One of the highlights of our annual concert is the Silent Eco-Auction! This year’s auction features unique eco-themed lots donated by area resorts, tour leaders, destinations, CREW Trust members and friends.
Take a look at this year’s items and come ready to bid and bid often at the 2020 CREW & You Concert Under the Stars on Saturday, Feb. 29 from 5-9 p.m. at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate.
Original Painting
Donated by Ehren Fritz Gerhard
Made for “My Florida Exhibition” at the Alliance for the Arts and titled “Summertime Swamp Walk”. This whimsical, impressionistic landscape was created in oil paint on canvas using traditional glazing and impasto techniques. The artwork was inspired by a walk in knee-deep water during peak summer heat at the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. Ehren Gerhard has been a frequent visitor of CREW for over ten years. Gerhard is an accomplished local artist who has exhibited his work nationally and internationally. He is the Gallery Director for the Alliance for the Arts and Adjunct Professor of Art at Florida Gulf Coast University. This painting is 30″ x 40″ in Oil. Ehren’s Website
Casa Ybel Experience
Donated by Larry and Allison Blankenship
Casa Ybel Resort is a spectacular destination resort on Sanibel Island. Relax in a one-bedroom beach-front suite on Sanibel’s famous white sand beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast! You’ll enjoy a 3-day, 2-night stay in a beachfront suite, complimentary dinner for two at the Thistle Lodge beachfront restaurant, bike rental for two daily, beach setup for two daily and a Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge Eco Tour for two. Must be used May 2020 through December 2020.
Fishing Kayaks
Donated by Dennis Gilkey
Anglers everywhere will love the durability of the Sun Dolphin Excursion 10’ Sit-In Fishing Kayak. Great for bay and river fishing trips, these fishing kayaks feature a lightweight material that offers unlimited durability. Each package includes paddles and fishing rod holder, 1 new adult size Ascend life jacket, 1 seat cushion, 1 small anchor with rope, 1 tie up line and 1 drink holder. Each kayak is a separate auction item, two total.
Good Fortune II Cruise for 8 people
Donated by Conservancy of SWFL
Take a cruise through Rookery Bay aboard the Conservancy of SW FL’s 33-passenger pontoon boat. Wildlife sighting opportunities include many species of birds, dolphins, manatees and other unique Florida animals. Booking must be within date range specified by donor and is subject to tides and availability.
Original Impressionist Painting
Donated by Gerhson Pernia (Gerhpe)
The artist and nature enthusiast known in the artistic world as Gerhpe, has more than 25 years of experience specializing in oil and acrylic on canvas with a wide ranging abstract impressionist style. The technique of brushes and spatulas captures a very particular art of vibrant colors and a movement that is felt in each work of art. The title of the piece on auction is “Sailboats in the Open sea” with dimension of 48 x 36 inches painted with acrylic on canvas. Learn more about the artist here: www.gerhpe.com
Self-guided Kayak Trips on the Estero River
Donated by Pelican Sound Golf & River Club
Enjoy a kayak trip once a month from May-October 2020. Either two 1-person or two 2-person kayaks may be reserved one day each month. Pelican Sound Golf & River Club will provide the kayaks, paddles and life vests. Kayaks are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a kayak launch on the Estero River from Pelican Sound Golf & River Club in Estero.
Spring Wildflower Walk at CREW for up to 20 people
Donated by Brenda Thomas, CREW Trust Trustee
Gather your friends for a unique wildflower experience led by FGCU Environmental Science Instructor Brenda Thomas. Brenda will lead a group of up to 20 guests on a 2 to 3-hour wildflower walk at CREW Marsh Trails in search of the native jewels that dazzle along the edges of the marsh. The tour is offered on a mutually agreed upon weekend in April 2020 when the best spring beauties are in bloom.
Moultrie Camera Plus Accessories
Donated by Tom Mortenson, CREW Trust Volunteer
Moultrie game cameras are easy to use, quick to set up, and come equipped with a wide range of camera features that appeal to everyone. Built for the long haul, Moultrie game cameras use hi-grade components that can withstand extended exposure to brutal conditions.
Auction 1: The Mobile XV7000i camera combines the quality and reliability of game cameras with mobile technology to deliver game-camera images from the field directly to your favorite device. Loaded with advanced features, such as 20-megapixel images, invisible flash, 80-foot detection and flash range, the brightest and most clear night images, .3 second trigger speed, and records 1080p video. Also included: lithium battery set, cable, lock and SD card.
Auction 2: The M8000i Digital Game Camera is a compact camera loaded with high-end features such as 20 MP images, 0.3 second trigger speed, 80′ detection and flash range, invisible flash, HD video recording, and much more! The camera operates on 8 AA batteries for 19,000 pictures. Also included: lithium battery set, cable, lock and SD card.
Exclusive Bird Rookery Swamp Bike Tour
Donated by Peter Davis, CREW Trust Volunteer
Experience the unique wildlife and vegetation of the more remote parts of Bird Rookery Swamp on this private bike tour with Peter Davis, CREW Trust volunteer naturalist and local cyclist. You’ll see alligators, many types of wading birds with a possible glimpse of an otter. This tour will take 3-4 hours and is suited for those with a moderate physical fitness level, including the ability to pedal a bicycle for 3 hours on grassy trail with some obstacles. Bikes not included; date of tour to be agreed upon by guide and winner of experience and is subject to trail conditions. Expires February 28, 2021.
