Team Hidi 2025 Live Auction
The incredible food and drink is just the start of Team Hidi! Be at the stage (just outside Chop House on the First Base Concourse) no later than 6:30 PM for an electrifying LIVE AUCTION—a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bid on exclusive items and experiences, all in support of food service workers facing crisis in Georgia and beyond.
From extraordinary chef-curated dining adventures to luxurious getaways and VIP entertainment packages, these auction items are designed to thrill, delight, and inspire.
Every bid placed directly fuels Giving Kitchen’s mission, providing emergency assistance and resources to those who keep our favorite restaurants and bars running. Get ready to raise your paddle, bid big, and make a difference!
Item 1: Unsukay Block Party – Sunday, September 21, 2025, 4-9 pm
THIS LOT HAS MANY WINNERS. Buy your TICKET at $500 per person as the first item in the Live Auction!
This is not just a party—it’s an epic takeover on Sunday, September 21 at one of Atlanta’s most dynamic venues, featuring legendary food, drinks, and entertainment from some of the city’s most iconic spots. Only 125 lucky folks will get to enjoy an exclusive, all-access celebration packed with incredible eats, craft cocktails, high-energy music, and endless games—all in a private, one-of-a-kind space.
Savor a feast from the Unsukay family of restaurants, the team behind some of Atlanta’s most beloved dining destinations: Muss & Turner’s, Eleanor’s, MTH Pizza, Local Three, Warhorse and Seahorse. Every bite and sip will be curated by these culinary powerhouses, ensuring you will experience the best of Atlanta’s food scene. Plus, a Waffle House Food Truck to bring the party to the absolute next level!
Step inside Oak House’s 14,000 feet of indoor and outdoor space (located in Avondale) and let loose in a space packed with every game imaginable—arcade classics, duckpin bowling, pool, pinball, darts, shuffleboard, ping pong, and more. It is all yours, so let the good times roll! DJ Yvonne Monet, an Atlanta icon, will be spinning all night long, keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed. Expect an unforgettable mix of classics, throwbacks, and party anthems that will keep you grooving.
This is a one-night-only, legendary event! Raise your paddle to buy your tickets ($500 each) at the start of the live auction.
Fine print: Must be 21 or up. Rain or shine.
Item 2: The Legacy of Oak & Bourbon: A Maker’s Mark Experience
Make your mark—literally—on Star Hill Farm with an unforgettable journey into the heart of bourbon country! Gather seven of your closest bourbon-loving friends and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Maker’s Mark Distillery, where you the winner will plant an American White Oak tree tagged with your name—an enduring testament to your legacy.
This trip delves into the secrets of whiskey maturation, oak education, and wood finishing with a private tour of the historic distillery. From collecting your own field notes to thieving whisky in the warehouse to sampling special wood-finished bourbons, you and your guests will find this experience as rare as your favorite Private Selection expression.
From there you and your guests will then explore the inner workings, history and family stories of the historic distillery on an intimate private tour led by an expert bourbon specialist. You will visit several areas not seen on the standard tour, getting an in-depth look at the unique bourbon-making process from the grains to the bottle before concluding with a private tasting. End your visit with a special tasting of our 2023 AND 2024 Cellar Aged bourbon, followed by lunch for your group at Star Hill Provisions, our onsite restaurant where 86% of ingredients are sourced on-site.
At the end of day, unwind in the luxurious guest rooms at Trail Hotel in Bardstown, KY, offering an elevated retreat in the Bourbon Capital of the World. With private ground transportation provided while in Bardstown, all that’s left to do is raise a glass and enjoy! Bid boldly—this rare experience is yours to claim!
Fine print: Must be 21 or up. Only includes ground transportation to and from the hotel. Blackout dates: all September weekends in 2025, April 29-May 3, 2026. Tour, which must be scheduled Monday-Friday, is mostly outdoors and not suitable for people with mobility issues as it includes about ¼ mile of walking as well as stairs. Hotel is four luxurious double rooms for 2 nights. Expires 5/31/26.
Item 3: "The Holy Grail of Whiskey: Pappy & The Boss Hog"
A whiskey collector’s ultimate dream—six of the most coveted bottles of Pappy Van Winkle, paired with the legendary WhistlePig Boss Hog X! This ultra-exclusive collection features an extraordinary lineup of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, spanning from the coveted 10-Year to the nearly impossible-to-find 23-Year expression. Each sip tells the story of time, craftsmanship, and the pinnacle of bourbon excellence. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there—this lot also includes a bottle of WhistlePig’s The Boss Hog X: The Ten Commandments, a straight rye whiskey aged in craft mead casks and aromatic resin barrels, adding a righteous touch to your collection.
