In a Daze

Auction Day is always one big blur--and yesterday was no different. Want to thank everyone for buying and volunteering and just being there. As soon as we get some info and brain cells, I will post more info.

My thoughts today, however, are with JJ and her family. While we wait for the MRI results, here's hoping that we see JJ back on the floor as soon as possible. A speedy recovery is my wish for her today, whatever the injury turns out to be.

All of our positive thoughts should be with JJ today--send them her way!

Is there a BIG TICKET in your Future?

We're in the final countdown to the CARDINAL NATION Auction--Sunday, November 23. We have over 200 ITEMS up for your bidding pleasure--all sorts of Stanford gear, restaurant certificates and on and on.

But there are always a few EXTRA special items that might suit your fancy. We call them BIG TICKET items. You can see the complete list here but here are a few for your special attention--

Sit on the Bench for the Tennessee Game in 2009--Remember the thrilling win against Tennessee at Maples in 2007? You can have the best seat in the house for the Encore next season. Game date is still TBD, but plan now for this terrific opportunity to see the Cardinal and Lady Vols, up-close and personal! You'll be right there to catch all of the emotion as you are part of the action as you join the team in pre-game introductions, game huddles, halftime and post-game too! Per NCAA rules, 9th through 12th graders not allowed to participate.

A Day in the Life--Prepare for the day when your youngster goes to Stanford! This item will give them the chance to spend a day on campus with several Stanford players and see what it takes to make the grade! Attend classes, workouts and whatever else is going on that day. This is truly a once on the lifetime opportunity for any child. Per NCAA rules, 9th through 12th graders not allowed to participate.

Kid's Clinic--Plan a special day for up to 12 kids as they go through drills to learn basketball skills from selected Stanford coaches and players in Maples Pavilion! This would be a very special gift for the youngster in your life that loves the game. And what would make a better birthday party than this? Per NCAA rules, 9th through 12th graders not allowed to participate.

Lunch with the Coaching Staff--Join the whole staff for lunch at Jimmy V's Sports Cafe in the Arrillaga Family Center. Get the inside scoop on all things Cardinal. Group size can be up to 20 people and everyone buys their own meal.

Sit at Tara's Table at the Awards Banquet--Join Coach Tara at the annual Team Awards Banquet! This package includes cost of dinner and two prime seats for all of the action.

Canon EOS 40D Digital Camera--The EOS 40D combines Canons tremendous know-how in both the digital and photographic worlds, creating a camera that not only does everything one would expect of a traditional digital SLR, but one that incorporates staggering leaps forward in technological innovation. With new features like Canons EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a more powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and more, the EOS 40D elevates digital photography to new heights, enhancing the shooting experience, and delivering images one could only expect from a Canon.

Music by Hookslide--Just having performed at the San Francisco Black and White Ball and the National Anthem at Candlestick Park, Hookslide is sure to make any event you have extra, extra special. This vocal band performs a high energy mix of mind blowing vocal percussion, booming bass and screaming four-part harmony that is guaranteed to knock you out! In addition to corporate events for customers such as Anheuser Busch, Palm, and Macy's, Hookslide has performed for both the Oakland A's and San Francisco Giants and will soon sing the Anthem at Maples. Let their extraordinary vocalizations add that special touch to your corporate event, wedding or any occasion. Make sure to check their website for some terrific YouTube samples of their talents. PS--you might recognize our own videographer, Bud Anderson, as a member of the group.

Pajaro Dunes Oceanfront Condo--Is there a better getaway than a quick drive to the Coast? Treat yourself to a long weekend or midweek trip at this oceanfront condo at Pajaro Dunes, just 62 miles south of Maples Pavilion. This one bedroom, one bath comes with a fully equipped kitchen and wireless internet access. In addition, you will be greeted with your choice of a bottle of Chardonnay, Champagne, Merlot, Cabernet or Sparkling Cider. Venture out to local wineries, shop in nearby Carmel, hit world famous golf courses or just pick up a good book and relax by the fireplace. It can all be yours for your high bid.

Commemorative 2008-09 Team Quilt--How special is this item? Your own quilt commemorating the 2008-2009 Cardinal! Each team member is featured with their name and number. This quilt would be great on any bed or as a terrific wall hanging. Donated by Lindy's parents, Beverly and Alan!


Weekend Stay at West Shore Lake Tahoe Home--Enjoy spectacular lake views from the deck of this Rubicon Bay (West Lake Tahoe) family cabin. This cozy, classic cabin is nestled in the trees on the lakeside of Highway 89 and just a 5 minute walk from the beach. This may be an old school Tahoe cabin, but has been upgraded with modern conveniiences such as a downstairs rec room with a 42" HD plasma tv and surround sound. Four bedrooms and 3.5 baths, plenty of room for everyone! See pictures here.

Five Nights in Poipu Beach, Kauai, Condo--A dream vacation awaits with this five night stay in a beautiful 2 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath recently remodeled condo at Poipu Kai Resort in Poipu Beach, Kauai. This condo offers a deluxe ocean view and is just steps from the beach. Guests may play tennis, relax in a Jacuzzi, and swim in the two pools that are on site. Two beautiful golf courses are adjacent to the property. Poipu Beach was recently named America's Best Beach by The Travel Channel, ranking top among 10 "best" beaches selected nationwide. This beach is a series of golden sand crescents, strung together where beach-goers will find snorkeling, swimming, wading, boogie-boarding and surfing. Good March 1 through November 20, 2009.

Personalized Tour of Berlin--Off to Germany soon? Karen Kramer, who played at Stanford (64-65), has been the Director of Stanford in Berlin for 27 years. She is offering a unique chance to see Berlin through her eyes with a one of a kind, three hour tour. Having lived in Berlin since 1970, Karen has seen, first hand, the changes and growth of Berlin. In fact, she is offering a piece of the Berlin Wall, which she can verify is real, because she sledge-hammered it out herself! Tour will include walking and car travel. You get there and Karen will do the rest! Don’t let this extraordinary chance slip away!

Week at Northstar--Enjoy this Northern California resort in this pristine 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo. With a queen bed in the master, two twins in the second bedroom and a fold out couch, this condo can easily sleep 6. Centrally located close to the village and rec center, everything is here for you -- fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, washer and dryer and a wood burning fireplace. Golf, mountain biking, tennis, hiking and fly fishing could all be in your future! A Jacuzzi is in the unit and the property includes a lap pool, hot tub and sauna. This is a pet friendly place, so Fido can be included!

Seat from the 2008 Final Four Bench--Own a piece of Stanford and Women's Basketball history. This chair was part of Stanford's bench at the 2008 Final Four in Tampa!


Hopefully one of these terrific items has your interest--and there is plenty more in all of our categories--check here for details--

Stanford Stuff

Activities

Home and Garden

Sports and Memorabilia

Travel

Wine and Dine

Make sure to check back on the links as we are going to be adding items right up to the day of the Auction. Can't be there, but see something you just MUST have? Check out online bid info here.

Also, be on the lookout for your chance to win a Wii or buy one of our Cardinal Nation T-Shirts.

Hoping to see you all there--remember, great place for Christmas shopping!