The Orpheum to Host 38th Annual GLITTER & GOLD Auction

The Orpheum Theatre Group is proud to present Glitter & Gold - the 38th Annual Auction on Saturday, November 5th at 6:30 PM. This special event is the Orpheum's largest fundraiser of the year, and proceeds benefit the Orpheum Theatre Group's community and education programming.

"I am looking forward to my first Orpheum auction," said President & CEO Brett Batterson. "The Orpheum has traditionally been solvent, but fulfilling our mission with the additional expenses of operating a building dedicated to education requires the generous support of many, including those who attend our auction. I look forward to a fun evening raising funds for an important cause - arts education that is accessible to all Memphis students."

Just as the theatre received a facelift this summer through major painting and gold leafing, this year's auction will receive a makeover as well through the addition of some exciting new elements to elevate the evening.

"I am most excited about the interactive experiences this year," said Ricky Busey, the chairman of the Orpheum Theatre Group's auction committee. "From live entertainment to a wine pull, we are keeping the fun of the past with the energy of the future. It will be a special night."

On a platform raised over the orchestra seats, four renowned artists will entertain auction guests throughout the evening. Their repertoire on the night of the auction will include opera, gospel, jazz, pop and soul music. Tenor Rodrick Dixon will be accompanied by pianist Alvin Waddles, bassist Marion Hayden and Memphis-based drummer James Sexton. Together, this quartet is sure to please the most discerning musical taste while also providing a high-energy kick to the annual Orpheum auction.

For a more seamless bidding experience, mobile bidding will be incorporated into this year's silent auction. Instead of being bound to a bid sheet, guests will be free to move about the theatre while watching over their favorite item. Through alerts sent directly to their mobile devices, auction guests will enjoy a stress-free evening while bidding on this year's exciting items that include art, memorabilia, wine, and much more.

The 38th Annual Auction will kick off with a two-week online auction beginning Monday, October 17th featuring experiences like the FedEx St. Jude Classic, season tickets, hotel stays, and more at auction.orpheum-memphis.com. The auction season will culminate on Saturday, November 5th at 6:30 PM with a silent and live auction at the Orpheum Theatre. Guests will enjoy delicious food, an open bar and hundreds of items on which to bid.

Some of the exciting items in this year's auction include a wedding at the Peabody Hotel and a "Weekend in Chicago for Two" with President Brett Batterson and his wife Veronica Batterson. This unforgettable weekend includes a stay at the historic Blackstone Hotel, dinner at Frank Sinatra's favorite rib joint, Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern, two tickets to see the Tony-winning hit Hamilton at The PrivateBank Theatre and more!

In addition to the auction festivities, the Orpheum will host a live drawing at the event for its Annual Raffle. This year's Grand Prize is a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible generously donated by The Mustang Fund. Raffle tickets are $100 per entry, and are available for purchase now through the drawing on the night of the Auction. Entrants do not have to be present to win. For a complete list of Raffle rules and regulations, please visit www.orpheum-memphis.com/raffle. The convertible is currently housed in the lobby of the Orpheum Theatre and will remain there until the night of the auction.

The Orpheum's 38th Annual Auction is presented by Greenway Home Services, Sedgwick, Southland Park Gaming & Racing, and The Mustang Fund. Additional support provided by Armstrong Relocation, Crye-Leike, Inc., Deweese Howell & Associates, PC, Karen Fields Isaacman and Ken Isaacman, and Southeastern Coatings, Inc. The Online Auction is sponsored by FedEx.

Admission to the 38th Annual Auction is $125 per person. Tickets for both the Auction and the Raffle are on sale now and available for purchase online at the official Orpheum Theatre website, www.orpheum-memphis.com, the Orpheum Administrative Office (901.525.7800), and the ticket counter at The Booksellers at Laurelwood. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

The Orpheum is currently accepting donations for its silent, live, and online auctions as well as Auction sponsorships. Those interested in making a donation are encouraged to contact Development Director Charlene Honeycutt at (901) 529-4280 or honeycutt@orpheum-memphis.com.

The mission of the Orpheum Theatre Group is to enhance the communities we serve by utilizing the performing arts to entertain, educate, and enlighten while preserving the historic Orpheum Theatre and the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. For more information, visit www.orpheum-memphis.com.