Auction Preview
Thank you for supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana and the families we serve! Your participation in our Red Tie Gala Auction ensures families traveling to Louisville for their children’s medical care have a place to call home when they need it most. The Silent Auction opens for bidding on Tuesday, February 18. The Live Auction will occur during our in-person event on Saturday, February 22.
Interested in a Live Auction item but not attending the event? Contact Dani Harper, Dani@rmhck.org, by February 21 at 10:00 am EST to place your proxy bid.
What is a Proxy Bid?
Proxy bidding occurs when you want to participate in the Live Auction but cannot attend our gala. You will choose the maximum price you are willing to pay for an item(s). A designated Ronald McDonald House volunteer present at the Live Auction will bid for you by the bid increment set by our professional auctioneer. Your designated volunteer will bid until someone else places a higher bid than your maximum OR you win.
Red Tie Ticket - Pre-Sale Ends February 21
For just $100, you have the chance to take home one of our Live Auction items, including an all-inclusive Kentucky Derby Package for six, beach getaways, several bourbon-related experiences, and many more incredible items! The winner will be drawn right before the Live Auction. Unable to attend the Red Tie Gala? Contact Dani Harper, Dani@rmhck.org, by February 21 at 10:00 am EST to purchase your Red Tie Tickets.
Cork Pull - Pre-Sale Ends February 21
The Cork Pull is a guarantee you’ll take home a bottle of wine or bourbon. This year’s selection of bourbon includes Weller, Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, Rabbit Hole, and much more. We also have a variety of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. Unable to attend the event? Contact Dani Harper, Dani@rmhck.org, by February 21 at 10:00 am EST to purchase your Cork Pull bottle.
Important Dates
Tuesday, February 18 at 9 am EST – Silent Auction opens.
Friday, February 21 at 10 am EST – Last chance to send your Live Auction proxy bids or purchase a pre-sale Red Tie Ticket or Cork Pull.
Saturday, February 22 at 8:15 pm EST – Silent Auction closes.
Auction Rules
When bidding in the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK) auction or making purchases through the Red Tie Gala OneCause platform, you agree to the following:
- Age restrictions may apply on items such as liquor, gift cards to wine bars, or overnight trips. A valid ID will be necessary to collect items with age restrictions.
- The highest qualifying bid (i.e., bid that complies with the established Silent Auction rules) wins the item.
- All items are sold “as is” and as represented in the item descriptions and pictures. Every effort has been made to accurately catalog each item. Unfortunately, errors may occur. If we have made a mistake, please accept our apologies in advance and let us know so we can correct it in the future.
- Full payment for your items will be charged to the credit card on file at the closing of the auction on February 22, 2025, at 8:15 pm.
- All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges after purchase.
- Winners must pick up all items at the Red Tie Gala on Saturday, February 22, 2025, between 9:15 and 11:59 pm. Not attending the Red Tie Gala? Special pick-up arrangements can be made by contacting dani@rmhck.org.
- Unclaimed items will become the property of RMHCK and may be resold.
- Any values set forth on an item being auctioned are donor estimates and are not warranted by RMHCK for tax purposes or for general value.
- By registering for this event and bidding or purchasing items, you automatically agree to the above rules.
- An arbitrator of RMHCK will handle any disagreement or problem. Their decision is final. Resolutions may not come until after the event.
Preview our Live Auction items prior to the Red Tie Gala.
A Six-Night Stay in Orlando
Donated by Horizon Vacation Homes
Experience a memorable 6-night getaway in a spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in Orlando, Florida. Nestled close to exciting attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, this vacation rental offers the perfect base for your adventures. Create lasting memories in the heart of Central Florida and immerse yourself in the magic of this vibrant destination!
Restrictions: Based on availablity
Private Bourbon Tasting for 10
Donated by Chris Zaborowski and Jason Brauner
Join Chris Zaborowski for an exclusive bourbon tasting experience for 10 guests at Bourbon’s Bistro where you’ll enjoy an expertly curated selection of 10 distinct Four Roses Mash Bill Single Barrel selections. When you arrive at Bourbon’s Bistro, owner Jason Brauner, co-founder of Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey, will provide you with a Buzzard’s Roost welcome cocktail to go with your appetizers provided and curated by the culinary team at Bourbon’s Bistro.
Chris, former owner of Westport Whiskey & Wine, boasts an impressive resume including Single Barrel Consultant & Whiskey Educator, Executive Bourbon Steward with the Stave & Thief Society, Instructor at Moonshine University, Sommelier with the Fleur de Lis Chapter of the American Wine Society, and more! Chris will use his expertise to showcase the variety of Four Roses selections and explain the nuances of each, all within one of the world’s best bourbon bars & restaurants.
Restrictions: Subject to availability. Date must be mutually agreed upon by all parties and should be scheduled promptly. Excludes holidays, Derby week, and the following dates: March 24-31, April 1-11, April 17-29, May 6-11, September 25-30, October 1-6, October 11-26. Must be 21+. Expires February 22, 2026.
