RoxArts benefit celebrates the Roaring ‘20s

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Step back into the 1920s at the 2014 RoxArts Auction & Benefit on Saturday, May 17, 6:30–10 p.m., at the B-Side Lounge, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd. 

The event will evoke a speakeasy, circa Prohibition, where participants can indulge in phenomenal food catered by The Katz Club and Bodega, as well as complimentary beer and wine, and enjoy music and dancing—perhaps the Charleston or Shimmy—popular dances of the era. Silent and live auctions will feature getaway packages, art and jewelry by local artists, sports and arts venue tickets, summer camp packages and more.

This annual benefit is the primary fundraiser supporting RoxArts, a nonprofit organization of parents and community members working to bring enhanced arts education to students at Roxboro Elementary and Middle schools. Now in its fourth decade, RoxArts has sponsored programs in performing and visual arts for thousands of Heights students.

RoxArts funds artists-in-residence, dance and music performances, and capital projects, and has provided students with opportunities to learn about diverse art forms, such as Japanese poetry, quilt making, hip hop dance and puppet theater. Last year, elementary school students worked with local artist Debbie Apple Presser to create art from recycled materials, to beautify the fence in front of the school, and middle school students created an indoor mural. The organization has funded new equipment for the schools, including theatrical lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, a ceramic-firing kiln and African drums. 

Period attire is encouraged for this outrageously fun—but entirely legal—Prohibition-era event. Purchase tickets online at www.roxarts.org. Claim a free raffle ticket when whispering the speakeasy word “roxarts” to the bouncer upon entering. Tickets for staff are $20 each in advance, or $25 at the door; tickets for all others are $35 in advance, or $40 at the door. This year, ticket buyers can begin online bidding for specific items prior to the event. Check out the Facebook page for updates.

To donate auction items or purchase sponsorship ads on the RoxArts website, contact one of the event co-chairs: Erin Gisel (emgisel@aol.com, 216-509-4020); Jennifer Young (jyoung@elevationgroup.com, 216-403-2022) or Rosie Ford (rosieford@yahoo.com, 440-476-0717).