This lot includes:
Pappy Van Winkle:
Pappy Van Winkle Reserve – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (23 Years Old)
Family Reserve – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (20 Years Old)
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (15 Years Old)
Special Reserve Lot "B" – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (12 Years Old)
Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye – Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (13 Years Old)
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (10 Years Old)
Whistle Pig:
Whistle Pig The Boss Hog The Ten X Commandments – Straight Rye Whiskey aged in craft mead casks & aromatic resin barrels
This is a whiskey lover’s divine calling—don’t let it “sip” away!
Fine print: Bottles will be delivered within metro Atlanta.
Item 4: NOLA Unfiltered: A Foodie’s Dream Weekend – Sep. 18-21, 2025
Enjoy a four-day, three-night tour de food across New Orleans with the folks who know it best: the locals. Giving Kitchen CEO, Allison Padilla-Goodman, and Board Chair, Nancy Oswald, are New Orleans locals and will take your group of 6 guests to their favorite New Orleans spots including:
Cocktails and dinner with the owners of Commander’s Palace (7 James Beard Foundation awards, Food and Wine’s 40 most important restaurants, Southern Living’s Best Restaurant, and many other accolades) in their famous Wine Room. No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to this icon—but you’ve never been to Commander’s like this! The owners are heroes of the food scene in the city.
Lunch from one of Mason Hereford’s restaurants, who was listed as Best Restaurant in America by Bon Appetit in 2017 (and whose staff have benefited from GK).
Group Whisky Tasting and VIP Tour of the Sazerac House, a museum that showcases New Orleans history through the stories of its cocktails and was awarded the Top Visitors Attraction in 2023 from Whisky Magazine.
A semi-private dinner hand-curated by Alon Shaya, a multiple James Beard Foundation award-winner ("Best Chef, South" in 2015, "Best New Restaurant" in 2016) and multiple other national accolades, at his flagship restaurant, Saba.
VIP cocktail experience led by the owner at Cure. Cure is the 2018 James Beard winner for outstanding bar program and one of Esquire’s “Best Cocktail Bars in the US”, and is largely credited with pioneering the craft cocktail movement in New Orleans.
Dinner at GW Fins, New Orleans Premier Seafood restaurant, which has won numerous accolades and awards including 2024 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and 2025 James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant. Dinner will be hosted by the restaurant’s owner.
Breakfast at Brennan’s, a New Orleans staple that has been reinvented and reignited by the Brennan’s family! No trip to New Orleans is complete without this seminal meal. Some of the best oysters rockefeller and bananas foster on the planet!
The experience includes many elements of surprise and delight not listed above, all meals, impossible-to-get reservations, late-night haunts, three nights hotel stay (3 double rooms), and ground transportation to and from the airport.
This is the ultimate way to experience the culinary soul of New Orleans. Bid high—this one’s worth it!
Fine print: Must be 21 and up. Trip dates are Sep. 18-21, 2025. Does not include air transportation or gratuity.
Item 5: Whole Hog Heaven: A Backyard Bourbon & BBQ Blowout
Do you like Whiskey? Do you Like Barbecue? The big dogs from one of Atlanta’s most beloved restaurant groups, Fifth Group Restaurants (owners of South City Kitchen, Alma Cocina, Ecco, Ela, La Tavola Trattoria and Lure) are ready to take over your back yard and provide a one-of-a-kind experience for you and 25 of your closest friends.
World class sommelier and Beverage Director Ian Mendehlson will lead you and your guests through a guided tasting of some of the rarest, most sought after pours of bourbon - including an exclusive flight of Pappy van Winkle 10,12, and 15 year, George T Stagg, and Eagle Rare 17 year (just to name a few). Prefer vino? We’ve got you covered with hand-selected magnum bottles of world-class masstige wines.
While you are enjoying your beverages, aptly named Viking Chef / Culinary Director of South City Kitchen, John Spotkill, will command his army of culinary troops as they prepare a southern feast centered around a whole smoked heritage hog. Ever licked barbecue sauce off a man with a ponytail for a beard? Now’s your chance. Our onsite bar team will work tirelessly to keep your glasses irresponsibly full of fine whiskey, premium wines, and maybe even some sweet tea for good measure.