FGCU/FL Wildlife Basket
Donated by Ricky Pires
Wild panthers aren’t particularly snuggly but go ahead and cuddle up with this stuffed panther kitten! The winner of this basket will receive the aforementioned snuggles, a stuffed animal, wildlife photos, and more.
Eastern Screech Owl Box
Donated by Brian Beckner/Native Bird Boxes
This handcrafted, rough cedar bird box was created by Native Bird Boxes to encourage nesting for Eastern Screech owls. These small owls tend to live in all forest types including pine scrubs, cypress swamps, sand hills and agricultural and urban settings.
Eastern Bluebird Box
Donated by Brian Beckner/Native Bird Boxes
Though Eastern Bluebirds are migratory, sometimes they can be found at the same place year-round! Attract them to your yard with this handcrafted bird box from Native Bird Boxes, created to encourage nesting for Eastern Bluebirds. They are found actively in dry pine flatlands, mixed pine scrub and other hardwood forests and in areas with scattered trees.
Swamp Buggy Ride for 10 at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Donated by Ed Carlson & Lisa Korte, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Join experienced back-country guide and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary historian Ed Carlson for this one-of-a-kind experience! You and 9 friends will join Ed for a 2-hour tour and learn about swamp ecology, the importance of conservation in Southwest Florida and the history of the CREW Project. Date to be determined with the guide at a mutually convenient time. Expires February 28, 2021.
Handcrafted Fishing Rod
Donated by Doug Machesney, CREW Trust Trustee
This one-of-a-kind item is something we look forward to each year! Doug will create a fishing rod just for you, made to your specifications! Spin, fly, cast – you choose! This is a unique item and perfect for the fishing enthusiast in your life. Expires February 28, 2021.
CREW Trust Swallow-tailed Kite Family Membership Package
Donated by the CREW Land & Water Trust
Show your support for the environment with a CREW Trust membership! This Swallow-tailed Kite level membership includes two CREW Trust water bottles, invitations to our members-only events and a private guided hike at a CREW location of your choice for up to 8 people.
Gulf Sunset Cruise for 6 guests
Donated by Captain Dom Cotugno, SW Florida Boat Tours
This 2-hour cruise for 6 guests is the perfect way to relax or celebrate a special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, promotion or just an evening with friends, Southwest Florida Boat tours will provide a memorable cruise and your guests. The Egret 290 departs an hour before sunset, tours Naples Bay and Port Royal waters before making its way to the gulf for a Florida sunset. Your party can bring food, beverages and alcohol if you wish. Date of the cruise subject to agreement between winning bidder and Southwest Florida Boat Tours. SW Florida Boat Tours Valid through Feb. 28, 2021. Two separate cruises are available for auction.
Tails on Trails
Donated by the Reed Family & the CREW staff dogs
Hit the trails with your favorite furry friend! This gift basket includes everything you need for a fantastic hike with Fido! Along with the basket, the winning bidder will receive a private tour with Anne Reed, CREW Trust volunteer and dog lover, at the CREW Marsh Trails for up to 6 guests (including furry friends). She will teach you some tips and tricks for hiking with your dog along with information about the ecosystems. Valid through Feb. 28, 2021.
Fossil Trip for 2
Donated by Mark Renz
Join guide Mark Renz for a guided walk-in fossil trip for two with Fossil Expeditions as seen on the Travel Channel! With over 25 sites, some are creeks that feed the Peace River, others are sites that go from Arcadia north to Wauchula. Get the chance to dig into the river bottom with a screen and shovel to search for mammal, shark and reptile fossils. You will be covered under a group permit from the Vertebrate Paleontology department at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. Date and time to be arranged with your guides. Valid through Feb. 28, 2021.
Fakahatchee Swamp Hike
Donated by Steve Houseknecht & Mike Owen
You and three guests will experience a half-day (4-hour) naturalist-guided swamp walk through Fakhatchee Strand State Preserve Park, the orchid and bromeliad capital of the United States! Explore the surprising world of plants and animals that call the preserve home. Time and date to be determined with the guide. Valid through Feb. 28, 2021.
Everglades Day Safari for 2
Donated by Pete Corradino
A full day adventure with Everglades Day Safari! Enjoy a scenic boat cruise into the Ten Thousand Islands mangrove forest in Everglades National Park, a nature walk under the canopy of towering bald cypress, and a spectacular airboat ride through sawgrass prairies and pond apple forests. Lunch is included. Expires February 28, 2021.
Handcrafted Wood Art
Donated by Bill Helfferich
Handcrafted wood items created by Bill Helfferich, a friend of the CREW Trust and talented woodworker. Helfferich was involved with the CREW Project from the very beginning in 1988 as part of the land management team with the South Florida Water Management District. He worked with Joel Kuperberg, founder of the CREW Trust, and Jim Goodwin, CREW’s original land manager. He retired in 2010 and now spends part of his time creating unique works of art.
