When I realized that the time for the next McLean Orchestra Gala had passed, I looked online, finding that this time the live auction items were of the sort one would usually expect, all locally provided – nary a hint of Wade West's hand.
One particularly clever idea was an "Instant Wine Cellar."
“You will instantly acquire a personal wine cellar comprised of up to 100 bottles of select American and French red wines! The wine has been personally and individually selected and contributed by members of the McLean Orchestra community (i.e., YOU and your friends). Each bottle is accompanied by a personal note on a lovely card, expressing a personal association with the wine and/or the McLean Orchestra. [A link was provided to the site where one could purchase the wines to be contributed. Evidently part of the purchase process was to include a personal sentiment.] In addition to the wine, the winner will enjoy a professional wine tasting for 12 in their home led by Will Murck, a noted wine expert from D.C.’s power steakhouse, BLT Steak, and catered by McLean’s popular tapas and wine bar, Evo Bistro. You will also receive an under-counter wine cooler.”
It would be interesting to know "up to" how many wines were contributed and what was the winning bid.
I also checked out the Rotary fundraiser for which the Trustee had been considering using Wade West's services and found that they had decided on a Casino Night instead.
Last year was Wade's initial foray into the affluent McLean area, and evidently my inadvertent unmasking of his "travel agency," abetted by his intemperate outbursts broadcast to many influential Orchestra officers, assured it would be his last.
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