By Rick Winterson

     There is an old saying, “Four great religions hath the Citie of Boston – sports, culture, politics, and dining out …”  Let’s take a look at how closely the 2005 All Hallows Auction matches that saying.

Boston sports are very well covered in both the live and silent segments of the All Hallows Auction.  Among the many, many tickets and items of sports memorabilia, a few stand out.  A piece of seating from the old Foxboro Stadium has been inscribed, “Last points Foxboro, 1/19/02”, and signed by Adam Vinatieri.  Most of you will remember that it was Vinatieri who scored those final points with a field goal.  Or how about a “Birthday in the Bleachers” party, which includes 20 tickets for friends of the birthday kid, as well as a trolley ride to and from Fenway Park via Old Town Trolley?  Need another incentive to bid?  How about two week-long passes to the Deutsche Bank PGA tournament next summer at TPC Norton?

     For the culturally minded, look for artwork by Norm Crump, pewter utensils with the Congressional seal, or tickets to “White Christmas” at the Wang Center on December 6 (which is also the feast day of Saint Nicholas).  Looking for a “with it” cultural experience?  How about two backstage passes, two tickets, and a limo ride to the long sold-out Aerosmith concert at the Gahden (no, that’s not a typo) on November 12?

     The politically-related auction items include touring the White House this Christmas Season with South Boston’s Congressman Steve Lynch.  Play high-stakes poker (chips only, plus bragging rights) with five local political figures in an evening of Texas Hold ‘Em.  If you are the lucky bidder, you can play “Hardball” with fellow political junkie Chris Matthews in his studio.

     The dining out category features dinners created by South Boston’s own Barbara Lynch of No. 9 Park, and by Jerome Watkins of “SOUTH”, Southie’s newest restaurant.  Jimmy’s Harborside has donated a two-hour cocktail reception for you and 14 of your friends.  The renowned 224 Boston Street will host six winning bidders.  Combine sports and dining out by bidding on lunch with Joe Thornton and Sergei Samsonov at Pier 4.  This item will be auctioned off by a mystery guest from the Bruins’ past.

     Many auction items can’t be easily classified.  Where do you put an aerial dogfight in the light-attack fighter, SIAI Marchetti SF260?  Or a brilliantly engineered Piaggio LT50 Italian scooter?  Or a personalized driving tour in an antique Bentley?  Or the many beautiful trips, both here and across the pond?  Suffice to say, there are 23 live-auction items and over 100 items in the silent auction.  Dick Flavin, South Boston’s favorite media personality and raconteur, will emcee the festivities, along with mystery guests.

     This year’s Leo Pistorino “Lifesaver” Award will go to Congressman Stephen F. Lynch.  Lynch has been in the forefront of obtaining funding for the South Boston Community Health Center, and is a tireless supporter of the community health center concept.  Previous “Lifesavers” have included Jake Citrin, Barbara Lynch, Charlie Petrie, and Neal Fitzpatrick.

     That’s 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening, October 27, at the elegant Boston Harbor Hotel.  Join your friends for one of the most memorable evenings of the year.  Picture, Imagine, Dream, Bid.

(NOTE:  The All Hallows Auction is underwritten by the International Cargo Center of New England.  The Auction’s benefactors are John Hancock, Partners HealthCare, and the Fallon Company.)