No party is complete without great music, and Rich Gunderlock, Atlanta’s favorite one-man-band delivers a dynamic live experience. With masterful live looping and dynamic instrumentation, Rich creates the sound of a full band—all on his own. Whether it’s classic hits, modern favorites, or unexpected twists, his performances bring the perfect soundtrack to match this exceptional event.
And an unforgettable night deserves unforgettable memories! Strike a Pose Atlanta will be there capturing every toast, every laugh, and every moment with their innovative event photography services. With instant sharing and high-quality images, your whiskey-fueled feast will be remembered long after the last sip.
Just provide the back yard—we’ll handle the rest. From a fully catered whole hog feast to a professionally staffed bar, set-up, and clean-up, this unparalleled experience that redefines Southern hospitality. Bid big and let us help make this event truly legendary!
Fine Print: Limited to Metro Atlanta. Gratuity not included.
Item 6: Wild & Wonderful: A Chef’s Weekend on Ossabaw Island - April 24-26, 2026
Located just south of Savannah and only accessible only by invitation, Ossabaw Island is a pristine sanctuary where history, nature, and culinary excellence collide. For one magical weekend, you and seven guests will immerse yourselves in an exclusive retreat hosted by GK’s own Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, featuring meals from James Beard Award-winning chefs, curated beverage pairings from an on-island sommelier, and stories from Georgia’s greatest living naturalist, Cathy Sakas.
The food experience on Ossabaw Island is a culinary tour de force. Food and beverage pairings will showcase the history and culture of Georgia’s coast, from historic Savannah rum punches to Geechee-inspired food. Headlining this year’s Ossabaw experience:
Castellucci Hospitality Group founder Chef John Castellucci + one more! - Bar Mercado, Cooks & Soldiers, Double Zero, Sugo, one Michelin star MUJŌ, Iberian Pig)
Chef Archna Becker - Bhojanic and Tandoori ATL
James Beard Award Winning Chef, Terry Koval – Deer And The Dove and Fawn
GK Founding Board Member and Chef Todd Mussman – Unsukay Restaurant Group – Muss & Turner’s, Eleanor’s, Local Three, MTH Pizza, Warhorse and Seahorse
Mike and Shyretha Sheats - The Plate Sale, Mule Train
Chef’s Sam Herdon and Chino Hathcock – restaurant forthcoming in Savannah, GA; and
Our on-island sommelier, Melissa Davis.
Acoustic performance provided by bandmates from the Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band.
This is more than a getaway—it’s an experience money can’t normally buy. Bid generously for the chance to claim this rare and unforgettable adventure!
Fine print: Rain or shine. Transportation not included. 8 guests will stay in the historic Boarding House, featuring 4 private bedrooms. A pre-trip planning session ensures a seamless experience.
Item 7: Epicurean Odyssey: A Night with Chefs Andrew Zimmern, Ron Hsu, Aaron Phillips & Clase Azul
Indulge in two nights of an extraordinary culinary and spirits journey for 10 featuring Emmy-winning chef and TV personality Andrew Zimmern, MICHELIN-starred Chef Ron Hsu, Chef Aaron Phillips, and Clase Azul Tequila, on an exclusive evening at Atlanta’s acclaimed Lazy Betty.
This is a never-to-be-repeated event—secure your seat for an evening of exceptional food, rare tequila, and legendary company.
Part Two: The Ultimate Dinner Party
Gather 9 of your closest friends for an intimate, mind-blowing five-course dinner at one-MICHELIN-star Atlanta restaurant, Lazy Betty, prepared by the powerhouse trio of Andrew Zimmern, Ron Hsu, and Aaron Phillips. Each dish will be perfectly paired with tequila-based cocktails. Chefs Andrew, Ron and Aaron will join guests for dessert, coffee and stories, culinary insights, and behind-the-scenes experiences from their incredible careers.
Part One: The Master Class
Before the event, elevate your home bar with a private tequila tasting master class with Bryan Windsor from Clase Azul. He will visit your home with all 8 bottles from Clase Azul’s prestigious collection, paired with exquisite bites from James Beard Semi-Finalist Chef Arnaldo, and Howard and Anita Hsu of Tio Lucho’s. As a keepsake, you will receive 5 premium Clase Azul bottles to enjoy long after the evening ends.
