Experience Monterey County from land to sea with this extraordinary package celebrating the region’s natural beauty, science, and sense of adventure.

Your journey begins with a private hike and gourmet picnic for eight at Pinnacles National Park, followed by a four-hour double kayak rental from Kayak Connection to explore the coastal waterways up close. You’ll also receive four hiking passes and hats from the Big Sur Land Trust to enjoy the iconic trails of the coast.

In Moss Landing, you’ll dive deeper into marine science with a private MBARI tour for two, an eco-boat tour of Elkhorn Slough, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes Aquarium shark experience. To round out your year of discovery, MEarth invites you for a guided garden and sustainability tour, highlighting the connection between healthy ecosystems and thriving communities.

This package is a breathtaking exploration of the landscapes — and minds — that make Monterey County truly extraordinary.

Escape for a day of pure California magic with this unforgettable Big Sur adventure, combining private access, breathtaking views, and handcrafted keepsakes.

Your journey begins with a picnic hosted by a Foundation board member at her secluded cabin perched high above Bixby Bridge — one of the coast’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by sweeping ocean vistas and the quiet majesty of redwoods, you and your guests will enjoy a thoughtfully prepared lunch and the kind of hospitality that can only come from someone who calls Big Sur home.

To commemorate your adventure, take home a handcrafted Highway 1 sign, a beautiful reminder of the day you spent discovering the spirit of Big Sur — where the mountains meet the sea and time seems to slow down.

Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, Big Sur Day Tripping is an invitation to experience this legendary coastline in the most personal and unforgettable way.

Step into an evening of incredible food, laughter, and hospitality with a private gourmet BBQ dinner for ten at Ranchito Seahorse — a truly one-of-a-kind experience hosted at Linda and DL’s home, known for its warmth and charm.

Your host, DL, is a master of the grill and storyteller at heart, known for crafting an unforgettable culinary experience that combines bold flavors, local ingredients, and his signature all-out barbecue style. Each course is prepared with care and served in an atmosphere that feels more like a gathering among old friends than a formal dinner.

Guests can expect a feast of expertly grilled specialties, wonderful wines and abundant cocktails, paired with the kind of conversation and camaraderie that make the night fly by. The home’s inviting ambiance sets the perfect backdrop for a relaxed yet elegant evening.

This is not just a meal — it’s a celebration of good food, great friends, and the simple joy of slowing down to savor it all. Year after year, this dinner remains one of our most talked-about auction experiences — and once you’ve been to Ranchito Seahorse, you’ll understand why.

Bring Book Club Home
The ultimate literary adventure for readers, wine lovers, and Steinbeck fans.

Ready to turn your next book club pick into an unforgettable experience? This one-of-a-kind package brings together great literature, exceptional wine, fascinating conversation, and a rare opportunity to engage with one of the nation’s leading Steinbeck scholars, Susan Shillinglaw.

Your adventure begins with 10 copies of John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, The Grapes of Wrath—the perfect selection for a book club ready to dive into one of America’s most powerful and enduring novels. Top that off with a fun and engaging read, but Nancy Harry - Jack the Cannery Row Cat (10 copies)

What makes this package truly extraordinary is the chance to share your book club’s discussion with acclaimed Steinbeck scholar Susan Shillinglaw. A celebrated author, professor, and former Director of the Center for Steinbeck Studies at San José State University, Susan has spent decades exploring Steinbeck’s life and work. This is a rare opportunity to bring your group’s conversation to life with insight from one of the foremost voices in Steinbeck scholarship.

Of course, no great book club gathering is complete without wine. Enjoy a full case from Wrath Wines, featuring:

• 6 bottles of 2024 Wrath Fermata Chardonnay

• 6 bottles of 2023 Wrath Swan/828 Pinot Noir

Perfect for lively discussion, literary debate, and a few memorable toasts along the way.

And for a playful kickoff? Gather a fellow book lover for lunch or afternoon tea at the historic Steinbeck House—John Steinbeck’s birthplace in Salinas—and start plotting your book club’s next great literary adventure.

This is more than a book club package—it’s a literary experience rooted right here in Steinbeck country.

This year’s Fund-a-Need is in honor of Nancy Ausonio, a beloved advocate for libraries, literacy, and community. Nancy understands that libraries are more than buildings — they are gateways to opportunity. She continues to inspire readers of all ages across every corner of Monterey County, and especially Castroville, where she resides and is the home of the Andy Ausonio Library.

Your contribution tonight directly supports the Summer and Winter Reading Programs and Student Support Centers that bring learning and joy to families through all 17 Monterey County Free Libraries and 3 Bookmobiles. From the smallest rural branches in San Ardo and Parkfield to the vibrant coastal libraries of Castroville and Marina, these programs spark imagination, encourage achievement, and keep young minds growing all year long.

Every dollar raised helps put books in hands, fuel reading challenges, and create moments of discovery — ensuring that every child, teen, and adult can experience the power of stories.

In Nancy’s honor, let’s keep Monterey County reading — 17 libraries, 3 bookmobiles, and one shared mission: literacy for all.