Spring Fling
Celebrate spring, music, and community with us!
Join Fenimore Chamber Orchestra for our Spring Fling Fundraiser — a festive afternoon in support of local culture and live music.
Come enjoy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and our silent auction featuring wonderful baskets and items available for bidding. It’s also a special opportunity to meet Maciej Żółtowski, Artistic Director of Fenimore Chamber Orchestra, along with members of our Governing Board.
Spend a beautiful afternoon with friends, neighbors, and fellow music lovers—all while helping us continue bringing inspiring orchestral performances to our community.
📅 Sunday, May 31, 2026
🕒 3–5 PM
📍 Cooperstown Beverage Exchange, 73 Main St, Cooperstown, NY
Silent Auction Items
Silent Night manuscript from the library of Leonard Bernstein
This rare hand-written manuscript from Salzburg, Austria, once resided in the personal library of renowned conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, as confirmed by the included provenance card. Generously donated by Willis Monie Books of Cooperstown.
Estimated value $150.00; opening bid $75.00.
Hand-knitted silk shawl made from recycled saris
This 100% silk shawl was designed and knitted by FCO co-founder Rosemary Summers. It features Himalayan silk yarn created by women who support their villages by spinning thread from recycled saris into a soft yarn. Since each skein of yarn created in this manner varies according to the fabric from which it was created, every garment made from it is truly one-of-a-kind. The shawl features a lacy stitch designed to highlight the jewel tones, and a hand-knotted fringe.
Estimated value $150.00; opening bid $75.00.
Hand-hooked cabin pillow
This one‑of‑a‑kind hand‑hooked pillow, crafted in calming shades of blue and white, features a charming cabin nestled in the woods. Its cozy, rustic design makes it a standout accent for any home—perfect for adding warmth to a reading nook, guest room, or cabin retreat. Donated by Robert Baker.
Estimated value $50.00; opening bid $25.00.
FCO at your house!
FCO Artistic Director Maciej Zoltowski and Principal Second Violin Debrah Devine will perform an intimate short program for violin and keyboard in your home (date and time to be arranged by mutual convenience). Entertain your guests in style or keep the artistry of these two very special musicians all to yourself! You do not need to have a piano to bid on this one-of-a-kind offering.
Estimated value $500.00; opening bid $200.00.
Laisser les bontemps rouler!—cajun dinner for eight
You and your guests will savor a classic Louisiana Low Country Boil prepared in your home by FCO Co‑Founder Rosemary Summers. This festive Cajun feast features smoked sausage, shrimp, corn on the cob, and baby red potatoes simmered in a rich, aromatic broth infused with Cajun spices, lemon, and garlic. Rosemary’s homemade cornbread and classic Vanilla Parfait with strawberries round out this sumptuous, perfect-for-a-summer-evening feast.
Estimated value $500.00; opening bid $150.00.
Dinner party for eight: Frutta di mare
Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience in the comfort of your own home as FCO co‑founders Thomas Wolf and Rosemary Summers prepare a spectacular Frutta di Mare dinner for up to eight guests. Your evening begins with elegant Caprese Skewers—fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. The main event is a luxurious Frutta di Mare: a medley of mixed seafood in a bright, lemony cream sauce served over perfectly cooked linguini, followed by a crisp green salad. To finish the night on a sweet note, you and your guests will enjoy a beautiful Summer Fruit Tart, the perfect finale to a feast that will leave everyone else wishing they had placed the winning bid.
Estimated Value: $500; Opening Bid: $150.00.
Shaken or stirred?
Enjoy a Fenimore Martini crafted just the way you like it, featuring Fenimore gin, Carpano vermouth, and perfectly brined olives. The included martini shaker, elegant glasses, and cocktail picks provide everything you need for the perfect pour. Settle in, sip slowly, and pair your drink with a screening of Goldfinger—the iconic Bond film where those famous words were first delivered. Donated by Rosemary Summers.
Estimated value $135; opening bid $75.
Spring bling – Karen Katz custom creation
The winner will work with renowned local artist Karen Katz in her Cooperstown studio to create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Start with the winner’s own jewelry or explore the many treasures in Karen’s workspace to create a unique, highly personal piece of jewelry—wearable art that will become an heirloom. Generously donated by Karen Katz.
Estimated value $150-$200; opening bid $50.
Italian night in
Enjoy a cozy Italian evening at home with everything you need for a memorable dinner experience. This basket includes plates, premium olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta, pesto, sauce, a delicious dessert, and best of all, a variety of Italian wines to complete the meal. Fire up the DVD player and settle in with The Italian Job for the perfect finishing touch to your night in. Donated by Laura Tansey Wetzel.
Estimated value $200; opening bid $75.
Summer gathering in a basket
Everything you need for a memorable summer get-together with friends is packed into this beautiful willow basket! Enjoy floral trays with coordinating cocktail napkins, a cheese board with cheese knives, wine glasses, gourmet cheese and crackers, and of course, a selection of wines to complete the experience. Perfect for entertaining and creating an effortless summer evening. Donated by Melissa Manikas and Thomas Wolf.
Estimated value $200; opening bid $75.
CHECK BACK FOR MORE AMAZING ITEMS BEING ADDED THIS WEEK!
Come mingle, bid, sip, snack, and support the arts—it’s the perfect way to welcome the season.
Tickets: $50, only 75 available!
Reserve your tickets today!