that feels worlds away but that is about an hour and a half from Washington. The historic community is nestled in beautiful Rappahanock County, Virginia, where wine tasting, antiquing, dining, and hiking are part of the way of life.

This package is a two night stay at the beautifully renovated Flint Hill Public House and Country Inn. Stay in one of the Inn’s luxury suite features, each of which feature a king-size bed and a private bathroom with an oversized shower, luxury linens, cable TV, free high-speed Internet, and much more.

Nearby Rappahanack Cellars has donated a Premium wine tasting, tour, and olive oil tasting for two.

Estimated Value: $300

Shaw in Bloom: Shaw Main Streets' 2012 Gala

Much of my time lately has been spent helping plan the Shaw Main Streets' 2012 Gala.  The catered event will take place on April 18 at Long View Gallery (1234 9th St., NW).

It's going to be a stellar night of fun -- we'll have live jazz from Laissez Foure, we're having a live auction of fantastic packages conducted by Lena Lett (drag queen MC at Town night club), we're serving a signature drink by Derek Brown of The Passenger along with wine, beer and catered food by DC Taste, and we'll have Shaw-centric flourishes throughout the night.

I've been chair of the board of Shaw Main Streets for the past year. As Chair, it's been my goal for Shaw Main Streets to become a more visible, value-adding organization to the businesses and residents alike.  From the tulips currently blooming along Ninth Street planted by volunteers the past three falls to our Clean and Safe team on the street most days of the week to the special events like Art All Night to storefront improvement projects in the works, I hope you find that we're making the Shaw neighborhood a better place.

By sponsoring or attending this gala, you can help Shaw Main Streets continue improving the Shaw neighborhood.

Purchase tickets in advance here!  Check out sponsor opportunities here.

Shaw in Bloom:  Shaw Main Streets' 2012 Gala
April 18, 2012, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, NW

Shaw Art Walk: The Convention Center and Beyond

Mark your calendars: on Wednesday, February 8, six Shaw galleries will host open houses and the Convention Center will offer a rare evening guided tour of its extensive art collection!  View the press release here and RSVP/share on Facebook here.

Below are the details:

A night of arts including a tour of the Convention Center’s art collection and open houses at six galleries

(Washington, DC) Today, Shaw Main Streets, Events DC, and ANC2C04 Commissioner Rachelle Nigro announced they will host the inaugural “Shaw Art Walk,” a rare evening tour of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center’s extensive art collection and open houses at six notable galleries. This special event will take place on Wednesday, February 8th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Ralph Brabham, President of the Board of Directors of Shaw Main Streets, noted “Shaw is the epicenter of arts in Washington, DC. Anchored by the Walter E. Washington Convention Center – which boasts the largest public art collection in D.C. – numerous galleries opened in the historic neighborhood in the past decade, all within walking distance of one another. This evening will be a celebration of our rich cultural resources.”

The galleries include Civilian Art Projects (1019 7th St., NW), Contemporary Wing (1250 9th St., NW), Lamont Bishop Gallery (1314 9th St., NW), Long View Gallery (1234 9th St., NW), Maruka Gallery and Boutique (1300 9th St., NW), and Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., NW). Galleries will remain open until 9 p.m. for the Shaw Art Walk. Maps and descriptions of the galleries’ shows will be available at each gallery and at the conclusion of the Convention Center tour.

The Convention Center tour will start from the Mount Vernon Square entrance to the Convention Center and will last approximately one hour. The tour will start promptly at 6:30 p.m., and participants are encouraged to arrive at the Convention Center at 6:15 p.m.

Following the event at 9 p.m., participants are encouraged to enjoy the art of the cocktail at The Passenger which is located at 1021 7th St., NW.

This will likely be the first of many Shaw Art Walk nights.

Shaw Art Walk: The Convention Center and Beyond

6:15 - Convention Center Art Collection Tour (Meet at the Mount Vernon Square Entrance to the Convention Center)

6 to 9 p.m. - Open House at Galleries

9:00 p.m. - After-Party at The Passenger

Facebook Event Page

From SMS: Fun with Festive Flowers at Convention Floral Saturday

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 17) from 12:30pm to 6:30pm, Convention Floral will host a "Fun with Festive Flowers" open house.  A Facebook event page has been set up here.

