The 2024 Gala for Orlando Shakes in Partnership with UCF, celebrating the professional theater’s 35th season, is Sunday April 14, and once again I’ve selected a collection of restaurants and experiences for the event’s silent auction.

Unfortunately, the gala is sold out. But you can still participate in the silent auction. In fact, it’s open online now. Just click here.

An impressive array of restaurants and resorts have donated gift cards, dinners, overnight stays and in a couple of cases dinner and an overnight stay. I may be bidding against you on some of these items.

Proceeds will help Orlando’s oldest professional theater to continue producing top notch shows – “Ain’t Misbehavin’” runs April 10 through 28 – and also support its educational programs that help introduce kids to the wonders of live productions.

Here is a sampling of some of the items you’ll find on the gala’s silent auction page.

One-night stay at JW Marriott Grande Lakes and dinner at Michelin-recommended Primo

Dinner for two at Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen

$250 gift card for Enzo’s on the Lake

$200 gift card for Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe

Dinner for six in the boardroom at Tap Room at Dubsdread

Two-night stay at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek (we have a Dinner Party there in May; just sayin’)

$100 gift card for Stefano’s Trattoria

$50 gift card to The Whiskey

The Hangry Bison’s “Bison & Bourbon Experience” for eight people, valued at $500

$250 gift card for Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria

A box of Rioja wines and other goodies

Dinner for two at Monsieur Paul at Epcot’s France pavilion

Dinner for two at Sushi Saint, a 2024 Michelin Guide addition

Dinner for 10 at 4 Rivers Smokehouse

$250 gift card for Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster plus a bottle of Hillrock Estate bourbon

$250 gift card to Wine Bar George

$250 gift card to Buca di Beppo

$250 gift card to Brio Italian Grille

$250 gift card to Planet Hollywood

$100 gift card to Chicken Guy!

$100 gift card to Earl of Sandwich

Specially created chef dinners for two or four at Z Asian Vietnamese Kitchen, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant

Dinner for two at Kaya, a Michelin recommended restaurant

$250 gift card to The Drake Kitchen + Bar

Eddie V’s $200 gift card and cocktail mixing set

$200 gift card to use at any F&D restaurant

$200 gift card for Norman’s restaurant

$150 gift card for Taverna Opa or Kavas Tacos & Tequila

$50 gift card for Pine & Oak

$50 gift card to White Wolf Cafe

Two-night weekend stay at the Celeste Hotel

Plus many, many more. So let’s get bidding!