Jim Cramer's Top Charity Auction Items

With rising fuel costs making it harder to rationalize farflung holidays, why not partake in a “stay-cation” that also does good for charity at the same time by attending one of the following benefits that are as eventful as any vacation resort. From Hollywood to the Berkshires, Brooklyn to Washington, D.C. these events nationwide have amazing auctions on hand with luxe items that you’ll never find anywhere else, including limited edition photos of The Beatles and a weeklong vacation in Burgundy France. Check out what’s up for grabs on the charity circuit this week chosen by Jim Cramer, from TheStreet.com and CNBC’s Mad Money. Benefiting worthwhile causes is closer to home than you think!

July 29: “Enjoy an Elton Brand dinner for 4 in Washington or Philadelphia” for National Kidney Foundation

Sports fans, here is your ticket to hob-nob with some of the greats in professional basketball over a game—of bowling! Join Roger Mason Jr., of the San Antonio Spurs Guard, and other professional athletes and celebrities at the Lucky Strike for this inaugural fundraiser benefiting the National Kidney Foundation in Washington, D.C. where you can bowl, enjoy food and drinks and bid on auction items that allow you to mingle some more with sports greats. Got kids? Have Roger Mason Jr. host your child’s next birthday party in the D.C. area. For more adult fun, enjoy dinner for four with special guest Philadelphia 76ers Elton Brand in either Washington or Philadelphia. Don’t sit by the sidelines: A heated bidding war is anticipated for either of these one-of-a-kind off-the-court opportunities!
DATE/TIME/LOCATION: 7/29/08. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Lucky Strike Lanes, 701 7th St., NW, Washington, D.C.
OPENING BID: The party with Roger Mason, Jr. will start at $500; the dinner with Elton Brand for four will start at $1,000.
TICKETS: Tickets range from $100 per person to $3,500 per lane.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Log on here for tickets or call (202) 244-7900
PROCEEDS BENEFIT: The National Kidney Foundation, an organization that seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplants. The Foundation provides funding for medical research, patient and community services, professional and public education, and organ donation programs.