Shaw Main Streets forwarded details of the event:

Convention Floral is transforming the shop into a winter wonderland and they want to help you do the same in your home!

Sit with Nubia, the owner of Convention Floral, and learn to create your own beautiful centerpiece for a personal touch to your holiday decor.

They'll provide the flowers and supplies plus light refreshments—just bring yourself and some holiday cheer. This is a fun way to kick off the season and your finished arrangement will be even more special because you made it yourself. Plus, Nubia will share extra tidbits on easy but eye-catching ways to decorate every room of your home.

The cost to participate will be 40% off the store value of your arrangement. This covers the sitting fee, cost of supplies, and refreshments. You can have your arrangement delivered anywhere in DC for an additional $11.95, or you can simply take it home with you.

Session times are 12:30, 2, 4, and 5:30. Each session will last about an hour. SEATING IS LIMITED; they can only accomodate 10 participants per session. Please call 202-939-0510 if you have any questions.

Convention Floral
1920 Ninth Street, NW
202.939.0510

From SMS: Holiday Party Monday!

From Shaw Main Streets comes a reminder about its annual holiday party, which will take place on Monday:

It's that time of year, once again. Shaw Main Streets and the businesses of central Shaw invite you to celebrate the season at the annual SMS Holiday Party, featuring food and beverages from neighborhood businesses.

This year's party will take place on Monday, December 5, 2011, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Old Dominion Brewhouse, 1219 9th Street, NW, in the private party room.

Come enjoy food, wine and beer from new businesses and old favorites, meet neighbors, business owners, developers, and others who are helping to transform Shaw, and dance the Electric Slide, Shaw's official party dance.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. No reservations are required.

Shaw Main Streets Holiday Party 2011
Monday, December 5
7PM to 9PM
Old Dominion Brew House
1219 Ninth Street, NW

From SMS: Small Business Saturday and Open House in Shaw 11/26

This Saturday (November 26, 2011) is Small Business Saturday, a great excuse to patronize our fantastic local businesses and knock out some holiday shopping.  It's also the date of the semi-annual Shaw Main Streets open house, so the day will be full of fun and prizes.

From Shaw Main Streets::

Free Food, Drinks, Shopping Bags, Posters, and Prizes at Small Business Saturday in Shaw, 11/26/11, 1-4 PM

On Saturday, November 26, 2011, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Shaw will celebrate Small Business Saturday, as part of a nationwide shop local promotion sponsored by American Express. This is the second year for the national promotion, but the first time DC Main Streets will participate. Bus posters featuring three Shaw businesses are part of the overall promotional package.

Check out the activities taking place on Saturday and come out and join the fun. Get free reduced size color reproductions of the Metro bus ads autographed by the business owners, and free Shaw Main Streets recyclable shopping bags, while supplies last.

Here's the schedule of events:

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Open House at participating Shaw Businesses. Free SMS Open House Passports available at each location will entitle you to enter a drawing for prizes from all participating businesses. Each business will provide free food samples, refreshments, or special offer coupons. Passports can be picked up at the three businesses featured in the bus ad campaign (see below), and other participating businesses.

1:30 PM: Poster signing at Wagtime Pet Spa and Boutique, 1232 9th Street, NW. Free 11" x 14" posters will be available, while supplies last.

2:30 PM: Poster signing at Cheryl A. Lofton and Associates and A Divine Shine, 719-723 T Street, NW. Free 11" x 14" posters will be available, while supplies last.

3:30 PM: Poster signing at Nellie's Sports Bar, 900 U Street, NW. Free 11" x 14" posters will be available, while supplies last. 4:00 PM: Drawing for prizes, Old City Green, 902 N Street, NW.

