Gifts that Give! The Dolphin Project Auction and Benefit Concert

Electric Guitar Signed by Metallica

Welcome to our first ever auction to benefit Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project. And just in time, the Dolphin Project has been granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status in the USA (Tax ID 47-1665067), and donations are tax-deductible.

This spectacular affair features the incredible opportunity to bid on exclusive entertainment memorabilia and celebrity experiences.

The items up for bid are one-of-a-kind opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else, and will never be offered again.

If music is your forte, then read on!

HOT MUSIC ITEMS

How does a jam session with the legendary ‘Kings of Chaos‘ in a private rehearsal in Los Angeles sound? Well, we got it!

Perhaps something for your music collection? Like an electric guitar signed by ‘Metallica‘ — winners of 8 Grammy Awards and five albums that consecutively debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

And it isn’t the only one.

You can win a signed guitar from Slash.

Slash, the iconic American rock guitarist, songwriter, film producer, seller of more than 100 million album copies and legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, is also offering a signed electric guitar.

‘Journey‘ — whom we’ll never stop believing, is offering another guitar, and the multi-platinum quintet who helped to shape and define alternative rock — the one and only ‘Collective Soul‘ has donated a signed guitar too.

Our hearts are with legendary singer, songwriter and painter Joni Mitchell as she recovers from ill-health. The Dolphin Project wishes her a speedy and full recovery. This original photo of Joni Mitchell was taken by then boyfriend and founding member of Crosby, Stills and Nash — Graham Nash.

Joni Mitchell Listening to Her New Album – Signed Print by Graham Nash

Take home a tour-used Guns N’ Roses drumhead signed by Slash, Matt Sorum, Duff Mckagan and Gilby Clarke.

Matt Sorum — Dolphin Project Ambassador, Cove Monitor, Great Guy, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and legendary drummer of bands: ‘Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver’ and ‘The Cult’, has dug out a tour-used ‘Guns N’ Roses’ drumhead. Seriously, how may of these are still around? It’s a gnarly piece of history that could be a sweet child of yours.

But it gets better. For all you wannabe drummers out there, here’s a chance to get your percussion down. Yep, you can bid on a one-hour private drum lesson from the one, the only, Mr. Matt Sorum himself. S-weeet!

For those who prefer the softer side of music, there is nobody quite as inspirational as Josh Groban. As one of the biggest selling artists of the last decade, Groban’s four solo albums have been certified multi-platinum, and in 2007, he was recognized as the number one best selling artist in the United States with over 21 million records sold. To date, he has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, and is the top selling classical artist of the last decade.

Win VIP tickets and meet Josh Groban!

Thanks to Mr. Groban’s generosity, you and a guest will get to meet Josh and win two VIP tickets to one of his upcoming 2015 shows. Groban has performed for many charity events and is gracious giver to charities around the world.

He established the Josh Groban Foundation to help children in need through education, healthcare and the arts and was appointed as an Official Ambassador for Nelson Mandela’s Project 46664, a Global awareness project for HIV/AIDS in Africa. Now, he’s helping dolphins, and we’re extremely grateful. Enter a live bid here.

SPORTING GREATS

Surf or SUP lesson with legendary waterman Laird Hamilton

But perhaps sports is more your genre? If so, how about a chance to surf/SUP with legendary waterman Laird Hamilton?

Yep, we’ve got that too.

Laird is an “innovator” who has ridden most of the biggest waves this planet has to offer. A noted crossover board sport genius, he’s also produced and starred in a number of surfing films and has appeared on TV shows such as Oprah’s Master Class, Charlie Rose, 60 Minutes, and The Ellen Degeneres Show.

Take home Tony Hawk’s personal skateboard.

Known for completing the first documented 900, Tony Hawk AKA ‘The Birdman’, is now a household name. Hawk turned ‘pro’ at the tender age of 14 years and by the time he was 25, had tackled 103 pro contests, winning 73 of them and placing second in 19. His record will likely go unmatched but he is generously offering his own personal skateboard for the Dolphin Project auction.

WINTER IS COMING!

Want to win Maisie Williams’ script from Episode 1, Season 1 of Game of Thrones?

This fantasy drama television series by HBO, garners a record numbers of viewers. With a far-reaching global fan base, ‘Game of Thrones‘ is unmatched by anything else on television right now, and we’re absolutely delighted and honored to have Maisie Williams as one of our Dolphin Project Ambassadors. She was fantastic at spreading the word about our work at a ‘One Direction‘ concert recently — Shout out to Harry!

As Arya Stark, we’ve watched Maisie’s character evolve immensely through the past five seasons — she’s come a long way. How far, you’re about to find out, because this is your chance to own a rare piece of ‘Game of Thrones’ history.

Maisie is donating her working copy from the very first episode of ‘Game of Thrones’ — “Winter is Coming.” Not only is this Ms. Williams’ personal copy, it comes complete with all highlights and notes. Quite frankly, this is a GOT fan’s dream.

These working copies are not available anywhere, and to sweeten the pot further, HBO is adding an Arya Stark POP doll plus a Season Five poster signed by 10 cast members and GOT Director, David Nutter. This first of its kind, never-before-offered piece of memorabilia, is the only one in existence. You will be the envy of all your friends.

You can place your bid here via Charitybuzz.

Tea & Champagne with Lesley Nicol AKA Mrs. Patmore of Downton Abbey in LA

For the sophisticated lover of British period drama, there are few better on television than ‘Downton Abbey‘. This internationally-acclaimed series follows the the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants.

Set in the post-Edwardian era, ‘Downton Abbey’ will enter its 6th and final season — boo-hoo, in 2016. Which makes this opportunity even more nostalgic. Here’s your chance to get all lah-di-dah with ‘Downton Abbey’s‘ Lesley Nicol, AKA Mrs. Patmore. Win this bid and you’ll enjoy High Tea & Champagne — with Ms. Nicol — in Los Angeles.

But it would be remiss of us not to mention the founding father of Dolphin Project — Mr. Ric O’Barry. He doesn’t like to tout his own horn but without his dedication and unbridled passion for dolphins — we simply would not be here. So we’re also offering the opportunity to own an ultra-rare original — a ‘Flipper’ television script, signed by Ric himself. Thank you Sir!

There isn’t much time for bidding. The auction will end on Wednesday, July 29, when ‘Kings of Chaos’ rock The Fillmore in San Francisco to benefit the Dolphin Project.

Win a chance to jam with the Kings Of Chaos in Hollywood.

This is an A-mazing lineup of musicians. Rock legends, Slash — ‘Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver’, Sammy Hagar — ‘Van Halen’, Matt Sorum  — ‘Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver’, Gilby Clarke, Duff McKagan — ‘Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver’, Billy Duffy — ‘The Cult’, Glenn Hughes — ‘Deep Purple’, Doug Aldrich –‘Whitesnake, Dio’, and ‘Myles Kennedy — ‘Alter Bridge’. This supergroup of all supergroups, will showcase its members’ collection of smash hits, and feature other classic rock favorites. Our friends at The Dolphin Propaganda helped produce the event.

Don’t miss this event! Click here to purchase tickets via Live Nation.

There’s always a serious side to fundraising. Even amid the festivities listed above, we’re keeping our eye on the end goal. We’re currently gearing up at the Dolphin Project to head to Taiji, Japan where once again, the dolphin slaughters will resume on September 1. Your help for our work there is greatly needed – and so very much appreciated. If you can’t make it to the benefit concert, consider making a donation to support our work.

Thank you, and happy bidding!

A Special thanks to Avalon for providing ground transportation.