The live and silent auctions at A Bloomin’ Good Time!, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ Thursday, July 26, fundraiser, promise a broad range of exceptional items for lucky bidders, but the one that has to qualify as most intriguing is a basketball-shooting lesson by Dave Hopla.

Considered by many to be the top basketball shooter in the world, Hopla regularly knocks down 495 out of 500 shots. He has donated an invaluable half-hour lesson for an adult or student.

Hopla has worked with NBA, WNBA, college and high school teams and players. While his schedule is full with camps, touring, and the possibility of returning to the NBA this fall, his home base is the Boothbay region. He has offered to work with the auction-bid winner to schedule a 30-minute shooting lesson that’s sure to be an enriching and memorable experience.  

There will be more than 100 items, experiences, adventures, and services in the silent auction and the live auction that will be conducted by Douglas Stinson, principal auctioneer at Carl W. Stinson, Inc., in Reading, Mass. There will also be a chip-in auction that promises to be exciting.

In addition to the auctions, the event will include 22 Featured Caterers who will present their finest food and drink. The variety of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and wines and beers they’re donating for the occasion is impressive and appetizing. the Botanical Gardens will also serve party guests its own planter’s punch, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

The spacious Bosarge Family Education Center and adjacent tent will be lavishly decorated as befits the theme of A Bloomin’ Good Time! Shuttles will be on hand to drive guests to and from the Central Gardens, just beyond the Education Center, so everyone can take some time during the party to enjoy the Botanical Gardens at their peak.
The party is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person for members and $45 for non-members. A group of 10 tickets can be purchased for $300.

For more information or to make reservations, which are required, call 633-4333, ext. 101, or visit www.MaineGardens.org, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is located off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.