The Baltimore Sun Auction for CENTERSTAGE Launches Today

Starting today, more than 600 items can be previewed in The Baltimore Sun Auction for CENTERSTAGE-and in just 4 days, bidding goes live! Bidders can preview all the items by clicking through from www.centerstage.org/auction.

For 36 years, CENTERSTAGE's annual auction has been one of the theater's largest fundraising events. Throughout its history, the auction has raised close to $5 million for the theater's artistic, education, and community programming. As CENTERSTAGE has come a long way over the last 50 years, the auction has as well. For more than 30 years, the auction was hosted by Baltimore radio station WBAL 1090 AM. Listeners called in when they heard their desired item mentioned on the air.

CENTERSTAGE owes a huge thank you to Sydney Wilner, Auction Coordinator, who is in her 30th Season of running the auction. Every year, Wilner and Auction Assistant Norma Cohen reach out to thousands of local and national businesses to get the best possible selection of donations-from food and trips to fine art and exciting adventures. And just last month, the online fundraising site, BiddingForGood, released their listing of "10 Auctions That Rocked 2012," including the 2012 The Baltimore Sun Auction for CENTERSTAGE.

This year marks the third year the auction has been hosted exclusively online. With the click of a mouse, purchasers are able to place bids and view others in real time. Now people around the country-and the world-have the opportunity to bid on more than 600 unique items and experiences.

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary, many generous vendors from Baltimore and around the country have graciously donated items. Items include:

· A John Waters personalized recording for your voicemail

· 2 tickets to the Ravens opening game of the 2014 Season

· 2 tickets to the Orioles opening day game of the 2014 Season

· Condor Airline tickets to Frankfurt

· A years' worth of massages

· A years' supply of beer

· An ice skating party for up to 300

· Seadream Yacht Mediterranean Cruise

· Tax Prep

· Artwork from Baltimore artists and artisans

· Restaurant gift certificates

· Tickets to area theaters

· Many travel getaways

And CENTERSTAGE is still welcoming donations to the online auction! To donate, contact Sydney Wilner, Auction Coordinator, at 410.986.4025 or swilner@centerstage.org.

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