Wednesday, March 2nd, Shadowbox Live held the first major event in its future home, The March Home Fundraiser.
The event was a private, invitation-only fundraiser organized to raise money for Shadowbox Live's upcoming move to the Brewery District. Approximately 130 guests attended, and were among the first to get a sneak peek at the theater space before heavy construction began this week.
Guests arrived around 5:30 PM and enjoyed cocktails and appetizers provided by Shadowbox Live. Information stations were placed throughout the soon-to-be coffee shop and bistro area giving everyone an opportunity to learn more about the troupe's efforts to expand programming, community involvement, and artistic collaborations, as well as plans for the space itself once the ensemble takes occupancy in August.
Guests were then corralled into the ‘soon to be' theater space where visual aids detailed the performance and backstage areas as well as the dressing rooms, prop and set shop, and seating areas.
After a short speech from Shadowbox Live CEO Stev Guyer, guests were treated to a very special surprise, the first performance in the new Shadowbox Live stage area - a moving rendition of The Beatles' Blackbird.
"It was extraordinary," says Stacie Boord, Director of Community Relations for Shadowbox Live. "Both the performers and the audience had tears in their eyes. It was a very special moment."
After the short performance, guests were led back into the bistro area for a short video created by David Whitehouse, Shadowbox Live's chief video editor. "I tried to make the video detail some of Shadowbox Live's contributions to the community as well as our future plans, and I think it really resonated with the guests and staff alike."
The video was followed by a brief plea from Guyer for donations and a non-traditional auction led by Greg Belhorn, auctioneer.
"We didn't actually auction off anything," says Boord. "We asked our guests to invest in our passion. The auctioneer called out dollar amounts, and people just raised their hands when we reached the amount they were willing to give us! It was an amazing show of support from some of the cities most powerful people!"
The auction wrapped up with a high-energy performance from the entire ensemble of Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, and many guests stayed and mingled for several hours following that.
"It was like a little glimpse into our near future," comments Whitehouse. "seeing the people gathered around the bar in the bistro, enjoying each other's company in such a welcoming environment."
The endeavor was wildly successful, raising $80,000.
"The final sum was staggering," according to Boord. "We had hoped to hit $35,000 but the generosity of the attendees completely blew us away."
As a special thank you, the evening's donors, dubbed "The Front Row Supporters" were invited to place their signatures on a large sign featuring the Shadowbox Live logo. The sign will be encased in plexiglass and permanently hung backstage in the new theater.
"Some of the donors were tearing up as they were signing," says Katy Psenicka, Director of Operations. "They stepped back and took pictures of their signatures. It was extremely touching to see how much it meant to them."
All proceeds from the event will be used specifically for expenses associated with the company's move this summer.
"This money will be instrumental in what we are trying to accomplish," asserts Boord. "We are exceedingly grateful to all of our Front Row Supporters. They've truly helped make this dream reality."
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