(Batesville, IN) – A longtime Batesville fundraiser is coming back next month, and organizers say it remains vital to keeping arts programs in local schools and the community moving forward.
Batesville Area Arts Council Executive Director Melissa Moenter recently told WRBI’s Tom Snape on The Daily Pod that the group’s 36th Annual Auction for the Arts is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, at RomWeber Party Place, running from 6 to 11 p.m.
The event’s theme this year is “Dream in Color.” Moenter said it’s intentionally timed for a point in winter when many people are ready for something bright and upbeat.
“I think that we all, by the end of February or mid-February, are ready for some color in our lives,” Moenter said.
BAAC says the annual auction is its only major fundraiser each year — and one that helps fund arts initiatives both in the classroom and across Batesville-area programming.
“This makes up 40 to 45% of our funding for the year. So it is vital that this event goes well,” Moenter said.
Moenter also explained how the event supports local students and teachers through BAAC’s arts-in-education programs, which reach both public and private schools in the Batesville area.
“We provide $15 per student per year to all of the schools,” she said.
Tickets available online, plus local option
Tickets are available online through BAACIndiana.org, and can also be purchased locally at Candyland Creations and More, according to Moenter.
The evening typically combines the fundraiser with an opportunity for the community to come together for entertainment as well.
Moenter said Five Lights will return this year as one of the event’s highlights near the end of the night.
“It is a fun night that ends with live music and dancing,” she said.
Other BAAC events on the calendar
During the interview, Moenter also previewed several BAAC programs and upcoming events, including its annual Community Art Show at the Batesville Memorial Public Library in June.
She also discussed BAAC’s upcoming community theater production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which is scheduled for June 19–21, with auditions later this spring.
Moenter added BAAC is planning a downtown “walking art gallery” experience tied to the 50th anniversary of Schmidt Bakery’s Cherry Thing-a-Ling tradition.
For more information about tickets or ways to get involved, visit BAACIndiana.org.
You can hear the entire interview here.
