EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE OVERNIGHT AT HEARST CASTLE

Friends of Hearst Castle Announces Charity Auction Campaign to Support the Preservation and Restoration of the Historic Hearst Castle and the Collection of William Randolph Hearst

San Simeon, CA – September 8, 2008 – In a truly one-of-a-kind and unprecedented offering to celebrate 50 years of tours at the legendary Hearst Castle^®, Friends of Hearst Castle (FHC) will auction off a single opportunity to experience Hearst Castle overnight. This once-in-a-lifetime ultimate indulgence will be auctioned on eBay for 10 days with the proceeds going to launch an endowment for the conservation of the priceless Hearst Castle collection of art and artifacts and for its educational programs. "This is simply unheard of and has never been done before," said Carol Schreiber, executive director of FHC. "No one has spent the night at the Castle and privately experienced the grounds in over 50 years.  It is an amazing and unique opportunity for discerning individuals who value the extraordinary, appreciate the unusual and are willing to pay for the privilege. "   

Hearst Castle, the lavish home of William Randolph Hearst during the Hollywood heyday of the twenties and thirties and now part of the California State Parks system, is celebrating its golden anniversary by rolling out the red carpet for one lucky couple and up to eight friends.  The highest bidder and their selected guests will be whisked away by limousine for a private evening and dinner on the stunning and expansive grounds. With great enthusiasm Schreiber explains, "This is a night at the Castle designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan  – the treasure of California -- a priceless legacy of art, artifacts and antiquities that one lucky individual gets to call home for an unprecedented overnight. This truly gives meaning to a 'man's home is his Castle'."

The ultimate Hearst Castle Overnight will be listed on eBay with eBay Giving Works, which empowers people to buy and sell for a cause and managed through Kompolt Online Auction Agency.  The charity auction will begin at 8:30 p.m. PST on Wednesday, September 17 and end at 8:30 p.m. PST on Saturday, September 27 during the Enchanted Evening gala at Hearst Castle. Although bids will not be posted prior to the auction's start date, it is recommended that all interested parties pre-qualify for the auction at www.ebay.com/hearstcastle. Schreiber stated, "The Enchanted Evening is an evening of elegance and an event of excellence in support of art preservation and education at the Castle. Proceeds from the 50^th are initiating a necessary and vitally important endowment for art preservation and restoration of the Hearst Castle and its magnificent collection for generations to come. Enchanted has reached a new superlative high with the offering of an overnight at Hearst Castle."

Once the auction goes live, registered users will be automatically entered into the auction and notified of their bidding status while new interested bidders can continue to be qualified and participate in the auction. The eBay auction will run for ten days. The culmination of this one-of-a-kind auction will take place on September 27 at the 10^th annual Enchanted Evening at Hearst Castle. FHC will extend the auction to guests attending this magical evening, who will have their final chance to bid on the Hearst Castle Overnight. Kiosks for bidding on eBay will be available at the event for guests to place their bids.

In the Hearst tradition of extravagance, Hearst Castle Overnight provides the highest bidder and guest a once-in-a-lifetime ultimate evening as they, along with up to eight friends, experience a firsthand look into the lavish lifestyle enjoyed at this legendary landmark. This indulgent night begins with a private behind-the-scenes tour with the museum's director, a relaxing swim in the Neptune pool, mellowing martinis and hors d'oeuvres in William Randolph's own wine cellar, a multi-course gourmet feast, paired to perfection with premium Central Coast wines served on the Neptune Terrace, a full-length movie in Hearst's private theatre, after dinner cigars and brandy overlooking the breathtaking Pacific Ocean and much more. And after dinner, while their eight lucky guests depart by limousine to first class accommodations at The Cottontail Creek Ranch, the lucky couple will retire upstairs and be the first to spend the night in the Castle's south wing in more than 50 years. Schreiber notes, "Hearst Castle Overnight is the ultimate evening, the ultimate stay. This is rich with elegance, experience and excitement."  The next day, the group will be reunited for a Paso Robles Wine Country vineyard and winery tour, ending the day with a delectable wine country feast created by local chefs.

The historic Hearst Castle has been preserved in its original splendor and glamour and for the first time in 50 years, this invitation for one glorious and memorable night to feel like a true Hollywood star is up for the winning bid. To register on eBay for Hearst Castle Overnight auction, visit www.ebay.com/hearstcastle or to learn more about Hearst Castle, visit www.hearstcastle.com and www.friendsofhearstcastle.org.

Through membership, education, outreach and special events, Friends of Hearst Castle enhances the understanding and appreciation of the estate, thereby enriching the visitor experience. FHC is proud to support Hearst Castle, a living laboratory of learning, an inspiration for students and a national and international treasure. In 2001, Hearst Castle became one of 750 museums nationwide to be awarded coveted accreditation by the American Association of Museums. The launch and funding of the endowment will ensure that Friends' mission continues to be furthered and fulfilled throughout our lifetime and for centuries to come.

For more information, please contact the Friends of Hearst Castle office at
(805) 927-2138 or friends@friendsofhearstcastle.org.