A tradition to raise funds for local arts organizations is back with thousands in auction items and prizes up for grabs during the Arts for All 28th annual gala.
The “Arts for All: Flappers and Gents, a Night at the Speakeasy” will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday Nov. 1 at the Great Plains Coliseum, 920 SW Sheridan Road in Lawton.
Chair of the nonprofit organization, Zoe DuRant, said the community has always been supportive of the fundraiser and the arts.
“We thank our supporters from the bottom of our hearts, from the things they donated or buying tickets and coming to the gala each year, and purchasing items through the auction,” DuRant said. “The Arts for All community deeply, deeply appreciates the support we receive.”
Funds raised will benefit the following: the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra; Lawton Community Theatre; Lawton Pro Musica; Lawton-Fort Sill Arts Council; and the Wichita Wildlife Photographic Society.
Live and silent auction items include higher priced items, but also a wide variety of packages for every budget. Guests can purchase small alcohol bottles with a number inside that corresponds to a prize and also enter for a chance to win door prizes.
The “bootlegger’s banquet” will be set up in stations, rather than a long buffet line, and the food offered by chef Todd Fisher, formerly of The Silver Spoon in Lawton. Stations include pasta, a carving station for beef, salad and side stations, plus a speakeasy cash bar with five signature drinks from the era.
Live music from the Cameron University Jazz Ensemble will play music from the 1920s.
“It’s going to be a great event and we’re super excited about all the new things we will have this year,” DuRant said.
While many patrons enjoy dressing up for each year’s theme, costumes are not required nor is black-tie an expectation, DuRant said.
“You can dress up according to the theme or you can wear jeans and a nice shirt,” DuRant said. “Some wear a suit or a fancy dress. It’s whatever goes; whatever you want to do.”
The event has so far sold nearly 500 tickets with space to allow around 700. Guests can reserve tables and purchase tickets by phone to (580) 248-5384 or visit lawtonartsforall.org.