Having a ball with ACO

Event benefits operational, programming budgets...

Costumed patrons rocked and rolled their way to raising more than $46,000 at the Arts Center of the Ozark's 47th annual Ball and Auction Feb. 22 at the Fayetteville Town Center.

About 250 attended this year's Rockin' at the Bandstand fundraiser, the largest fundraising event for the organization, said Erin West, director of operations at the arts center. The purpose of the event was to raise money for the year's general operations and programming budgets, she said.

At a glance

Rockin’ at the Bandstand

Who: Arts Center of the Ozarks

When: Feb. 22

Where: Fayetteville Town Center

Amount Raised: More than $46,000

Information: artcenteroftheozark…

"The general operation budget goes for everything it takes to run the building," she said. "As Kathi (Blundell, ACO administrative director) likes to say, it's everything from turning on the lights to buying the toilet paper." The programming budget allows for purchasing rights to plays for production and bringing in guest artists, said West.

Partygoers chowed down on fine '50s fare, including customizable hamburgers with cheese, onions and plenty of condiments, thick-cut french fries and large pigs-in-a-blanket served with spicy mustard. Patrons also had a chance to sample an array of finger foods including fresh vegetables, white cheddar and bleu cheeses, fruits, shrimp cocktail and cheese and spinach tartlets.

Food was provided by Spring Street Grill in Springdale.

The auction of about 250 items included three big ticket sales. The top three items sold that night were a week at a Santa Fe, N.M., condo, a week at a Marco Island condo and a 60-inch Vizio brand television donated by Walmart. Other items sold included a sumptuous snack basket from Fresh Market in Rogers, artwork by local artists including Mary Collins and Barbara Tauchas and hair and clothing accessories donated by JR's Salon in Springdale.

Patrons were also treated to live music at this year's ball. Big'uns performed 1950s and '60s dance classics and love songs, including hits by Little Richard, Elvis and the Beatles.

"We always have a DJ," said West. "But with this year's theme, we really wanted to crank it up a notch with live music, and Big'uns were a perfect choice."

NAN Profiles on 03/02/2014

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