The North Shore Civic Ballet (NSCB) is inviting the public to participate in its annual online spring auction, which raises funds to support the performing arts on the North Shore in Massachusetts. The nonprofit, 501(c)(3) dance company, based in Marblehead, Massachusetts, welcomes volunteers to participate in various capacities and encourages donations of gift cards and certificates for services and products to be used in the auction.
“The North Shore Civic Ballet’s annual online spring auction generates necessary funds for scholarships, new choreography, equipment, costuming, and other resources required by aspiring dancers in the region,” said Judy Moynihan, a member of the NSCB board of trustees. “For instance, this year we awarded two scholarships to LEO, a nonprofit organization aiming to strengthen the Greater Lynn community, enabling two students to attend the Marblehead School of Ballet. Businesses and patrons benefit from participating in the auction, as it offers an opportunity to explore restaurants and other experiences they may not have tried before.”
Donating Items to the Auction
Individuals and businesses can contribute gift certificates or cards for hotel stays, car detailing, restaurants, spas, massages, photography, retail stores, craft items, luxury services, and more. Other suggestions include tickets to sports events, concerts, performances, theaters, museums, and additional unique experiences. Donating items to the auction benefits both the buyer and the donor. Retail establishments gain exposure and potentially new customers. For example, artisans creating jewelry or wearable art will also benefit from having their work showcased on the auction site. All items for sale will be professionally photographed and displayed on the site, with services and gift certificates generously described.
Volunteers Needed
“The public can directly get involved and make a difference in shaping the lives of dancers, performers, and artists in the North Shore region,” explained Paula K. Shiff, Artistic Director of the NSCB. “We aim to support, inspire, and train dancers in the region by providing them with the necessary resources to appreciate and study this art form. People may donate gift cards and certificates for services and products to the online auction, and opportunities are available to volunteer and participate in this community activity.”
The NSCB invites individuals to sign up for volunteer opportunities in the auction, contributing their time or talent. They can support the art of dance by procuring gift cards and certificates, developing and distributing flyers about the auction, and engaging in other activities. For more information about volunteer opportunities with the auction or other ways to participate with the dance company, to drop off donations, or to schedule a donation pickup, contact the NSCB in advance at 781-631-6262 or email msb@havetodance.com.
The auction’s website, www.biddingforgood.com/ballet, will open for bids on Friday, May 10, at 6:00 p.m. and will continue through Friday, May 31. Financial contributions can also be made directly to the ballet company. The NSCB is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible as permissible by law.
For more information about the North Shore Civic Ballet and the auction, call 781-631-6262 or visit the organization online at http://marbleheadschoolofballet.com/ballet/the-company/.