Center for Puppetry Arts Raises over $200,000 at String Fling Gala

More than 300 supporters attended the Annual String Fling Gala held by the Center for Puppetry Arts on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at the JW Marriott hotel in Buckhead. As the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to puppetry in the U.S., the Center is proud to announce that this year's efforts raised $214,000 - a striking $30,000 increase from the 2010 fundraiser. The elegant evening featured incredible auction items, delicious dinner and drinks and a sneak peek of the returning sell-out show, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer®. Aetna Foundation highlighted the altruistic event by presenting their gift of $50,000 to support Adventures of Little Noodle, a performance opening in March 2012 focusing on childhood obesity prevention.

All funds generated by the String Fling Gala directly benefit the Center's arts-infused educational programming, which is accessible to children of all backgrounds and circumstances. Charitable support fuels the Center's ability to provide free and reduced-price admissions to local children, while fostering innovative programs that inspire creativity. In the 2010-11 season, the Center was able to provide more than 90,000 free and reduced-price admissions to area schools and youth-serving organizations.

"So many people went above and beyond to show their support for the Center this year, and we extend our thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the night such a memorable and successful event," said Erika Montag, Center Board Member and String Fling Event Chair. "The Center believes in providing fun and educational opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds, and these donations help make this mission possible."

The event was made possible by generous contributions from The Coca-Cola Company, Fifth Third Bank, Kilpatrick Townsend and other patrons and friends of the Center. Among the most popular items purchased during the silent auction were a Barbados Luxury Penthouse Apartment for seven nights, a Ghastly Dreadfuls Halloween Party at the Center for Puppetry Arts and an In-Home Wine Tasting with John O'Brien, Wine Manager of Tower Wine and Spirits.

Need more Atlanta Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...