Save the date!
Holmen Area Rotary Club's 18th Annual Service Auction
Friday Evening, May 1st 2026
Social Hour starts at 5 pm - Live Auction at 6 PM
New Venue!
Celebrations on the River
2100 Dawson Ave
La Crosse, WI 54603
|
||
|
|
|
|
Keep your eyes on this space as we announce the list of unique offerings for this year's auction!
This Years Sponsors-
Live Auction Items
1.) GOURMET CAKES - One of these delectable gourmet cakes can be yours, if the price is right. They’re way more better than your mama’s and not the usual ‘cake walk’ fare. And they taste as good as they look! Plates and forks are included so eat it here or take it home to enjoy! - Judy McHugh
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake - the perfect cake! salty peanut butter frosting. The chocolate drizzle & chopped Reese’s completes with layers of fudgy chocolate filling & topped with an abundance of sweet and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake - Extra rich and irresistible chocolate cake.
- Red Velvet Cake - Deep red layers of mild chocolate cake with white chocolate cream filling, buttercream frosting, white chocolate drip, and whole strawberries on top.
- Almond Raspberry Cake - A delightful almond flavored white cake with raspberry filling and creamy buttercream frosting. Topped with fresh, sweet raspberries & raspberry drizzle. A crowd favorite!
- Almond Raspberry n’ Blueberry Cake - The same delightful almond flavored cake with blueberry filling, blueberries and raspberries on top with raspberry drizzle!
- Classic Carrot Cake - Four layers of moist cake with freshly grated carrots and golden raisins. Filled with sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting and topped with toasted coconut and pecans. A wonderful classic!
- Chocolate Overload Cake - Deluxe chocolate cake with fudge filling, chocolate buttercream, chocolate ganache and chocolate curls on top. What’s not to love?
- Almond Raspberry Gluten Free Cake - Almond Raspberry with raspberry filling and a creamy buttercream frosting & it’s all gluten free!
2.) FISHING WITH A REGULAR GUY
Spend the day with Bob and Lucy (the dog) in their 16 foot boat fishing on the Mississippi river. Troll the wingdings or float worms over the top. Fling baits into the weeds of the backwaters or dibble the snags for panfish. Noodle for catfish if you so desire. Fishing on the Mississippi is never boring. You can catch a dozen fish in a day and they could all be different species. Or just hang out and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the river. Bob will provide the tackle if needed and pack a delicious shore lunch. If you do manage to catch something, he will even clean your fish for you at the end of the day. There is room to comfortably include two adults or an adult and a couple of kids or heck just send the kids and have some peaceful time to yourself. This could be done during the week or weekend on any mutually agreed upon date. Figure up to 6 hours of fishing fun. - Bob Buck
3.) SEAFOOD BOIL AND SUNSET CRUISE
Classic Seafood Boil for 6 guests served on our deck, overlooking a bay on the backwaters of the Black River. Cocktail hour with sodas, wines and spirits will precede the dinner and continue through the meal. Afterwards, we will go on a pontoon boat cruise down the Black River and out onto the main channel of the Mississippi, returning as the sun goes down over the bluffs. We can then hang out on the deck again and converse by the light of the fire table. - Dean and Nancy McHugh
4.)DOG SITTING
One Year of unlimited Free Dog Sitting for One dog in my home. Dog owner must provide food during the stay(s). Subject to availability and two week notice of stay request is preferred. I will pick up dog from you within 30 mile radius of Onalaska and return at end of stay. I am a background checked and approved pet sitter through Rover.Com. My home does have other dogs who will make great playmates to entertain your furry family member while you are away. Your pet will come home happy and tired! - Jamie Thielker
5.)GOLF ESSENTIALS- Are you a true Brewers fan? No one will question your loyalty when you show up on the course with this set of Brewer's golf gear. This year’s package will include a golf bag, club covers, and a golf umbrella - Ryan Olson
6.) SPECIAL OCCASION CAKES
Up to 4 cakes baked and decorated just for your special occasion. Birthday, Anniversary, First Communion or to cure the Monday Blues Cake. - Callie Horstman
7.) LEW HARNED SCOTCH WHISKY SOCIETY TASTING
The Whisky Sampler with 3 single malt scotch and glasses, includes a distinctive pin to the Lew Harned Society Rotary Fellowship. The Madison Scotch Whisky Fellowship Group was renamed the “Lew Harned Society”. Also included is a bottle of Balvenie 21 single malt Scotch whisky presented in a box signed by 101 year old WW II veteran Lew Harned. Along with the book 'Scotland’s Spirit: The definitive guide to the maters craftsmen and bold visionaries who created Scotlands’s world-renowned single malt whisky tradition' , and a box of chocolate liqueurs. - Todd Ondell
8.)GIFT OF FLIGHT -
Wait no longer. Let’s go to breakfast in Reedsburg, Marshfield, Boscobel, Red Wing or Wisconsin Dells at the Casino. Or, if mornings aren’t your thing, let’s fly to Eau Claire and have dinner at Hangar 54… I will fly you there in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk. The meal is secondary to the joy of soaring like an eagle. Great for one person or a couple.
