{"id":7388,"date":"2026-05-06T14:18:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T14:18:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.breakthrought1d.org\/connecticutwestma\/?p=7388"},"modified":"2026-05-08T13:05:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T13:05:31","slug":"gala-sneak-peak-live-auction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.breakthrought1d.org\/connecticutwestma\/2026\/05\/06\/gala-sneak-peak-live-auction\/","title":{"rendered":"Gala Sneak Peek: Live Auction!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spring is officially in full bloom and so is the excitement for the Breakthrough T1D Connecticut Gala on\u00a0 Saturday, May 16! With longer days, warmer nights, and a fresh new energy in the air, May is the perfect time for a little sparkle, a little surprise, and a whole lot of bidding fun.<\/p>\n

\n

Enjoy this first look at the incredible experiences, can\u2019t\u2011miss items, and wow\u2011worthy moments coming your way. As we count down to the big night, we\u2019re letting a few hints slip\u2014just enough to tempt you, tease you, and get you ready to raise that paddle when the auctioneer calls.\u00a0 To learn more about the event, purchase tickets, or make a Fund A Cure gift, visit the website at bit.ly\/BT1DCTGala26<\/a>. We are truly grateful for the amazing generosity of our community, whose support ensures the success of this event year after year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"BAHA MAR BAHAMA BLISS!
\n<\/strong>Escape to one of the Caribbean\u2019s newest and most luxurious destinations at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. Perched on the pristine white sands of Cable Beach, this world-class beachfront resort offers stunning ocean views and exceptional accommodation. Your four-day, three-night stay puts an epic variety of experiences right at your doorstep: from wildlife encounters and world-class golf to a thrilling casino, soothing spas, sparkling pools, and a beach that will take your breath away. Baha Mar also features exceptional dining and endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Guests of Baha Mar enjoy unlimited access to Baha Bay, where there is an array of experiences and cuisine. This unforgettable escape is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and experience the beauty, luxury, and excitement of the Bahamas. Your dream vacation awaits!
\nGenerously donated by Baha Mar<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"SWEET ESCAPE WITH FOOD NETWORKS \u201cBEST BAKER IN AMERICA\u201d PASTRY CHEF ADAM YOUNG
\n<\/strong>Pastry Making Class with 10 Friends at Mohegan Sun. A one-of-a-kind Mohegan Sun Experience with Food Network’s \u201cBest Baker in America\u201d Pastry Chef, Adam Young, for up to 10 people. Learn the artistry of pastry at the brand new Sift Bake Shop at Mohegan Sun. Chef Adam will expertly lead your group in an interactive experience, guiding you through the pastry-making process. Guests are treated to champagne, small bites of charcuterie, and cheese.\u00a0 In addition, you will receive gift bags filled with Chef Adam\u2019s pastry selections and other Sift merchandise. After your fun-filled day, enjoy dinner at \u201cThe Farm Italy\u201d with five (5) $100 gift cards. Your group will head up to your rooms at Mohegan for the night. In the morning, enjoy brunch at \u201cThe Shed\u201d with three (3) $50 gift cards.
\nGenerously donated by Swift Bakery<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"OCEANVIEW OASIS | HOLDEN BEACH WEST, NC<\/strong>
\nAccommodation for up to 22 Guests for seven consecutive nights.\u00a0Welcome to a vacationer’s paradise! This stunning home features seven bedrooms, six and a half baths, and a serene private swimming pool nestled amidst the dunes. Situated in the exclusive gated community of Holden Beach West, North Carolina, this home promises to be your ultimate vacation spot for accommodations of up to 22 guests. Approximately a 60-minute drive from Wilmington, NC Airport or 75 minutes from Myrtle Beach, SC Airport.
\nLet the vacation begin! The minute you step inside this magnificent coastal getaway, you will immediately feel the day-to-day stress begin to fade away! There is enough space for everyone to spread out and relax! On the first level, you will love the spacious open-concept living room\/dining room\/kitchen areas, complete with magnificent views of the glistening Atlantic Ocean! There is enough space for everyone to come together for family-style meals, all while making memories!
\nGenerously donated by Anonymous<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"THE EXCLUSIVE CHEF’S TABLE
\n<\/strong>Host an intimate, in-home dining experience for up to eight guests prepared by acclaimed Chef Carmen Quagliata. Chef Quagliata is the former Executive Chef of New York City\u2019s beloved Union Square Cafe, owned by Danny Meyer, where he spent 15 years of his career. Prior to moving to the East Coast, he served as Executive Chef of Tra Vigne in St. Helena, in the heart of Napa Valley. He began his culinary training under famed restaurateur, Chef Michael Chiarello.<\/p>\n

