Photo Courtesy of Dance THeater Northwest
BALLET BENEFIT. Proceeds from Dance Theatre Northwest’s Gala Auction will benefit community outreach programs that bring classical dance into the lives of audiences who would otherwise not be able to afford it. The “Hollywood Party” dinner event will be held Aug. 7 at Charles Wright Academy.
Dance Theatre Northwest (DTN) is hosting a fancy, festive fundraiser July 31 in support of its longstanding community outreach endeavors.
Its first fundraising event since 2008, DTN’s Gala Auction and Dinner – also referred to as the Hollywood Party – will provide guests with a fun and fancy night out while also rallying financial support for programs that bring classical dance to audiences from all backgrounds.
This event is exclusive to guests 15 and older, creating a more sophisticated, adult atmosphere than DTN has hosted in the past.
“We thought people were kind of craving some glamour. It is different for us because almost all of our events have included the children, but our board members wanted to do something more glamorous this year,” said Melanie Kirk-Stauffer, artistic director for DTN.
The event, held at Charles Wright Academy, will feature a catered dinner prepared by the Academy’s renowned chef, a champagne reception and both a silent and a live auction.
Items up for bid include smaller wares, such as assorted gift baskets, spa packages and jewelry in addition to larger-scale events – like a hosted waterskiing party, dinner at American Lake and an African safari.
All the proceeds from this event will help support DTN’s community performances, such as Arts in Education and Arts Inspire Arts, as well as scholarships for dancers.
“Times are tougher this year than they have been in the past. That’s part of the reason why we are stepping this (event) up. We want to be able to continue and possibly increase our community outreach.”
DTN’s community outreach includes the free public shows the nonprofit organization hosts annually, and smaller performances in local schools.
“We’re in a place where people just don’t have the funds to go out and pay money to go to formal theatrical performances. If we don’t bring them to the community, we’re missing a lot of audience members. Our goal is to make classical dance accessible.”
Kirk-Stauffer also noted DTN has been receiving more requests for financial aid and scholarships from dancers, but with less funds to distribute.
DTN’s goal for the Hollywood Party and auction is to reach the $50,000 mark, which would ensure ample free community performances at local public venues and schools, scholarships, and financial support to bus low-income youth to large-scale theatrical events.
“I think that people can look at our track record when they decide to support us – we have followed through and exceed in the commitments we have pledged ourselves to over the past two decades,” Kirk-Stauffer affirmed. “We basically are here to serve and we’re committed to a life of service through this art form of dance.”
Dance Theatre Northwest’s Gala Auction and Dinner “Hollywood Party” begins with a champagne reception at 5 p.m. July 31. The first silent auction closes at 6:15 p.m. with dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Live auction begins at 7:40 p.m. Tickets are $50 or $350 for a table of eight. Charles Wright Academy is located at 7723 Chambers Creek Rd. W. in University Place. Order tickets online at http://www.dancetheatrenorthwest.org or call (253) 778-6534.
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