Passion for Painting at CREW
Donated by Kim Ruiz, CREW Trust Trustee
Let your emotions flow from your heart to the canvas! This unique experience is for anyone who has wanted to paint but didn’t know where to start or who could teach them. The winning bidder and three guests will join Kim Ruiz for up to 4 hours at the CREW Marsh Trail campsite to create a painting that is uniquely theirs. This experience includes instruction and art supplies. Date of session subject to agreement with Kim Ruiz. Expires February 28, 2021.
Art by Andrew West
Donated by Andrew West
Wildlife enthusiast and local photographer Andrew West is well-known in Southwest Florida for his breathtaking photography. This year bid on a glass print of an exciting and elegant lightning storm and sunset photographed off New Pass near Lovers Key. It is a 20″ x 24″ glass print.
Set of 6 Nature Notes
Donated by Janet Bunch, CREW Trust Volunteer
Six boxed note cards created by CREW Trust volunteer and Florida Master Naturalist Janet Bunch. The cards feature tiny bits of nature collected by the creator on her walks through the CREW trails.
Glen Stacell Photo & Book
Donated by Glen Stacell
Framed Stacell signed photo of Ascelpenias lanceolata and copy of “A Guide to Native Wildflowers of Southwest Florida.”
Handmade Quilt
Donated by Mary Kay Cassani
This quilt is titled “Gifts from the Sea” in reference to Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s book of essays with the same name. The essays were composed on Sanibel Island, and the quilt is a reflection of all that the ocean, and all waters, provide – moisture, power, quietude, and life. The quilt is 100% cotton, 46″x 64″, and includes a matching quilt/pillow case.
Food Forest Tour at FGCU
Donated by Florida Gulf Coast University & Jessi Drummond
Enjoy a three-hour tour for up to 4 people through Florida Gulf Coast University’s Food Forest with your guide Jessi Drummond. The item includes a basket of sustainably grown food from the food forest. Tour date to be scheduled at a mutually agreed one date and time. Expires Feb. 28, 2021.
Round of Golf for 4 at the TPC Treviso Bay
Donated by TPC Treviso Bay
Enjoy a round of golf at this beautiful 7,367 yard golf course adjacent to the Rookery Bay Estuarine Reserve. TPC Treviso Bay is one of the most renowned golf courses in south Florida. It is truly a unique experience to play this beautifully maintained golf course. Package includes two-dozen golf balls.
Old Corkscrew Golf Club Gift Certificates
Donated by Old Corkscrew Golf Club
$200 in gift certificates will buy you a few rounds of golf! The winning bidder can use these four $50 gift certificates at the pro shop or for rounds of golf at Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Estero. Old Corkscrew Golf Club is a 7,400-yard, Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course and is a certified Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary.
Hanging Bromeliad Basket
Donated by ME Parker & Frank Bevan
Celebrate your love for bromeliads with these beautiful 14″ baskets, perfect for areas with indirect light. Bid on one or both baskets. Each includes care instructions from the designer.
Momentum Brewhouse Gift Basket
Donated by Brian Hahn
This gift basket is perfect for craft beer fans and includes a 64-ounce growler with a free fill of your choice of one of Momentum Brewhouse’s award winning brews. You’ll also receive a Momentum Brewhouse T-shirt and pint glass.
Sandhill Crane Quilt
Donated by Val Richardson
Val Richardson is a skilled quilter and has been creating and crafting quilts for most of her life. She selected the preening Sandhill Crane photograph taken by her son because the coloring, shapes and apparent movement appealed to her creativity. At 89 years old, Val still has the determination, stamina and creativity to apply to the design and creation of this beautiful and artistic quilt that uses materials and paints in unique, innovative ways to bring out the gracefulness and beauty of this Florida bird.
Birds & Brunch
Donated by Doug Machesney
This item combines nature and nutrition for your group of four! Spend the morning with a CREW Trust naturalist exploring Bird Rookery Swamp. Then head for lunch at an exciting new restaurant just down the road—The Warehouse Cuisine and Cocktails where your group will enjoy brunch or lunch. The Warehouse is a family owned and operated restaurant, preparing meals from scratch using the freshest local ingredients. Their mantra is eat fresh, eat local. Check their imaginative menu at: thewarehousenaples.com. Expires February 28, 2021.
Handcrafted Pine Needle Baskets
Donated by Beth Amico
Three handmade baskets made from pine needles. The center design is hand drawn and then burned in, colored and varnished. From there, the needles are collected in nature, soaked and cleaned. Finally once the basket is completely dry, it is varnished for long term protection.
Naples Getaway
Donated by CREW Golf Tournament Winners
Enjoy a two-day getaway or stay-cation in Naples with two nights at the Hilton Naples and a $50 gift certificate for Award-winning Naples restaurant Shula’s American Steak House. The Hilton Naples is just 0.5 miles from the beach, with complimentary transportation and free beach package. Hotel includes heated pool with waterfall and whirlpool. Reservations available between May 1, 2020 and December 15, 2020. Subject to availability. Not valid holidays or holiday weekends.