To throw 1st pitch, get gourmet meal, bid on auction

CLEVELAND — Have you ever pictured yourself throwing out the first pitch at an Indians home game?

How about having three gourmet chefs cook dinner for you and 11 of your friends in your home?

Cleveland Scholarship Programs, Inc.’s Dollars and Scholars Dream Auction is offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, with proceeds going to help deserving students afford college.

Supporters can bid on the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on May 14 when the Tribe takes on the Oakland Athletics.

The auction prize also includes an opportunity to view batting practice from the field before the game, a special meet-and-greet with a 2008 Indians player, four tickets to the game that evening and an autographed baseball signed by Indian Travis Hafner (includes certificate of authenticity).

Bidding is open to the public at www.clevelandmagazine.com/dollarsandscholars.

“The purpose of the auction is to engage the community in a fun and interactive fund-raising initiative that offers one-of-a-kind opportunities, while at the same time supporting the economic and social health of the region,” said Tina Milano, CEO of CSP.

May’s auction package will include dinner cooked for the winning bidder and 11 guests in their home by gourmet chefs Rocco Whalen, chef and owner of Fahrenheit restaurant; Jonathan Bennett, executive chef and partner of Moxie; and Pete Joyce, chef of Blue Pointe Grill.

The Dollars and Scholars Dream auction is sponsored by Cleveland Magazine and Majic 105.7.