Richmond CenterStage's 'Single in the City' Raises Over $40,000

Richmond CenterStage today announced the successful fundraising numbers of the inaugural "Single in the City Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction," presented by bravo!, Young Professionals for Richmond CenterStage.

Thanks to the generous support of over 250 in attendance, the event raised more than $40,000 in funds to support Richmond CenterStage's BrightLights Education programs, which advance arts education opportunities in classrooms throughout the Richmond region.

The event included a silent auction filled with locally-donated products and services, but was truly highlighted by a live auction of 26 bachelors and bachelorettes, who were not only willing to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, but were good sports in the process. They were instrumental in making this such a successful kickoff event for bravo!.

"Everyone at CenterStage is humbled by the generosity of those in attendance, including the ongoing support of the event's corporate sponsors. Each helped make this event such a huge success in its first year," said Richard M. Parison, Jr., Executive Director of Richmond CenterStage. "We hoped this first 'Single in the City' would be a memorable event, but this truly surpassed our expectations! We know this will become a tradition for bravo! and CenterStage for years to come."

bravo! was created to support CenterStage's mission to be a catalyst for the arts in our community. This dynamic group of young professionals works to foster relationships between CenterStage and the community by creating unique and exciting cultural events and experiences. Arthur Grant, the Chairman of bravo! said, "The best compliment I heard about the 'Single in the City' event was that it was the perfect blend of professional, class, and fun."

On the heels of its successful inaugural year, CenterStage is announcing that the Second Annual "Single in the City" auction and fundraiser has already been scheduled for May 18, 2013. Details of next year's event are forthcoming.