Another Great Tulip Planting

This past Sunday's tulip planting was a big success -- the weather was gorgeous, the most-ambitious-planting-to-date was carried out to completion in the allotted time and, I think, everyone had a good time.  Thanks to all who helped fund the planting and to all of the volunteers who worked so hard weeding, digging, planting, and mulching.  And thanks to Frank Asher and the crew at Old City Green and to Alex Padro and Shaw Main Streets for helping organize and execute the project.  In all, we planted 1,600 tulips in 75 tree boxes on Ninth Street between N and Florida Avenue. 

Look forward to seeing Ninth Street in bloom in a few months and for years to come!

THIRD ANNUAL NINTH STREET TULIP PLANTING SPONSORS:

1905 Restaurant -- Bread for the City -- Convention Floral -- Frank Snodgrass -- Independence Federal Savings Bank -- Jordin's Paradise Dance & Fitness  -- Long View Gallery -- Old City Green -- Salem Baptist Church

Flower Power - Tulip Planting This Sunday

Back in 2009, Frank Asher of Old City Green and I got together to organize the first Shaw Main Streets tulip planting on 9th Street. It’s been such a pleasure to see the blocks in bloom each spring since, and the plantings have proven to be fun community efforts.

This Sunday (October 30, 2011) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be the third annual tulip planting on 9th Street. And this year is our most ambitious bulb planting yet -- we're planting thousands of tulips in tree boxes in the 1300 to 1900 blocks of 9th Street, NW (we're also weeding, mulching and putting down chicken wire to protect the bulbs from squirrels), with a heavy focus on boxes north of Rhode Island Avenue (which have never been the subject of our plantings).

To carry out this year’s project, we need help! If you’d like to make Shaw bloom for years to come, then plan on meeting up with neighbors and business owners at Old City Green (902 N Street, NW) at 10 a.m. to get started (late comers welcome too...). Bring your own gloves and tools; bulbs, other supplies and refreshments will be provided.

We are also in need of financial sponsors for the event. $55 covers the cost of the bulbs, soil and mulch for 1 box.

Contact me (renewshaw@gmail.com) for more information or to make a donation to the event.

Third Annual Ninth Street Tulip Planting
Sunday, October 30, 2011 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet at Old City Green (902 N Street, NW)

MANY THANKS TO OUR CURRENT (AND GROWING) LIST OF SPONSORS:

1905 Restaurant -- Bread for the City -- Convention Floral -- Frank Snodgrass -- Independence Federal Savings Bank -- Long View Gallery -- Old City Green -- Salem Baptist Church

Third Annual Tulip Planting October 30

Mark  your calendar:  on Sunday, October 30 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. is the third annual tulip planting on Ninth Street.  We're hoping to have the biggest tulip planting event yet -- with a heavy emphasis on the treeboxes between Rhode Island Avenue and U Street. 

If you're interested in sponsoring a tree box for $55 (and getting a shoutout for the same on this blog and in other places for the same), e-mail shawmainstreets@gmail.com.

Third Annual Ninth Street Tulip Planting
October 30, 2011
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet at Old City Green at Ninth and N

Callbox Project Organization Meeting Saturday

This Saturday (8/27/2011) at 3:30 in Conference Room 2 at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, the Shaw Main Streets Design Committee is holding an organizational meeting for the execution of a project to repurpose thirteen historic police and fire callboxes throughout the neighborhood.  The cast iron relics, many over century old, will each be transformed into beautiful historical markers, providing information about the surrounding area and each receiving an artistic overhaul.

The call boxes, some of which were originally the bases for gas streetlights, facilitated calling for assistance in the days before cellphones. The boxes covered by the project are located at 10th and N, 8th and N, 6th and N, 7th and P, 6th and R, 6th and S, 9th and S, 8th and T, 7th and Rhode Island, 8th and Q, 9th and Rhode Island, and 10th and Rhode Island. All are in various states of disrepair – some are mostly intact, some are missing parts and some are missing altogether.

One of the callboxes to be repurposed

Upon completion of the transformations, the callboxes will be another interesting draw to the neighborhood. Maps will be available at local businesses for self-guided tours, a website will be set up to help with their promotion, and local youth will be trained for providing tours of the call boxes.