Chef Quagliata will craft a seasonal, multi-course tasting menu inspired by authentic Italian cuisine, featuring the finest ingredients and the warmth of traditional Italian hospitality. It is a rare opportunity to bring the artistry, passion, and expertise of one of New York\u2019s most respected chefs directly to your table.<\/p>\n

Chef Quagliata has also created exclusive dining experiences for notable guests including Hillary Clinton, Steve Jobs, Vera Wang, Francis Ford Coppola, Julia Child, and Jacques P\u00e9pin.
\nGenerously donated by Chef Carmen Quagliata<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"VIVA LAS VEGAS! NIGHT AT THE SPHERE
\n<\/strong>Your choice of concert at the Vegas Sphere for two people\/two-night stay.\u00a0Don’t miss an unforgettable concert experience at Sphere in Las Vegas! Whether you\u2019re a music lover or looking for the ultimate entertainment, Sphere delivers it all. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Las Vegas with two seats at a concert of your choice. Experience a concert like never before at Sphere Las Vegas \u2013 a breathtaking venue where cutting-edge technology meets world-class performances. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals and crystal-clear sound while enjoying your favorite artists up close. It\u2019s more than a show \u2013 it\u2019s an unforgettable, all-encompassing experience. Four-Star Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip! Enjoy a two-night stay in a standard guest room in Four-star hotel accommodations such as the MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Paris, New York-New York, or comparable in Las Vegas. Note: A daily resort fee will be the responsibility of the guest.<\/em>
\nGenerously donated by Anonymous<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"A ROCKY MOUNTAIN GETAWAY: BEAVER CREEK
\n<\/strong>Four Nights in a Luxury Mountain Home for Four Guests\/Ski Passes for Two.\u00a0Beaver Creek, Colorado pairs the elegance of a modern mountain resort with the cozy charm of an alpine village, creating an idyllic winter retreat in the heart of the Vail Valley. Renowned for its immaculately groomed slopes, world-class skiing, and exceptional amenities, the resort offers breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery at every turn. Spend your days carving through fresh powder, then unwind with fireside dining and luxury apr\u00e8s-ski experiences. Beyond the slopes, winter in Beaver Creek invites snowshoeing through serene forests, ice skating in the village, festive seasonal events, and evenings wrapped in mountain warmth\u2014making it the perfect destination for a refined yet relaxing escape.<\/p>\n

Enjoy four nights in a luxury mountain home, complete with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and all the comforts you need for an unforgettable stay. Conveniently located just steps from the slopes, you can hit the ground running each day and make the most of every moment on the mountain. With ample space to gather and entertain, this home is ideal for creating lasting memories with family and friends.<\/p>\n

This package also includes two fully transferable lift passes valid at Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Vail, and Beaver Creek\u2014granting access to some of Colorado\u2019s premier ski destinations.
\nGenerously donated by Brian and Erika Evanko and Friends<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

