An original portrait of John Lewis by Connecticut Artist Marc Potocsky. (The painting is 24x30)

Marc Potocsky honed his skills in photo realism and portrait painting, and has done numerous sports arts paintings (including NFL commissions) and portraits of rock legends for music business clients, establishments, and art galleries. This painting of the recently deceased American Congressman, civil rights leader, and Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, was created specifically for CIRI and this auction in memory of a man who fought for freedom, equality, and human rights.

This item also includes an autographed copy of Jon Meacham's latest book, His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope.

Nutty Bunny, a maker of vegan ice cream in Norwalk, will do a tour with the opportunity to create a custom ice cream flavor for a group of up to six.

Corban Addison has agreed to host (along with a moderator) a book club for up to 10 to discuss his novel, A Harvest of Thorns (about modern-day slavery, unjust employment, the price we are willing to pay for support from the developing world, and personal struggles of the wealthy with a conscience). This item includes ten copies of the book autographed by the author.

Ekow Yankah, board member of the Innocence Project, will host a virtual meeting to discuss the work the Innocence Project does to exonerate the wrongfully convicted. To be scheduled a time and day convenient for the winning bidder and the Innocence Project staff. This item also includes a copy of a book recommended by Professor Yankah, Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Justice and Redemption, by Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton, a true story concerning the unlikely friendship forged between a woman and the man she incorrectly identified as her rapist and sent to prison for 11 years.

Delamar Southport is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Southport Village. Artisan restaurant combines New England tavern warmth with 18th century Scandinavian design. Chef and Partner Frederic Kieffer's desire to support sustainable agriculture is shown through seasonally inspired, farm to table menus as well as his contemporary approach to New England classics. The restaurant offers dining in the tavern, the relaxed yet elegant main dining room, and a beautiful outdoor garden.

Join an international Zoom yoga class with your friends, by sharing in a Power Vinyassa yoga with teachers from the Africa Yoga Project in Kenya, and others who join from across Africa. This item also includes a one-of-a-kind yoga travel bag made with fabrics from around the world, designed by decorative artist (and CIRI Gala Committee Member) Cynthia Davis, and sewn by a refugee artist from Our Woven Community in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Layla's Falafel has been serving authentic Middle Eastern food in Fairfield County for 20 years; locations in Fairfield, Westport and Stamford.

The Organic Market has been serving Westport delicious food prepared with the highest quality ingredients made to order since 1988.

Sushi & other Japanese fare alongside sake & cocktails in a casual setting with a patio, in Fairfield.

BE Chocolat is a local (Fairfield) company that makes Belgian chocolate in small batches using premium ingredients. The owners are Benoit Fortrin (from Belgium) and his wife Sylvie Fortin (from Canada), and their chocolates are delicious!

Enjoy some healthy smoothies and Caribbean food at this casual Bridgeport location.

Modern European restaurant in Norwalk, Connecticut; the chef and owner, Roland Olah, is an immigrant from Hungary (now a US citizen) who was the former Executive Chef at Martel in Fairfield before opening his own place (with a business partner).

The winning bid recipient will enjoy 12 months of Nuovo Pasta's premium artisan ravioli shipped fresh and on ice to their home. Each month will showcase 6 packages of delicious ravioli from seasonal collections to compliment the month such as Pumpkin Ravioli from the Fall Collection, Tomato Caprice Ravioli from the Spring Collection, and Seafood Ravioli in the summer months and around the holidays. Other months will contain vegetable, cheese, or meat raviolis hand selected by Nuovo's Corporate Chef.

Renowned Thai chef, Hong Thaimee, has agreed to auction off an evening with an interactive cooking dinner at the home, or place of choice, of the winner.

Take a small group for a four hour sunset sail (from Norwalk or another local harbor) at a mutually convenient day, in a beautiful 43-foot Chris-Craft powerboat. It comfortably seats up to six guests (along with the Captain--and his wife, who will serve drinks and appetizers). If you'd rather do lunch, that works, too!

Live it up at a socially-distanced party in your own backyard--and we've done most of the work for you already! We've arranged for live music from Band Central and a $400 gift card to Gaerlick and Herbs--just pick out what you want to eat, arrange a convenient date, and invite your friends and family for good tunes and good music!

A mixed media 30x40 painting with a white frame from local artisit, Yvonne Claveloux. Yvonne's passion for art was sparked while studying fashion design at Marangoni Instituto in Milan. Since then, her creative journey has taken many forms, from running her own interior design firm to working as head stylist for AtHome Magazine. Inspiration her work is derived from her travels, Cuban roots and colorful winters in Miami.