Included in the package is a first-class flight, food and “special commemorative gift”…..
Plan for 3 hours from start up to back at the hangar in La Crosse – Your adventure could be any day of the week that works best for you. You will be equipped with a live intercom headset to experience first-hand communication between the pilot and the control tower…. You will have the opportunity to fly the airplane via Visual Flight Rule with the option to track the flight on two separate GPS instruments, all from the confines of the front seat. You are even allowed to “Text and fly”…. Cell phone communication is guaranteed.
Why not experience what almost every young kid would love to do… Let’s Soar Together!!!
Value of the package:
· Commemorative gift set: $150
· Flying in private plane: Priceless! - Larry Bodin
9.)WINE SPIRITS AND MORE -
Wine, Spirits and more. This will be a foodie delight. I will be your chauffeur. I will pick you and another couple up, at your home, and whisk you away for a day of wine, spirits and culinary delights. We will start at the distillery in downtown La Crosse for a flight of their most popular spirits with hors d'oeuvres to match. If you prefer beer over spirits, we can accommodate you here. I will send each couple home with their favorite bottle to sample long after the day is over. Next stop will be Elmaro Winery for some "Bites and Flights." Their staff will guide you through a tasting of 5 wines and small bite food pairings, while describing each over the course of an hour. A winery tour will also be arranged because we will have to walk it off to make room for dinner. And yes, each couple will be sent home with their favorite bottle of wine. The last stop, Villa Belleza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin. A Tuscan meal served with Tuscan style wines. You will be helping to prepare part of it and you will not go hungry because this is a cooking class and if you can't cook the chef has also prepared dishes for you to savor. Chef Antonio is a well-known Italian Gourmet and author with nearly 4 decades of experience. He first learned to cook as a boy in his mother's kitchen on the Island of Sardinia in Italy. He is the father of the pizza biscotta, the twice-baked pizza. Because of the cost of the classes I will not entertain a bid of less than 1200 dollars. Bon appetite. - Barry Ploessel
10.) PET PRINT -
This is a hand-drawn, colored pencil portrait that captures the vibrance and spirit of your furry friend. By using a reference photo (or photos) of your feline friend or your puppy pal, your 9x12 portrait will be hand-crafted by artist Sarah Ryan, centered on a white background and framed. Whether it be your current pet or one who has passed, Sarah will capture that customized moment in time that will surely be a cherished family heirloom. - Sarah Ryan
11.) IN-HOME FOOTCARE -
Billy Crystal once said; “I can’t be funny if my feet don’t feel good.” With this auction item you are going to be hilarious! This item consists of 4 visits from a Certified Foot Care specialist, Ms. R Peterson, , RN, Masters in Nursing. Ms. Peterson will evaluate your foot health, trim your nails, including nails that are thickened, file any callouses, massage your feet and educate you about proper foot care. Each treatment is approximately 30-45 minutes in length. Visitation area limited to the within 20 miles of La Crosse. – Helen Lethlean
12.) SUMMER BRUNCH FOR 10-12
Perfect for your next company or family gathering! Quiche or Breakfast Bake, Sausage, Homemade Muffins or French Toast, Fresh Fruit, Juice. Robin will bring brunch to you. Includes decorated table with napkins and floral. - Robin Moses
13.) PRO GOLF LESSONS - Your golf buddies will wonder what the heck happened as you put it in the hole on the first try, every time. Bob Newberry, retired golf instructor at Winona State and renown Cedar Creek Golf Pro, will provide short game lessons for 4 people.
Short Game Group Lesson and 4 Green Fees at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek. - Bob Newberry
14.) SUMMER OF MEAT - Barry Ploessl and Adam Fleis have your Summer Holidays Covered this year. The main course that is. We will smoke up Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day so you won't have too. Plan the get-together and have your friends or family bring the sides. First up 6 racks of ribs, apple bacon, cherry chiptole and Kansas City style ribs for Memorial day. We'll cook up a 15 pound brisket for the 4th and you'll get about 8 to 10 pounds of meat to share. We'll double it up for Labor Day with an entire Boston Butt and sausages of all kinds so you can put your Summer to rest with your very own meat coma. Enjoy.
