Get Into Spring With the North Shore Civic Ballet's Annual Online Auction

Spring arrived, and the North Shore Civic Ballet (NSCB) is getting ready for its online spring auction. The nonprofit dance company invites the public to get involved in this annual event that raises funds to support the performing arts on the North Shore.

The dance company is seeking donations of gift cards and gift certificates for services and products in the auction and inviting volunteers to get involved and participate in a number of ways. Proceeds raised from the auction will be used to support new choreography, costuming, scholarships, special educational projects, and other dance equipment and resources in the North Shore region.

"The public can get involved directly and make a difference in shaping the lives of dancers, performers and artists in the North Shore. People can donate gift cards and certificates. Opportunities are available to volunteer and participate in this community activity," explained Paula K. Shiff, Artistic Director of the NSCB and the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in the Arts from Salem State University.

Individuals and businesses are invited to donate gift certificates or gift cards for hotel stays, car detailing, restaurants, spas, massages, photography, retail stores, craft items, luxury services and more. Other suggestions are tickets to sports events, concerts, performances, theatres, museums and additional unique experiences.

A contribution of an item to the auction benefits the buyer and the donor. Retail establishments receive wide exposure. For example, artisans making jewelry or wearable art will also benefit from having their work shown on the auction site. All items for sale will be professionally photographed and displayed on the site. Services and gift certificates will be generously described.

Volunteers are welcome to get involved in the auction with their time and talent. They can support the art of dance procuring gift cards and gift certificates, developing and distributing flyers about the auction, and other activities. To drop off donations, to schedule a pick-up or for more information about volunteer opportunities available with the auction and other ways to participate, contact the ballet company at 781-631-6262.

Bidders will find a range of items to purchase such as weekend getaways, restaurant gift certificates, hotel packages, amusement park tickets, museum passes, theatre tickets, concerts, food packages, dance certificates, unique experiences, and much more. The auction web site, www.biddingforgood.com/ballet, opens for bids on Monday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. and continues through Monday, June 6. Items may be previewed only before then.

Financial contributions may also be made directly to the ballet company. The NCSB is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible as permissible by law.

For more information about the North Shore Civic Ballet and the auction, call 781-631-6262 or visit the organization online at http://www.havetodance.com/marblehead.

The North Shore Civic Ballet, based at the Marblehead School of Ballet, is a not-for-profit dance company that has provided performances and arts education to the Greater Boston community for more than 40 years. Artistic Director Paula K. Shiff and Associate Director Florence C. Whipple founded the company in 1974.

The NSCB is home to an ever-changing group of talented dancers made up of both seasoned professionals and aspiring young dancers. For 12 years, resident choreographer Ivan Korn has created several works for the NSCB.

For further information about the NSCB, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com or visit www.havetodance.com/marblehead. Follow the NSCB on Facebook, http://on.fb.me/1wh3fnp; Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/LuhrsAssoc/; and Twitter, http://bit.ly/1LMbqhl.