The Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction had our first-ever Broadway Fundraiser at the elegant Colonial Theatre Laconia on Wednesday, August 17. This impressive, family-friendly event was a huge success, selling just under 400 tickets and raising just over $10,000 for local children and families in need!
Tickets ranged from $20-$30. Individuals were also invited to participate in the Sponsor a Seat Initiative by purchasing a seat for $20 per child. Nearly 150 children from local nonprofits attended the show at no cost. Organizations that sent kids included Belknap House, Boys and Girls Club, Central NH Foster & Adoptive Parent Support Group, Got Lunch! Ashland, Got Lunch! Campton Thornton, Hands Across the Table, Mayhew Program, and Tapply Thompson Community Center.
“It was so exciting to collaborate with local community theatre groups to create this community fundraising event,” states Jennifer Kelley, the Auction’s executive director. “Our area is robust with talent, and we wanted to showcase them. We were also thrilled to give kids in need the ability to attend the show at no cost with our Sponsor a Seat initiative.”
The show offered Broadway musical performances from accomplished local community theatre groups including Franklin Footlight Theatre, One Light Theatre, Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative, and Streetcar Company, as well as an array of talented dancers from Broadway North. This event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Bank of New Hampshire and MB Tractor & Equipment. along with media sponsors Laconia Daily Sun and Lakes 101.5 FM. Perfect Lines donated the bags of popcorn for the kids in the sponsored seats!
This performance was produced and directed by Jessica Alward and her incredible creative team including Scott Alward, Hillary Ayers, Sarah Olsen, and Kelli Powers. Jessica Alward and her committee shares, "This incredible event wouldn’t have been possible without the talent and support of the many community theatre groups in the lakes region. What a pleasure it was to see them come together to support the auction with their time and talents. We were delighted with the outcome of this inaugural production and look forward to next year’s event." The Children’s Auction is so grateful for their vision and dedication and the innumerable hours they devoted to making this a spectacular performance.
Emcee for the evening was local radio legend Pat Kelly. Pat is a loyal supporter of Lakes Region events and organizations, particularly of the arts. He a has decades-long association with the Auction and we were thrilled to have him lead our event!
The goals of our Broadway Fundraiser were three-fold: to raise money for the nonprofits that support local children and their families in need; to highlight the extraordinary talent in this community; and to create an event to expose to the arts children who might not otherwise have this opportunity. Everything that we do as an organization is geared toward engaging the community to financially support children and families in need. Thank you for making this a success! Click here to learn more about getting involved in the Auction or learn more about joining our sponsorship team.
Please email Jenn@ChildrensAuction.com pictures from the event so I can share them! Download Program.