If you are interested in taking a substantive, leading role in the project, please rsvp to shawcallbox@gmail.com and plan on making this Saturday’s meeting. Some of the upcoming tasks that will be assigned include fundraising, analyzing best practices of similar projects elsewhere, revising/editing text for callbox plaques, securing historic images for the plaques, and obtaining quotes from vendors on casting plaques and missing parts.

Happy Hour Benefiting Shaw Main Streets Next Thursday

Next Thursday night from 6:30 to 9 at Etete Restaurant (1942 Ninth Street, NW), there will be a happy hour benefiting Shaw Main Streets.   In addition to drinking for a good cause (Etete is generously donating a portion of its proceeds that night to the commercial revitalization nonprofit), you'll have the chance to the  Bid on one of several fantastic silent auction items or win a prize for best beach attire (yes, beachware is encouraged).

Bring friends and spread the word!  There's a facebook event set up for the happy hour here.



Happy Hour Benefiting Shaw Main Streets
August 11, 2011, 6:30 to 9 PM
Etete, 1942 Ninth Street, NW
For more information, e-mail shawmainstreetsinc@gmail.com or call 202.265.SHAW

Shaw Main Streets on Facebook

Shaw Main Streets, which has a new website in the works and is working on upping its e-presence, is now on facebook!  Like their page here to keep up with what's going on.

Annual Lower Ninth Street Open House Next Thursday

Next Thursday (June 16, 2011) from 6 to 8 PM, businesses on the 1100 through 1500 blocks of Ninth Street, NW, will open their doors and offer free samples of their food and beverages, and non-food businesses will offer refreshments, as they all celebrate the revitalization of the Shaw neighborhood's historic commercial corridors.

Pick up a free event passport at any participating business and collect six stamps from businesses in order to be entered in a drawing for prizes donated by the businesses.

A few highlights:

Don't miss newly opened Seasonal Pantry at 1314-1/2 Ninth Street, NW, where you can sample some of their deletectable local gourmet food items, including products available nowhere else.

Stop by Chatman's D'Vine Bakery and Cafe at 1239 Ninth Street, NW, for samples of their renowned sweet potato pie and award-winning cupcakes.

And visit outdoor garden center Old City Green at 902 N Street, NW, for some refreshing rosemary lemonade. The event takes place rain or shine. Sponsored by Shaw Main Streets.

For more information, call 202-265-SHAW or email shawmainstreetsinc@gmail.com.  Check out the event website here 

Shaw Main Streets Open House on Lower Ninth
Thursday, June 16, 2011
6 to 8 PM

Hit the Links: First Annual Shaw Main Streets Golf Classic

Monday, June 27 is the date of the First Annual Shaw Main Streets Golf Classic. The event is organized by local businessman and Shaw Main Streets board member Barry Lumsden of Lumsden Nationwide Insurance Agency (1525 Ninth Street, NW). It should provide a great break from the office and a fantastic opportunity to network and talk shop with local businesses, and would make for a great summer associate activity for law firms with interests in the Shaw area.

The event will be held at the beautiful Enterprise Golf Course (2802 Enterprise Road Mitchellville, MD 20721). Registration will be at 8:00 AM, driving range and putting green access is from 8 to 8:45 a.m., and a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

An entry fee of $110 covers your green fees, a cart, lunch, dinner and refreshments, as well as trophies for at an award presentation. Sponsorship opportunities exist as well ranging in price from $100 to $2,000, each with different perks.

For more information and to sign up, contact Barry R. Lumsden at 202-387-1160 or lumsdeb@nationwide.com.

All proceeds benefit the programs and services provided by Shaw Main Streets, Inc.

First Annual Shaw Main Streets Golf Classic
Monday, June 27, 2011 8 a.m.
Enterprise Golf Course
2802 Enterprise Road
Mitchellville, Maryland 20721

From SMS: Flowers for Mom from Convention Floral--Free Delivery in DC!

