North Shore Civic Ballet Seeks Items, Volunteers for Auction

The North Shore Civic Ballet (NSCB) is getting ready for its online spring auction. 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.

Donations of gift cards and gift certificates for services and products are needed for the auction. Volunteers are welcome 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.

"The North Shore Civic Ballet's annual online spring auction raises funds to support new choreography, costuming, and scholarships, as well as special educational projects. With the public's support, the auction's proceeds help to procure dance equipment and resources. This is also an opportunity for businesses to feature their products and services to prospective costumers, while providing patrons with opportunities to try restaurants and other new experiences, such as plays, concerts, and cruises, and other things they might never have done," said Judy Moynihan, member, NSCB board of trustees.

Individuals and businesses may 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.

Volunteers Needed

"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's web site opens for bids on Monday, June 1 at 6:00 p.m. and continues through Friday, June 22.

Financial contributions may also be made directly to the ballet company. The NCSB 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.