Soon youll have an opportunity to put on your Fifth Avenue finest and head on down to Savannah Arts Academy (SAA) for the annual New York, New York Auction.
The event will be held at the school, 500 Washington Avenue, on Saturday, November 13 at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the schools theatre department.
Our goal here is to allow our students to experience professional theatre, explains Andrea Verdis, head of the theatre department. Talent goes a long way, but we still need funds for the technical side of things.
In the two years that the school has hosted the auction it has raised enough money to produce full seasons of plays and musicals. Thats quite impressive seeing as how all the auction items are donated from Savannah area businesses, families, and individuals.
So, is Ginny Racz, event coordinator and parent of SAA junior Kat Racz, feeling the pressure?
No, I guess not. I havent had much experience with this sort of thing, but the seasoned helping me out so much. Im really just hoping for the best and that we can get a lot of people to come. Were going to have fun, good food, wonderful auction items, and were supporting something really important at the same time.
Having been in planning for several months now, the Theatre Guild — SAAs theatre parent organization — feels quite prepared.
This is our third year doing this. Its still hard, but we know how early to start now and we know easier ways of securing donations,” explains a Guild member. The biggest challenge is getting it out to the public and getting them into the auction.”
Yes, the public would be you!
Savannah area businesses have certainly been generous this year. The auction list includes items like golf packages, dental bleaching, gift baskets, a variety of artwork, modeling class discounts, and a wide array of gift certificates.
If youre one for homemade goods theres plenty for you, too. Homemade wreathes, scarves, wall hangings, and handmade dolls from Geppeddos will be up for grabs.
Savannah Arts Academys award-winning Skylight Jazz Band will be performing. Besides the music, the very entertaining Sebastian Verdis — SAAs Dean of Fine Arts — and Nancy West — SAAs craziest math teacher — will be the evenings auctioneers.
Are you saying to yourself, Ooh, pretty auction things? Are you saying, “Ooh, jazz band? But are you also saying, “Six oclock! Dinnertime! When will I eat?”
Fret not! Your auction ticket — $10 for adults, $7 for students, faculty, and senior citizens — includes the cost of your auction number and heavy hors doeurves.
No, were not talking about pigs in blankets. For such an evening the Guild pulled out the big guns. Restaurants including A.J.s Seafood, Capones Bar and Grill, and Blue Sky Cafe along with Brighter Day and Food Lionhave made their donations by catering the event.
Other hors doeurves, such as pizza, barbeque, and middle eastern food, will also be available. Needless to say, all appetites and palates will be satisfied.
So, if youre in the mood for great music, a fun atmosphere, and helping Savannah Arts Academys theatre department, then, my friend, this auction is for you.
Savannah Arts Academys New York, New York auction will be held at the school, 500 Washington Avenue, on Saturday, November 13 at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the schools theatre department.
This article appears in Nov 3-10, 2004.