RAO\u2019S NYC- THE IMPOSSIBLE RESERVATION
\n<\/strong>Four Guests, priceless access, an unforgettable night at RAOS for July 23\u00a0at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Step\u00a0into one of NYC\u2019s most legendary dining rooms where a table isn\u2019t just booked, it\u2019s inherited! Known as the toughest reservations in the country, Rao\u2019s operates on a system of \u201cowned\u201d tables, making access nearly impossible. This exclusive experience grants you and your guest the rare opportunity to dine inside this iconic East Harlem institution, where old school charm, red sauce classics, and celebrity sightings are all part of the evening. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’ll feel like a true insider immersed in a world where tradition, hospitality, and unforgettable flavors reign supreme. Indulge in signature dishes and soak in the intimate, storied atmosphere. Also included is a $500 dining gift certificate. This is more than dinner, it’s a piece of New York history.
\nGenerously donated by Alan Brill<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"HARRY\u2019S IN THE HOUSE!
\n<\/strong>Harry Styles:\u00a0Together, Together Tour<\/em> \u2013 Three Tickets in the TAO Suite at Madison Square Garden Friday, October 30<\/p>\n

Experience\u00a0Harry Styles\u2019\u00a0Together, Together Tour<\/em>\u00a0like a VIP with\u00a0three premium tickets\u00a0in the exclusive\u00a0TAO Suite 16\u00a0at\u00a0Madison Square Garden. Enjoy an incredible view of the stage in a private, elevated setting while soaking in Style! This three-time Grammy winner will have you on your feet as he performs songs from his new album, bringing high-energy and dance-party vibes. Your suite experience includes catered food, so you and your guests can relax and dine throughout the show. This is the ultimate way to enjoy Harry Styles live in comfort and style.\u00a0An unforgettable night of music, luxury, & excitement awaits!
\nGenerously donated by TAO Hospitality Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"AN EVENING CURATED BY CHEF CHRIS SANTOS
\n<\/strong>14 Guests, Exclusive Dinner at Beauty & ESSEX at Mohegan Sun<\/p>\n

Enjoy and evening created by celebrated Chef, Chris Santos at Beauty & Essex Mohegan Sun. Your group of up to 14 guests will be treated to a custom multi-course dinner featuring Beauty & Essex greatest hits, along with exclusive off-the-menu creations, especially designed for the evening by Chef Santos. Each course will be paired with thoughtfully selected wines to elevate the experience. The night begins with a private champagne welcome and a 30-minute cocktail reception hosted by Chef Santos himself, complete with light passed Hors d\u2019oeuvres and the opportunity to meet and mingle before dinner. As a special keepsake, each guest will receive a signed copy of Chef Santos cookbook \u201cShare\u201d, upon arrival. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy an intimate insider dining experience with one of the hospitality industries most acclaimed chefs.
\nGenerously donated by Chef Chris Santos<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"PRIVATE VILLA IN TUSCANY
\n<\/strong>SEVEN NIGHT STAY FOR FOUR PEOPLE IN CORTONA, ITALY
\nINCLUDES DAILY BREAKFAST, COOKING CLASS & DINNER, WINE TOUR FOR UP TO FOUR GUESTS<\/p>\n

Perched in the Cortona countryside, your charming two-bedroom, two-bath villa welcomes you with warmth and authenticity. Surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the serene valley of Val\u2019 di Chiana, it is the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility\u2014just minutes from Cortona\u2019s bustling piazzas.\u00a0Each morning, awaken to a chef-prepared breakfast that celebrates Tuscany\u2019s simple yet exquisite flavors. The villa features an outdoor terrace perfect for al fresco dining with panoramic valley views, a private swimming pool, and gardens for afternoons of leisure. The villa has modern comforts like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, all wrapped within the villa\u2019s authentic Tuscan architecture. Between the vineyard views, the aromas of earth and oak, and the warmth of Tuscan hospitality, you\u2019ll discover why wine here is not just made\u2014it\u2019s lived. Cortona is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Florence and a 2.5-hour drive from Rome. Nearby cities: Perugia 45 km; Siena 70 km; Florence 100 km; Rome 205 km; Pisa 200 km. This exclusive experience includes:<\/p>\n