15.) ROAD TRIPPING WITH THE ROTARY CLUB OF HOLMEN - We can’t wait to show you the beautiful Coulee Region, through an open air ride in a convertible on a sunny day. You will drive Patt’s Porsche Boxster,automatic transmission, convertible surrounded by a caravan of Rotarians and friends. Date of ride and route . yet to be announced. Additional Convertables are invited to join for a nominal donation to the club. Our ride will take us through the winding roads, through the hills and valleys of the Coulee Region, In search of the perfect ice cream cone, best burger or warm doughnut. No return trip in a convertible ever takes the same route home, (but never on gravel roads!). Our return trip is guaranteed to be hilly and winding, which will lead us back to Holmen. Value: Priceless! This scenic ride for two will be hosted by Patt Boge, Kelly Dunn and Alex Goodman.
More to come!
BASKET RAFFLES
1.) PAMPERED DOG BASKET - Everything to make your favorite pooch happy! - George Hammond
2.) GLAMPING GEAR - Things that will make your camping experience memorable. - Brett Gullicksrud
3.) CHOCOLATE, NUTS AND A LOT O LUCK - Great eats and a winning lottery ticket (maybe) - Lisa Fisher
4.) GROW-UR-OWN GARDEN BASKET- Raised garden bed and assorted accessories - Eric Davidson
5.) THINKING AND DRINKING - Liquor, puzzles and brain games. How smart are you after a couple of drinks? - Lisa Fisher
6.) THE "ULTIMATE GETAWAY" TRAVEL BASKET - Golden Delta Airline Ticket gift certificate, Beach Towels, Travel pillow, sun screen, snacks, travel bottles and more - Jennifer Dieck and Kris Mueller
7.) SOUTHWEST BASKET - Unique bread board with turquoise inlay, Hand woven table runner, Aromatic sage bundle, a six pack of delicious IPAs, opener and gift card - Helen Lethlean
8.) HERE'S TO COOKING - A basket of Recipes and Accessories to make cooking fun! - Peg Knobloch
9.) SPICE IT UP! - A basket of exotic and fun spices with instructions on how they can change your life! - Tom Knobloch
10.) GRILL MASTER BASKET - Tools, Spices, Sauces and Gift Certificate to Holmen Meat Locker - Tim Medinger
11.) IT'S FIVE O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE BASKET - Top notch Tequila, orange liquor, mix and fixins for the perfect happy hour cocktail - Kathy Reinolt
12.) GRILLING OUT BASKET - Grilling tools, spices and a gift certificate to Holmen meat locker - Cory Berget
13.) CAT'S MEOW BASKET - Assorted cat goodies to make your kitty purr! - George Hammond
14.) 2 X PIE FIGHT BASKETS - The Pie Ladies have put together 2 sets of 3 delicious homemade pies for your enjoyment. (Not For throwing) - The Pie Ladies
15.) GARDENING BASKET - Garden Goodies and a gift certificate to Christianson Nursery - Kelly Dunn
16.) JERKY LOVERS BASKET - Yummy assortment of that tasty meat we all crave. Get your Sasquach on! - Jim Spencer
17.) IT'S NOT QUITE FIVE O'CLOCK HERE - Generous assortment of non-alcoholic wines, beer and faux whisky - Jamie Thielker
18.) DOGGIE BASKET - Tasty bones from the Doggie Business Bone Bar, Pupscicles, DogMom and Dad T-shirts, swanky dog collar and a Doggie Business Gift Certificate. Pawsitively Irresistible! - Karla Toppen
19.) PUB BASKET - Four-way Beer Test, Assorted local craft beers, backpack cooler. - Karla Toppen
20.) HOLMEN COMMUNITY CENTER BASKET - Activities and opportunities from the Holmen Community Center - Robin Moses
21.) GALLERY BASKET - Art. - Robin Moses
22.) YOU KNOW YOU ARE FROM WISCONSIN BASKET - Spotted cow, cheese, salsa, popcorn, a nice engraved WI drinking cup, syrup, honey, fudge, magnet - Kristin Beseler
23.) JENGA BASKET - Throw a Jenga party! Jenga and assorted beer and wine - Jackie Jenson-Utz
24.) DINNER IS ON US BASKET - Gift certificates to the best restaurants- Frieghthouse, Love Child, Sagra - Zeena Dowd
25.) SWEET TREATS BASKET - Awesome collection of confections from Mackinac Island and Montmorency County Michigan - Michelle Sandbothe
26.) FIRE PIT BASKET - Accessories to enhance your next bonfire fete! - Karla Swaney
27.) 2X FAMILY PORTRAIT GIFT CERTIFICATE - Mueller Photography
28.)LIFE ORGANIZER (aka COAT RACK) - Sturdy and dependable, handmade, solid wood manually operated coat rack - Lisa Fisher
Special Quilt Raffle
Handmade quilt . Take a chance on winning this fabric masterwork. Just $20 buys you a chance to take this beauty home! - Shirley Newberry
Evening's Festivities-
