LIVE AUCTION ITEM
This item will be auctioned off during the program. You must in person to bid.

This is your opportunity to visit one of the few remaining "jewels on the lake" historic homes located on Lake Le Homme Dieu in Alexandria, MN. You and five guests will enjoy a 4-day / 3-night stay (weekend or weekdays are both acceptable) at this elegant 7,000 square-foot home on the Alexandria Chain of Lakes.

Owned by FMR supporters and friends Richard and Joyce Jones, this historic home built in 1919 includes 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a wrap-around enclosed porch and 200 feet of lakeshore for your enjoyment. The massive finished basement allows for playing pool or other games or watching your favorite movie on the big screen television. There is also a large grilling area and a bonfire area near the lake for you to enjoy and experience lake life. And finally, if you are a boat owner, you are welcome to use the large dock and boat lift during your stay.

In addition, Richard and Joyce are offering an optional sunset cocktail cruise to the auction winners. The Jones will pick you up dockside in their roomy pontoon so you can enjoy cocktails refreshments and a cruise around the picturesque Alexandria Chain of Lakes at sunset.

FMR staff will assist you in working with the homeowners to schedule your stay to take place in September 2023.

LIVE AUCTION ITEM
This item will be auctioned off during the program. You must in person to bid.

Enjoy a guided paddling excursion for four on the Mississippi River with our very own river experts: FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark and former Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Superintendent Dr. John O. Anfinson.

For over 25 years, Whitney Clark has been the leader of Friends of the Mississippi River, giving a voice to our community and our river. Dr. John O. Anfinson has been researching, writing and speaking about the upper Mississippi River for over 30 years. Among his many accolades, John is a foremost Mississippi River historian, and the author of The River We Have Wrought: A History of the Upper Mississippi and River of History.

The day will begin at the Coon Rapids Dam with breakfast and coffee on the banks of the Mississippi River before embarking on a day trip to experience many of the scenic, cultural and historical sites along the upper river. You will conclude your trip at Boom Island, where FMR staff will greet you with celebratory beverages and light snacks.

This package also includes items from United by Blue (unitedbyblue.com), an ethical manufacturer of home and lifestyle goods, including The Container Kit, two Deadstock Water Bottle Slings, and two 24-oz. Insulated Steel Straw Tumblers - perfect items for your day-long excursion on the river.

LIVE AUCTION ITEM
This item will be auctioned off during the program.

The winner of this special opportunity will travel to the Driftless Flyfishing Company (minnesotaflyfishing.com) in Preston, MN to be outfitted with gear for your full-day fly fishing experience with guide Monta Hayner. Monta is Past Chair of Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota, an experienced fly fishing teacher and guide, a mentor with the MN DNR fly fishing program, Vice Chair of the Lew Jewett Chapter of Fly Fishers International and a Master Naturalist through the University of Minnesota Extension.

This package also includes lunch provided by Driftless Flyfishing Company and an Orvis fly fishing sling and double rod tube.

This excursion is for two people - all skill levels are welcome - preferably on a weekend in the spring of 2023.

LIVE AUCTION ITEM
This item will be auctioned off during the program.

This one-of-a-kind item reflects the passion and talents of our staff and board! Treat yourself to a very special basket filled with handmade craft treats and unique goods by FMR's staff, board and their families. The lucky winner will go home with:

• Carolina-Reaper-based curry hot sauce and one habanero gold pepper jelly by FMR Conservation Director Dr. Alex Roth, grown and produced at his home in Northeast Minneapolis
• Curry kimchi from Stewardship & Education Program Associate Sam Mie Armacost
• Canned peaches from Associate Director-Development Director Sara & Sean DeKok
• Sour cherry jam grown and made in Southwest Minneapolis by Member Relations Manager John Briel & Bojan Manojlovic
• Arrabiata pasta sauce and very spicy salsa from Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper Monica Bierma & Michael Custard
• Handmade necklace by Ecologist Laura Domyancich-Lee
• Small-batch maple syrup and honey collected by board member Stewart Crosby at his family farm in Long Lake, MN.