The new season has arrived, and the North Shore Civic Ballet (NSCB) is getting ready for its online spring auction. Celebrating its 42nd season, the nonprofit dance company invites the public to get involved in this annual event that raises funds to support the performing arts on the North Shore.
The NSCB seeks donations of gift cards and gift certificates for services and products in the auction and welcomes volunteers to get involved and participate in a number of ways. Proceeds raised from the auction will be used to support performances, new choreography, costuming, scholarships, and special educational projects, and to procure dance equipment and resources in the North Shore region.
Funds Raised Connect Community to the Arts
“In 2008, Malcolm Gladwell wrote ‘that 10,000 hours is the magic number of greatness.’ Nobody knows this principle better than a dancer. After years of training and months of rehearsal, they are ready to take the stage. With costumes donned, the music fades up, and the lights flick on – but wait! None of this can happen without community support. The North Shore Civic Ballet’s online auction fundraiser is the company’s main source of fund raising. And it is how the dancers are able to take the stage.
“The online auction is a critical tool to connect community to the arts in a very direct way. Please continue to connect, engage, support, contribute and bid and by all means, check out a performance to watch the magic unfold,” said Peter A. Smith, a member of the North Shore Civic Ballet’s board of trustees and Senior Lecturer at Boston University’s College of Communication in the Journalism Department.
Individuals and businesses are invited to donate gift certificates or gift cards for hotel stays, car detailing, restaurants, spas, massages, photography, retail stores, craft items, luxury services and more. Other suggestions are tickets to sports events, concerts, performances, theatres, museums and additional unique experiences.
A contribution of an item to the auction benefits the buyer and the donor. Retail establishments receive wide exposure. For example, artisans making jewelry or wearable art will also benefit from having their work shown on the auction site. All items for sale will be professionally photographed and displayed on the site. Services and gift certificates will be generously described.
Volunteer and Make a Difference
“The public can get involved directly and make a difference in shaping the lives of dancers, performers and artists in the North Shore. People can donate gift cards and gift certificates for services and products in the auction. Opportunities are available to volunteer and participate in this community activity,” explained Paula K. Shiff, Artistic Director of the NSCB and the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in the Arts from Salem State University.
The NSCB invites people to sign up for volunteer opportunities in the auction by contributing their time or talent. They can support the art of dance by procuring gift cards and gift certificates, developing and distributing flyers about the auction, and other activities. To drop off donations, to schedule a pick-up or for more information about volunteer opportunities available with the auction and other ways to participate, contact the ballet company at 781-631-6262.
Bidders will find a range of items to purchase such as weekend getaways, restaurant gift certificates, hotel packages, amusement park tickets, museum passes, theatre tickets, concerts, food packages, dance certificates, unique experiences, and much more. The auction web site, www.biddingforgood.com/ballet, opens for bids on Monday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m. and continues through Monday, June 5. Items may be previewed only before then.