Nutcrackers stand guard over the dessert table.
The Highlands Ballet Company presents their fourth annual fundraiser, Ballet, BBQ, & Beer, Oct. 8, from 2-5 p.m. at Wolf Hills Brewing Company in Abingdon, Virginia.
The goal is to raise at least $10,000 at this "family friendly" fundraising event. All monies raised support Highlands Ballet Company's 2016/ 2017 season, as well as the 2016 production of "The Nutcracker" at the new Woodrow W. McGlothlin Center for the Arts, Emory, Virginia, in December. In addition, these funds are to be used in helping Highlands to promote their mission.
This mission is to promote a strong, healthy, and positive body image for area children and teens and work to erase stereotypical practices and attitudes that many young dancers and athletes face in today's world.
According to directors Deanna Cole-Roberts and Deirdre Cole, "We begin our mission work at our school, Highlands Center for Ballet Arts, teaching young dancers about their bodies, encouraging strength, discipline and confidence. Our dancers are our greatest ambassadors to our mission. We help them develop positive relationships with their body image, which raises their self-esteem and overall confidence. They take this confidence with them out into the community, sharing their knowledge and inspiring others to do the same. Our annual fundraiser allows us to continue fostering our positive mission to local children and teens through after-school education and performance opportunities."
This year's family-friendly event includes a silent auction and raffle, local musicians, vocalists and dancers for entertainment, award-winning selection of craft beers, a chef-prepared, professionally catered BBQ meal and games and activities for children.
Guests have the opportunity to mingle with HBC directors and dancers and bidding on a carefully curated selection of luxury-themed gift baskets. For additional information about becoming a part of The Highlands Ballet, call 276-623-0822.
Tickets to the fundraiser are $50 per person and $90 per couple.