Fine print: Must be 21+. Gratuity not included. This experience is intended to be over two separate evenings, one at your home and one at Lazy Betty. Master Class limited to Metro Atlanta. Lazy Betty dinner date choices will be provided. Event will be hosted on a Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday.
Item 8: Big Apple Bites & Battles: A Celebrity Chef & VIP NYC Experience – November 14-16, 2025
Four lucky guests will embark on a three-day, two-night VIP adventure with hotel accommodations in New York City hosted by GK’s own Jen Hidinger-Kendrick and GK Board Member, actor Jamie Hyder (you may know her as Kat on Law & Order: SVU), packed with unforgettable moments. It’s NYC like you’ve never experienced it before- celebrity chefs, exclusive access and star-studded surprises!
Start with a private food and museum tour, followed by a Lebanese feast at one of Oprah’s favorite chefs, Edy Massih of Edy’s Grocer, North Brooklyn’s first Lebanese market and deli.
Day two starts with a visit to the James Beard House, a must-see for any food lover. Then, we’ll turn up the heat as you take part in an exclusive Chopped-style cooking competition alongside celebrity chefs Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphy, battling it out in a high-energy culinary showdown. You will also go home with a curated gift basket full of each chef's favorite products and cookbooks!
And the cherry on top? Two VIP tickets to The Kelly Clarkson Show, where you’ll see the Emmy-winning talk show in action.
Fine print: Trip is Nov. 14-16, 2025. Air and ground transportation not included. Gratuity not included. Hotel accommodations of 2 nights (2 double rooms) are included for NYC chef trip. One night (double occupancy) is included for Kelly Clarkson. Two Tickets/Vouchers to Kelly Clarkson Show redeemable during Season 7 and not necessarily in conjunction with pre-planned trip to NYC. The 2025/2026 Season 7 is expected to run September 2025 through June 2026.
Item 9: Epicurean Expedition: A Chef’s Journey Through the Okefenokee
Choose from these 2026 dates: Feb.5-8, Feb. 26-Mar. 1, OR Mar. 5-8.
Join the Paddle and Fork Collective for an unbelievable chef driven weekend for ten guests in the Okefenokee Swamp.
“I’m 65 years old, I’ve been to world class chef events all over the world and this is by far the best trip I’ve ever experienced.” - 2025 Okefenokee guest
The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the most incredible landscapes in the world. Beautiful beyond description, the haunting natural beauty and remote wilderness are breathtaking, some say life changing. What could possibly make a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp any more appealing? How about adding world class outdoor guides and award winning chefs, joining forces to do what they love most: raising money for Giving Kitchen and sharing the Okefenokee swamp with new friends.
The Paddle and Fork Collective, a team of experienced and respected outdoor industry leaders working with award-winning and exceptionally talented chefs, will organize your personalized 3-night weekend for 10 in the Okefenokee Swamp.
Okefenokee Details:
Basecamp: We will be “glamping” for three nights at Griffis Fish Camp - just outside the boundaries of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. While rustic … Griffis Fish Camp is quite charming and features electricity, running water, bathrooms and hot showers!
Exploration: We will “day paddle" from Stephen C. Foster State Park and explore the western side of the Okefenokee - including trips up Minnie’s Run, Minnie’s Lake Shelter, a history hike across Billy’s Island and an unforgettable paddle down the river narrows and through the Suwannee River Sill.
Food and beverage: Every meal - including our “pop-ups” in the swamp - will be planned and executed to perfection by our team of chefs and tastemakers. Each chef will take turns planning a meal, but be executed collaboratively - with special beer and wine pairings.
These chefs will prepare unforgettable meals in the wild using local ingredients, all perfectly paired with curated wines and craft beers. This is not just a trip—it’s a fully immersive, once-in-a-lifetime culinary expedition.
Chefs:
Terry Koval - The Deer and The Dove, B-Side, Fawn
Hector Santiago - El Super Pan and La Metro
Todd Mussman - Muss & Turner’s, Eleanor’s, MTH Pizza, Local Three, Roshambo, Warhorse and Seahorse
Hudson Rouse - Rising Son, Pure Quill Superette, Whoopsie’s
Beverage Service:
Dave Blanchard - Brick Store Pub, Leon’s Full Service, Ramspeck
Ryan Turner – Muss & Turner’s, Eleanor’s, MTH Pizza, Local Three, Roshambo, Warhorse and Seahorse
Naturalists and Guides:
Cathy Sakas
Scott Taylor
Bryan Schroeder
Please note: While we are hosting a “wilderness experience” on the water, the rugged outdoor purist would turn up their nose at our preparations. This is camping at its most luxurious and includes many of the comforts of home (including indoor plumbing and hot showers). After a day in the swamp, a few drinks, and a delicious chef-prepared meal, don’t be surprised if a dance breaks out under the stars, string lights, and around the campfire. This is serious nature and serious fun.
