Online Live Auction
ITEM 1: INDIAN COASTAL CUISINE DINNER FOR 8
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Expect absolute foodie delight and an evening to remember! Come enjoy an authentic six-course dinner featuring India’s famed Coastal Cuisine with cocktails, wine pairings and dessert.
An extremely rare treat seldom seen at restaurants in the US, the cuisine showcases the very best of seafood, chicken, and lamb folded into unique spice blends and coconut curries, all made using traditional cooking methods. Expertly prepared by Anuradha Shenoy, your culinary tour will explore signature dishes from the coastal regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal.
This dinner is hosted by Anuradha Shenoy and serves eight people. Date will be agreed upon by all parties. Blackout dates include: May 15-30, June 26-July 4, Christmas – New Years.
ITEM 2: STYLE PARTY AND STAYCATION AT THE THOMPSON
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Gather a group of up to eight girlfriends for a Seattle staycation in style! Your evening will begin at Armoire where you will be styled for your night on the town. Your group will meet with your own Armoire stylist to receive personalized styling tips and try on a selection of pieces curated for each woman.
You’ll receive a one-month membership to Armoire’s style subscription service and walk out of your style session in your chosen outfit for the night. Your friends will also have the opportunity to sign up for Armoire with an exclusive discount. Enjoy the evening how ever you choose, and spend the night in two rooms at the Thompson Seattle, right in the heart of downtown.
ITEM 3: INDIAN COOKING CLASS AND TASTING
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Enjoy a fun-filled gastronomical evening with Upaya Board Chair, Sharmila Rathinam, and Priya Mahajan. Sharmila’s culinary skills are legendary, and her offerings have always created a bidding frenzy at our Gala. Priya Mahajan has taken both Seattle and Instagram by storm with a passion for both food preparation and her amazing Art of Plating @PriyaMahajan. She has a huge fan following on social media with folks vying to be on her next guest list.
The evening begins with an “ahh-inducing” demonstration of an exquisite 3-course fusion Indian meal. The meticulous “art of plating” of the appetizer, entrée, and delicious dessert will add the “ooh-factor.” More delectable food, a wonderful wine selection and great conversations will add the rest of the flair to the evening.
This item is for 8 people and will be hosted by Sharmila Rathinam. Date will be agreed upon by all parties.
ITEM 4: WEEKEND GETAWAY ON THE BEAUTIFUL WENATCHEE RIVER
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Spend a weekend in this beautiful 3-bedroom home, nestled right on the Wenatchee River. With three queen beds plus a double/twin bunk bed and two bathrooms, there is enough room to sleep eight people and perfect for three couples. The house is complete with laundry, a dishwasher, and a fireplace with wood provided—everything you need to feel at home with recreational opportunities year-round. Outside, there is a large northwest-facing deck overlooking the river, a lovely hot tub, and a firepit for s’mores. This item is for up to eight people. The dates will be agreed upon by all parties. Pets are not permitted.
ITEM 5: INDIAN POKER NIGHT AND MIXOLOGY EXPERIENCE
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Indian Poker is a popular version of poker, known to be equated with “Blind Man’s Bluff.” Typically played during the festive season, it’s a lively, highly competitive, and sometimes raucous activity, ALWAYS accompanied by good food and drink. Bids run high, especially when the game goes blind, and that drink may be your only friend in the room.
We take this to the next level by offering the tournament and more for a group of 10. We start with a Mixology class using some unique concoctions from an Indian pantry to create Indian-inspired cocktails. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will keep you fueled as stakes go high and the fun escalates. Bring your appetites and a full wallet to the table! All levels of experience are welcome; the hosts will explain the rules of the game and ensure a fun and exciting evening for all.
This item is for 10 people and will be hosted by Sharmila Rathinam and Priya Nagar. Date will be agreed upon by all parties.
How Does Online Bidding work?
Upaya’s Virtual Live Auction is now open! Please follow the buttons above to enter the bidding site. Then, click “Start Bidding” in the top right corner to create your bidding account. You will then be free to bid on our wonderful auction items.
If you place a bid on an item, you’ll will receive email notifications when other bids are received. Be sure to check your inbox in case you are outbid!
The auction will close on Friday, March 6th, at 8pm. You will hear from the Upaya team on Friday evening if you won an auction item, and your credit card will be processed on Monday, March 9th. If you have any questions or problems, please email Daphne at ddelaski@upayasv.org.
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Celia & Ramesh Manne
VB & Shobha Shenoy
Gold Sponsors
Anonymous
Marcus & Dipika Matthias
Silver Sponsors
Shirish & Mona Nadkarni
Sharmila & Pradeep Rathinam
Robin Wolaner
Table Sponsors
Sumi Bhat-Kincaid
Niranjan Bose & John Arackaparambil
Kate & Jeff Cochran
Kusi Hornberger
Kim Rachmeler
Sachi Shenoy & Vivek Nayak
In-Kind Sponsors
Ashmita Gulati
Priya Nagar
Gowri Pabbati
Sharmila Rathinam
Shruti Sardesai
Anuradha Shenoy
Smita Soans
About Upaya
Upaya Social Ventures is a nonprofit organization working to end extreme poverty through job creation. Upaya creates dignified jobs and self-reliance for people in need by supporting early-stage entrepreneurs who are building businesses in marginalized communities and employing the poorest of the poor. As our partner companies grow, our investment is returned to us, allowing us to invest in the next job-creating company. More jobs are created and entire communities thrive.
our vision
We envision a world where everyone has the opportunity to earn a dignified living and pursue their dreams.
our mission
We create dignified jobs for the poorest of the poor by building scalable businesses with investment and consulting support.
Contact Us
For questions about the Upaya Gala, please contact Heather Targosz at hsoehn@upayasv.org.