Week-Long Vacation in Watercolor, Florida
Donated by Jennifer Velander
Nestled in the heart of WaterColor Crossing, Gulf Getaway is a beautiful 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom + golf cart home that offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and outdoor living. With park views, this vacation rental is designed to create a peaceful escape with beach living on a large corner lot. This beautiful home can accommodate up to 12 people. Gulf Getaway is ideally located just steps from everything WaterColor has to offer. Explore scenic bike paths, indulge in world-class dining, or spend your day lounging at the Beach Club. The WaterColor community is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of trails, multiple pools, a tennis center, and opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding on Western Lake.
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Kentucky Oaks 151
Donated by Churchill Downs Incorporated
Experience the tradition and excitement of the 151st Kentucky Oaks from your very own box for six in section 324 at Churchill Downs.
This package includes food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and access to offsite parking.
Restrictions: Valid only for Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2, 2025. Winner will not receive tickets until two weeks prior to the event date. Tickets may be subject to change and relocation at the sole discretion of Churchill Downs. Exact row and box location may not be revealed until the tickets are assigned. Tickets may not be transferred or redeemed for another year.
Maker’s Mark Distillery Tour Experience Eight
Donated by Maker’s Mark
The Samuels family is true bourbon royalty in Kentucky, their distilling roots stretching back some 250 years. Through this exclusive offering, you can immerse yourself in that rich heritage, creating and keeping your very own personalized barrel of Maker’s Mark bourbon, and all of the cases from the bottling of the barrel, that you have designed to your own unique taste preference.
This unforgettable experience for you and seven friends begins with a personal tour of the National Historic Landmark distillery on Star Hill Farm led by a Private Select team member. After you walk through the bucolic, pristine campus and gain insights into Bill and Margie Samuels’ vision that still guides the brand today, you’ll arrive at your private Tasting Room where you will go through the entire Private Selection process, reserved for only the most elite customers of Maker’s Mark. You will learn about – and taste for yourselves – the specific flavors created by different types of staves used for the Private Select barrel program, and ultimately your group will get to be master blenders to create an entire barrel of your very own expression of Maker’s Mark, with a finish unique to your tastes. When the barrel matures nine weeks later, the bottle labels will feature your name and stave selection recipe, and you will receive the entire bottling run for you and your friends to enjoy.
The folks in Loretto know that bourbon making is thirsty work so you’ll be treated to tastings and a farm to table lunch at the distillery. Go ahead and enjoy yourself because transportation to and from the distillery will be provided by Mint Julep Tours.
Minimum Starting Bid: $15,000
Not eligible for the Red Tie Ticket Raffle
Restrictions: Date subject to availability. Barrel selections happen only Monday-Friday with advanced scheduling. Must complete barrel selection by August 22, 2025. Once the liquid reaches maturation, winner must pickup the barrel and bottles at the distillery. 21+
Kentucky Derby 151
Donated by Churchill Downs Incorporated
Experience the tradition and excitement of the 151st Kentucky Derby from your very own box for six in section 324 at Churchill Downs.
This package includes food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and access to offsite parking.
Restrictions: Valid only for Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Winner will not receive tickets until two weeks prior to the event date. Tickets may be subject to change and relocation at the sole discretion of Churchill Downs. Exact row and box location may not be revealed until the tickets are assigned. Tickets may not be transferred or redeemed for another year
Week Long Vacation in Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Donated by Joe and Charla Reeves, Cerity Partners
Enjoy a week-long stay in a newly furnished, 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, with sleeping accommodations for up to 12 people. Located in the heart of the Forest District, guests will appreciate complimentary access to a private six-seater golf cart, six bikes, the Watercolor Beach Club, and the Watercolor community pools. In addition, guests will enjoy the many nature trails, lakes, and playgrounds throughout the award-winning community.
Restrictions: Based on availability. Expires December 31, 2025. Blackout dates apply
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Family Celebration Bell
Your opportunity to be part of every family’s journey!
When a family checks in to our Ronald McDonald House, it’s often during a time of crisis. But when a child is well enough to go home with their family, we believe that deserves a celebration!
The Family Celebration Bell will be featured in the lobby of our Ronald McDonald House and be rung by families when their stay with us has ended and they’re heading home. Everyone will know when someone is going home and will join the celebration to share in this huge milestone.
The bell will be engraved with your name, or the wording of your choice, and be featured in our lobby for one year to highlight your commitment to celebrating our families. For its final celebration, after a year, you’ll ring the bell and take it home with you.
Restrictions: Must submit wording by April 30, 2025
Private Bourbon Tasting with Fred Minnick
Courtesy of Fred Minnick
An experience of a lifetime! Welcome Fred Minnick, the world’s foremost bourbon authority, tastemaker, and Wall Street Journal-bestselling author, into your home for a one-of-a-kind 90-minute tasting experience.
Fred will bring 6 whiskies from his private collection, ranging from pre-1960 to contemporary selections. He’ll tell the story of each whiskey and guide you and your guests through an interactive tasting journey. Learn how to properly nose a glass and pull out flavors of the whiskey. Identify your flavor preferences, the whiskey types you like, and the ones you love. This tasting is available for up to 10 guests.
All guests must be 21+. Official timing of this event must be mutually agreed upon with Fred Minnick. Tasting must take place by June 10, 2023. If purchaser resides outside of Louisville Metro/Southern Indiana area, purchaser must cover travel fees (air and/or ground) and accommodation expenses.
