By Kristen Oliphant, Events and Partnerships Manager

We are looking forward to gathering together with our community of national park fans and park staff for a night to celebrate and give back to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Our annual auction is our opportunity to come together to raise as much support as possible to keep these parks strong and vibrant for future generations.

This year, our auction will benefit Embracing Inclusion projects within our three national parks, including welcoming Spanish speakers with bilingual rangers at Mount Rainier National Park, supporting food sovereignty in North Cascades National Park, and enabling entry-level positions to the National Park Service in Olympic National Park.

On Saturday, May 6th at 5:00 pm the doors of the Seattle Design Center will open, and bidding for the silent auction will begin! You’ll have until 6:15 pm to place your winning bids while you check out all the exciting packages, talk with fellow park supporters and rangers, and mingle with new and old friends. Auction attendees will have the chance to “Purchase for the Parks” – an opportunity to ‘shop’ and provide support for specific priority projects within the parks. As the silent auction closes, everyone will find their seats and the excitement continues with legendary live auction packages and some fun and games that will get the heart rate going (including the much-anticipated dessert dash).

Get your ticket before registration closes on April 14th! To get you excited about the event, we’ve pulled together a sneak peek of some of the live auction packages that will be featured. Let the adventure begin!

For the National Park Lover

• Two-Night Stay at North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin + Rainbow Falls Tour for Two People: Who doesn’t love waking up to unbelievably beautiful views of a lake and mountain landscapes right outside your window? Experience the idyllic North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin with this two-night stay in a lake-view room. Also included is a tour of the spectacular Rainbow Falls for you and your guest. The North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin offers a stress-free place of natural splendor. Connected to the outside world only by foot, boat, or plane, life is a little slower and more beautiful at the Lodge at Stehekin. Thanks to our Major Sponsor, Guest Services, Inc., for their continuous support of the parks!

• An American Alps Weekend: Rental of Audi’s Q4 e-tron All Electric Luxury SUV, Heli-assist Ski Touring for Two People, and a Two-Night Stay at Alpine Cabin in Mazama: If you love Type 2 Fun, this package is for you. Start your weekend off right by hopping in Audi’s Q4 e-tron all-electric luxury SUV and heading to the North Cascades. Then, experience the beauty and thrill of the American Alps with a heli-assisted touring trip with North Cascade Heli.  Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with a helicopter ride deep into the mountains and spend the day backcountry ski touring with their highly experienced mountain guides. To make the trip complete, enjoy a 2-night stay at Alpine Cabin in Mazama with hiking, biking, and ski trails right outside your door. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a winter weekend in and around North Cascades National Park! Thank you to our Signature Sponsor, Audi, for their support of this package!

For the Music Lover

• Eddie Vedder Signed Earthling Billboard Banner: Drumroll, please! This is by far one of the most impressive items we have ever had at our Auction, which is a bold statement, but you’ll see for yourself on May 6. The Eddie Vedder Earthling billboard banner was custom-made for Easy Street Records in Seattle. Displayed in the record shop throughout 2022, Eddie Vedder’s Earthling album was Easy Street Record’s #1 staff pick as well as their #1 best seller that year. Eddie and his band Earthlings performed to sold-out audiences, including two sold-out shows at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall. His band, Pearl Jam, is 1st ballot Hall of Famers and is arguably the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of the last 30 years. The billboard banner was autographed and signed by Eddie on March 25, 2022. From one earthling to another, this is truly one of a kind.

For the Jetsetter

• A Trip of a Lifetime to Zulu Nyala African Safari: Take a once-in-a-lifetime 6-night trip to South Africa to enjoy this photo safari for two people! Enjoy luxury accommodations at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge or Hemingway Tented Camp. You and your guest will be served daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with two game-viewing activities per day. Zulu Reserve provides a unique experience in the heart of one of South Africa’s most diverse conservation regions. Nestled between the wilderness reserves of Mkuze, Hluhluwe, St. Lucia, and Sodwana Bay, this lush paradise is home to a wide variety of game, from the majestic elephant to the secretive leopard and cheetah, and the shy Nyala antelope that are endemic to the region. Take a stroll around the extensive gardens and stop past the crocodile pond and observe prehistoric-looking reptiles in their natural surroundings or just sit on the lawns and enjoy the spectacular sunsets!

• 7-Night Accommodation at Torres Mazatlán, Mexico: Mazatlán has miles of pristine beaches, rich history, and bountiful outdoor activities. Visit the historic sights of ancient areas in Mexico and relax in the surf and sun of the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone). Sip margaritas at La Palapa, the resort’s on-site restaurant and bar, while planning your next day’s activities. VI Resorts offers 7 nights of accommodation in a 1-bedroom condominium unit at Torres Mazatlán.

Cover Photo: Sunset at the Olympic Peninsula by Elizabeth Gonzalez.