From Shaw Main Streets comes a reminder to buy local this Mother's day:

Convention Floral, located at 1920 9th Street, NW, is a Shaw Main Streets Business Supporter Member and Best New Business award winner. Be sure to tell them, "Shaw Main Streets Sent Me!" when you stop by, call, or go online to order flowers for Mother's Day.

It's not too late to place your order and have flowers delivered in time for mom's special day anywhere in the country or overseas. Please use a local Shaw florist instead of national 'order gatherers.'

The Magnificent Mom Bouquet $54.95


Give Mom wings with fragrant pink lilies and roses in an elegant glass vase decorated with hand-etched designs, from the Faith Hill Collection.


She's always been there for you. Honor the "Mom" in your life with a beautiful floral bouquet that is sure to make her spirits soar.

To place your order for Mother's Day, call or visit Convention Floral today. FREE delivery in DC on orders placed on the Convention Floral web site (http://www.conventionfloral.com/).

CALL TODAY: 1-888-939- 0510 or 202-939-0510.

Convention Floral
1920 Ninth Street, NW
202.939.0510

April MCDC Shaw Streets Column

If you haven't yet grabbed a copy of this month's MCDC, check out a PDF online version of my monthly Shaw column here. In it, I write about the Shaw Main Streets Annual Meeting (in which A Divine Shine won first place for best new business of 2010), Seasonal Pantry coming to Ninth Street, and the Shaw Skatepark renovation.

Reminder: Happy Hour at The Passenger TONIGHT!!!

The time is nigh!  Grab friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family after work this afternoon and head to The Passenger (1021 Seventh Street, NW) for the first-ever Happy Hour Benefiting Shaw Main Streets! The event runs from 5 to 8 pm.

Hope to see you there!



Happy Hour Benefiting Shaw Main Streets
April 25, 2011, 5 to 8 pm
The Passenger, 1021 Seventh Street, NW
For more information, e-mail shawmainstreetsauction@gmail.com or call 202.265.SHAW

Bid! Hawaii, New York and RJ Are Calling Your Name!

There's still time left to submit an e-mail bid on the the three amazing auction items benefiting Shaw Main Streets!  You can read about the auction generally and about the Monday night happy hour here. 

Below are links to posts describing the three auction items.

1. A reservation for four at 8:30 on the grand opening night of Rogue 24 (value: priceless);

2. A one night stay in an Ocean View Room at EDITION hotel in Waikiki (value: ~$475); and

3. A one night stay in the brand new SoHo Courtyard by Marriott (value: ~$320+).

E-mail your bids to shawmainstreetsauction@gmail.com before noon on Monday (include in your e-mail -mail me a) your name, b) your contact information (phone), c) what item you’re bidding on, and d) the dollar value of your bid).  I will accept final bids in person at the Happy Hour next Monday as well. We will announce the winner at 7:30 p.m. You don’t have to be present for your bid to win, but you might get out-bid.
 
As of Friday, April 22 at 1:22 p.m., the Rogue 24 auction item has a bid of $150 and the SoHo Courtyard by Marriott auction item has a bid of $100.  Check the comments of the posts describing each item for the most current bid.  GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Happy Hour and Auction Benefiting Shaw Main Streets

As you know, next Monday (April 25, 2011) there is a happy hour benefitting Shaw Main Streets at The Passenger from 5 until 8 p.m. (check out the Facebook Event Page here).   The Passenger will generously donating ten percent of its proceeds during the happy hour to our great economic revitalization nonprofit.

As an additional enticement to attend, I’m happy to announce that three AWESOME items will be awarded to the highest bidder at next week’s Happy Hour. The items will each receive their own individual posts here on renewshaw.com describing them in full; you can link to the posts below.

Logistically, here’s how the auction will work:  From now until next Monday at noon (eastern standard time), I will accept e-mailed bids at shawmainstreetsauction@gmail.com.  Just e-mail me a) your name, b) your contact information (phone), c) what item you’re bidding on, and d) the dollar value of your bid. I will post the current bid for each item in the respective comment sections of the posts describing the items. I will accept final bids in person at the Happy Hour next Monday as well. We will announce the winner at 7:30 p.m. You don’t have to be present for your bid to win, but you might get out-bid.

