Auction For The Arts Keeps Stadium Thriving

Patrons of the Stadium Theatre's ninth annual Auction for the Arts enjoyed great food and the opportunity to support for the non-profit venue while bidding on some valuable goods and memorabilia.

The auction, sponsored by Kay's Restaurant, took place last night from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and featured "A Taste of Northern Rhode Island" cuisine, showcasing a variety of appetizers, entree's, and desserts provided by area restaurants. The food court was  set up under the big top tent, and included some of the more popular eating establishments in and around Woonsocket including , ,, , The Lodge, , Faial, , , Angelo's Palace Pizza, Wrights Dairy Farm, and . 

While guests took time to enjoy a taste of the many different foods available, they also scanned the lobby and the grand hall, taking part in the Silent Auction by bidding on the over 200 items on display. The silent auction, which ran from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., featured items like hand-crafted jewelry, cinema tickets, sports memorabilia, cameras, mp3 players, gift baskets, and many local restaurant gift certificates.  

At 7:30, while the food court was winding down and the silent auction coming to an end, guests were encouraged to gather in the Grand Halll for the main event, the Live Auction.

John Gregory and Guy Trudell, along with Mayor Leo Fontaine, acted as guest auctioneers for the two hour long auction.  Their goal, to create spirited high-priced bidding, was met with many of the live auction items obtaining bids far higher than the listed value. Some of the most exciting auction items included tickets to Kenny Chesney, Boston Red Sox tickets, a one week stay at Jordan Grand Resort at Sunday River, a South African photo safari, a giant liquor wheelbarrow, and much more.

The evening's proceeds will support programming, operations, restoration and performing arts education at the Stadium Theatre.