Fine print: This is a rain or shine event. Guests are expected to bring their own tents, sleeping bags, and individual gear (the Paddle and Fork Collective will provide a list of gear). Please choose your preferred within a month after purchasing the “Okefenokee Experience.” Leaders from Giving Kitchen and The Paddle and Fork Collective will schedule a pre-trip meeting to discuss trip plans and answer questions. Transportation not included. Choose from three weekends in 2026: Feb. 5-8, Feb. 26 – Mar. 1, Mar. 5-8. A pre-trip planning session ensures a seamless experience.
Item 10: Decatur Unplugged: An exclusive Private Dining and Live Jam experience with Andrew Zimmern & Terry Koval
Prepare for a one-of-a-kind culinary and music experience as James Beard Award-winning chefs Andrew Zimmern (Bizarre Foods, Wild Game Kitchen and more) and Terry Koval (The Deery and the Dove, FAWN) throw a private dinner party at Decatur’s newest wine and amaro hotspot, FAWN.
This exclusive intimate gathering for 20 guests, featuring decadent bites, exceptional cocktails, and unforgettable conversations with two of the most celebrated chefs in the industry.
To set the perfect vibe, enjoy a private acoustic performance by Jonathan Brill & bandmates from the Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band —and Andrew Zimmern just might jump in for a song! A rare chance to dine, drink, and jam with culinary legends—don’t miss out on this private Decatur takeover.
Fine print: Does not include gratuity. A choice of dates (Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night) will be provided post-event.
Item 11: Smoke & Glory: A Big Green Egg Backyard Culinary Revolution
Transform your backyard into the ultimate grilling paradise with a fully customized Big Green Egg setup, personally curated by Big Green Egg CEO & GK Board Member Dan Gertsacov. The makeover includes the Egg that suits your space and all the EGGcessories you can imagine – everything needed to make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood!
Then, break in your brand-new outdoor kitchen and Big Green Egg with a five-course private dinner party for 10 prepared by James Beard semi-finalist and bestselling author Chef Deborah VanTrece, who will be debuting her new show, Global Soul Kitchen, this fall! She’ll bring her signature flavors, along with sommelier-selected wine pairings by VanTrece Hospitality Beverage Director Kursten Berry.
This is more than a prize—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Elevate your outdoor entertaining game forever.
Fine Print: Only available in Metro Atlanta. Gratuity not included.
Item 12: Field of Dreams: Dinner in the Braves Bullpen + VIP Home Plate Seats
Don’t miss this premiere VIP Braves culinary experience at Truist Park for 10 hosted by the Atlanta Braves Foundation, ASW Distillery, Delaware North, and Giving Kitchen. The evening begins with a welcome tasting and tour at the ASW Battery tasting room, featuring cocktails with Jim & Kelly Chasteen of ASW Distillery. Following an hour of cocktails and a whiskey tasting, guests will stroll to Truist Park for a memorable dining experience. Braves’ executive chefs from Delaware North will curate a custom food and beverage menu served IN THE BULLPEN of The Atlanta Braves stadium, featuring premium wines, craft beer, spirits, and gourmet cuisine. Each guest will receive a custom Atlanta Braves jersey, Charlie McCullers print, and a special bottle of ASW as parting gifts. This is a true foodie-meets-baseball extravaganza!
But that’s just the first pitch. You’ll also score FOUR premium home plate tickets for the Braves vs. LA Dodgers showdown (World Series Champion and fan favorite Freddie Freeman comes home!) on May 2, 2025 at 7:15 pm with a prime spot in the ultra-exclusive Comcast Suite, right behind home plate, including all-you-can-enjoy food and beverages.
An experience this unique doesn’t come around often—swing for the fences and bid big!
Fine print: Date chosen based on auction winner request and availability with the Braves. Dinner is available only on away games during 2025-26 season. Braves v. LA Dodgers is Friday, May 2, 7:15 pm at Truist Park.