Spoleto's 30th auction

Grand total: $4,000.

That's the decidedly modest sum raised by the inaugural Spoleto Auction in 1979.

The Spoleto Festival USA had just embarked on its maiden voyage two years before, and was fated to earn a reputation as one of the nation's finest celebrations of the arts.

On Friday, the festival commemorates three decades of its annual auctions with the latest foray, suitably titled "La Dolce Vita."

To be held in Memminger Auditorium downtown, the silent auction begins at 7 p.m. and features a buffet and cocktail bar. Champagne and gourmet sweets will be the bill of fare offered during the live auction at 8:30 p.m.

Early bidding on certain items will be available at the festival Web site, www.spoletousa.org, through Wednesday, after which bidding resumes Friday.

Got tradition? The obligatory 30th anniversary gift of pearls plays a prominent part, including the chance to win an 18-inch pearl necklace with a 14k gold barrel clasp and diamond center, and a pearl ring in 14k gold surrounded by diamonds.

The featured original auction artwork, "Getty Grounds" by local artist Sally King Benedict, will be offered during the live auction.

Travelers have much to anticipate, not least a luxurious Napa Valley weekend featuring accommodations at Meadowood Napa Valley, dinner at Thomas Keller's Bouchon, and a private tour of two Napa wineries. Also up for bid are a four-day fandango for four at Christophe Harbour on St. Kitts in the British Virgin Islands; a nature-lovers' retreat to

Dewees Island, with accommodations at Huyler House; a kayak excursion and safari sojourn with Island Naturalist Team; and a weekend in Gotham sporting a New York Giants football game and tickets to TV's "The Colbert Report."

Other showcased items include an oyster roast on Crosby's Dock on Folly Creek; private shopping parties at Hampden Clothing and Saks Fifth Avenue; a hand-crafted cherry and black walnut dining table from local furnituremaker Michael Moran and a birthday party at Blush "for the young fashionista," complete with fashion show and photo shoot.

Additional items have been donated by numerous Charleston businesses.

For 30 years, auction proceeds have gone to benefit the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, a diverse aggregate of young musicians who audition each season to assemble for the 17-day (May 28-June 13) festival engagement.

Tickets to the auction are $100 and are available at www.spoletousa.org or by calling 720-1114.

Reach Bill Thompson at bthompson@postandcourier.com or 937-5707.