Here are the items to be auctioned:

1. A reservation for four at 8:30 on the grand opening night of Rogue 24 (value: priceless);
2. A one night stay at EDITION hotel in Waikiki (value: ~$400+); and
3. A one night stay in the brand new SoHo Courtyard by Marriott (value: ~$320+).

E-mail your bids for any of the above items to shawmainstreetsauction@gmail.com in the coming days, and I look forward to seeing you at next Monday's happy hour! 

GOOD LUCK!!!

SMS Auction Item: One Night at EDITION Waikiki

Looking for a luxurious escape from the East Coast? Waikiki is calling your name! Marriott has generously donated a one night stay in an Ovean View Room at EDITION Waikiki for Shaw Main Streets to auction off (value is ~$475).

EDITION is Marriott International’s new hotel brand conceived by Ian Schrager. It combines the personal, intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience that Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott.

The Waikiki EDITION is gorgeous new hotel that would make an amazing escape from East Coast stresses. From the hotel's website:

The Waikiki EDITION is a stunning new Urban Resort conceived by Ian Schrager in a partnership with Marriott International. Luxe, yet simple and modern, The Waikiki EDITION hotel is a game-changer for the lifestyle luxury hotel experience combining for the very first time not only great design and true innovation, but also great, personal, friendly, modern service as well as outstanding, one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings..."all under one roof".

This highly stylized hotel will function as a "home away from home" for leisure and business travelers. In addition, it will also cater to the modern day business traveler by offering functional, technologically sophisticated working environments with the comfort and ease of actually conducting business in an "office away from the office".

The visionary reach of Ian Schrager— creator of the original boutique hotel—together with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott delivers in a delicate balancing act, the best of both worlds: polish with personality, perfectionism with individualism and comfort with charisma and charm.

Conceived in collaboration with architects George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg and landscape designer Deborah Nevins, The Waikiki EDITION is set in its own private oasis within walking distance to Waikiki’s celebrated surfer’s beach, marina and world-class shopping district.

The hotel will offer a restaurant by world renowned chef, Morimoto; the exclusive Crazybox; a unique Sunrise Pool with lushly landscaped gardens by Deborah Nevins; an exclusive Private Sunset Beach with it's own lagoon and imported sand from neighboring Hawaiian islands, providing the same experience as lying on a beach; an intimate Lobby Bar hidden behind a secret passage as if tucked away in a castle; a pool bar at Sunrise Pool and a bar at the Private Sunset Beach both under the sun and stars with spectacular views of the Yacht Harbor and Pacific Ocean; custom and individually designed Surf and Bikini Boot Camps, the first of their kind, for the ultimate in physical fitness, dramatic weight loss and loss of inches together with custom vegetarian and organic spa menus. Coupled with a full service spa will offer guests the unique opportunity to actually go on vacation and come home looking better, feeling healthier and pounds lighter!; the largest luxury ballroom on Oahu for weddings and special events; an outdoor movie theater under the stars, akin to a drive-in theater without the cars, offering first run movies, video and art installations; EDITION retail shop, complimentary high-speed wireless internet and much more. Once entering this Urban Resort with its own unique separate intense reality that offers the best of Waikiki, there will be no need to leave the hotel for anything including dining, relaxing or entertainment.

Sounds amazing, right?!

Minimum bid is $100. There are no date restrictions on when it can be redeemed.  Expires April 23, 2012.

To bid on a one night stay at the EDITION Waikiki, either e-mail your bid to shawmainstreetsauction@gmail.com (check the comments of this post for the most current bid) or attend the Happy Hour Benefiting Shaw Main Streets at The Passenger on April 25 starting at 5. Bids will be accepted in person at the happy hour, but you need not be present to win (although you might be outbid). The winning bid will be named at 7:30.