Arts and jazz auction makes return for 25th year, volunteers looking for donations

Blaine Fine Arts Association volunteers are looking for donations to make the Blaine school district’s 25th annual arts and jazz auction a success. The event will be held 7 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at the performing arts center, 975 H Street.

The event will fundraise for scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing a career in the arts as well as other needs for Blaine’s art, band, choir and theater arts departments.

Monetary donations will be accepted after the event, until the end of April, and event organizers will need to have their auction donation list finalized by Friday, April 1.

Event organizer Kimberli Shea said the fundraiser is especially important for students having the pandemic limit their performances for two years.

“The students who participate in the arts have had a lot of challenges with their inability to practice and perform so there’s been a loss of opportunity,” she said. “With the funds raised we’re able to provide additional support.”

During the pandemic, the fine arts association has covered additional Covid-19 expenses such as covers to allow the band to practice indoors and donuts for teachers to give students after virtual performances. Other expenses have included new uniforms, instrument repairs and competition entry fees, Shea said.

The event, which typically includes band and choir performances, will also highlight theater arts this year. The location was changed from Blaine Middle School’s cafeteria to the performing arts center to allow for better presentation, Shea said.

Organizers have already received gift baskets, gift certificates for driving school and massages, and handmade quilts. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, $7 for adults, and children four years old and under are free.

Blaine’s fine arts department is looking for monetary donations and gift contributions for the event’s auction.

Donations can be mailed to PO Box 1545 Blaine WA 98231 or dropped off to fine arts volunteers. A description of auction donations should be given to volunteers by Friday, April 1 and items must be given to volunteers by Monday, April 11. Monetary donations can be donated until the end of April to the Blaine Fine Arts Association at bit.ly/35aDzDR, Shea said.

For more information on donations, email blainefinearts@gmail.com or call Kim Shea at 360/927-2223.