Your chance to bid on luxurious, eye-opening, one-of-a-kind items, trips and experiences you won’t find anywhere else!

The event’s silent auction provides guests with insider tours of Cultural Tourism DC member organizations and neighborhoods, exclusive items and experiences from local businesses and one-of-a-kind opportunities. All proceeds benefit the programs of Cultural Tourism DC.

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Auction highlights for 2012 include the following:

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Title: Private tour of the Embassy of Lithuania and tea with Ambassador Z. Pavilionis

Description: Tour the Lithuanian Embassy’s historic building and enjoy a short overview of the country and its diplomatic history, followed by tea and coffee with special Lithuanian dessert with Ambassador Pavilionis.

Value: Priceless

Courtesy of: The Embassy of Lithuania

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Title: Jefferson Dinner for Ten (using original recipes)

Description: Dinner for ten cooked by John R. Hanny, former White House Chef. Enjoy original Jeffersonian recipes featuring organic veggies from Jefferson’s garden. Winner will also receive Chef Hanny's cookbook for host and guests. Chef Hanny received his Masters in the culinary arts under the famed French Chef Jean Citheral, and received the designation of Chevalier for his vast contributions to that nation’s wine industry. He advised six presidential administrations and now works with restaurants nationally.

Value: $4,000

Courtesy of: Chef John Hanny - Author Secrets from the White House Kitchens

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Title: Join food critic Tom Sietsema of The Washington Post on a review dinner for two in Washington, DC

Description: Join Tom Sietsema from the Washington Post’s on a review dinner for two at a restaurant in Washington, DC. Weaned on a beige buffet a la “Fargo” in Minnesota, Tom Sietsema is the food critic for The Washington Post. In thinner days, he was a critic for Microsoft Corp.’s sidewalk.com and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer; and a food reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle. This is his second tour of duty at the Post. Sietsema got his first taste in the ‘80s, when he was hired by his predecessor to answer phones, write some, and test the bulk of the Food section’s recipes. That’s how he learned to clean squid, bake colonial cakes and distinguish between nutmeg and mace.

Value: Priceless

Courtesy of: Tom Sietsema

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Title: Slip away to Bimini Bay Resort, an island in the sun (Bahamas)

Description: Far away from the crowds, yet just 48 nautical miles from the Florida coast, Bimini Bay Resort & Marina nestles on the northern tip of Bimini Island facing a gorgeous, palm-fringed sandy beach. With two full-service marinas, an inviting infinity pool, a lagoon style pool featuring a swim-up bar, lovely spa and an exciting collection of boutiques, this is a truly relaxing getaway. The feeling here is one of casual chic with a friendly ambiance. Choose your private island residence, from stylish water-view villas, two-story tree houses or luxury suites, all painted in tasteful Caribbean-inspired pastel colors. Each has its own gourmet kitchen and dining area. Prepare for sunny days, soothing breezes and balmy nights. Be sure to venture out to sea, as the big-game fishing here is among the best in the world. Or, opt for a fascinating island tour. Then return to the hotel and dine on gourmet cuisine as you look out over the ocean. Afterwards, retire for a nightcap and plan tomorrow's adventures in paradise. Blackout dates may apply.

Value: $1,200

Courtesy of: Bimini Bay Resort and the Embassy of the Bahamas

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Title: Private curator-led tour of the Smithsonian’s National Museum or American History of American Art Museum

Description: This opportunity provides a rare inside look at your choice of one of the Smithsonian's most popular destinations through a private tour led by a distinguished Smithsonian curator or scholar. Visit the National Museum of American History, a place where you can see “what makes America…America.” Here we tell well-known and unknown stories through original objects that reveal so much. Come see President Lincoln’s top hat and First Lady Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown; Dizzy Gillespie’s trumpet and Edison’s light bulb. Or you can tour the American Art Museum, the nation's first collection of American art, and an unparalleled record of the American experience. The collection captures the aspirations, character and imagination of the American people throughout three centuries. Its artworks reveal key aspects of America's rich artistic and cultural history from the colonial period to today. More than 7,000 artists are represented in the collection.

Value: Priceless

Courtesy of: The Smithsonian Institution

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Title: “Cakes for Two” from Charm City Cakes of the Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes”

Description: By popular demand....announcing Cakes for Two! Auction gift certificate is for a cake from the Cakes for Two design collection. Cakes for Two is the answer to those requests - smaller cakes that are reasonably priced that you can pick up here at our shop. Each of our decorators have designed several playful, bright, and elegant cakes that capture the popular styles for which Charm City Cakes is known and loved. Select the design you'd like, pick your flavor, and you've got a cake! The cake feeds 15.They also make great gifts for your friends, family, or out-of-town visitors! Also comes with oven Charm City cakes oven mitt, apron and other gifts.

Value: $325

Courtesy of: Charm City Cakes

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Title: Acupuncture Sessions

Description: Relax, rejuvenate and heal yourself with five acupuncture facial rejuvenation sessions or ten regular acupuncture sessions. For many centuries, Oriental medicine has successfully treated a wide variety of illnesses. In America, its recent widespread acceptance has allowed patients to overcome disease, pain and even psychological disorders. Can be used in one year period only from the beginning to the end and by one person.

Value: $1,000

Courtesy of: Acupuncture Medicine DC and Ausra Kaminskas