Buddies in Bad Times annual Art Attack fundraiser and auction smashed its own record for the amount of money raised Nov 23.
Mark Aikman, director of marketing and communications at Buddies, says about $61,000 was raised, beating last year by about 25 percent. “It has just been going up every year for the last four years. It’s very, very exciting.”
All money goes to support Buddies youth programs, artist residency and community programs and upcoming productions.
About 300 people attended the 12 Alexandra St theatre to get naked, auction off Steamwhistle boys and battle over one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Hosted by comedian Shawn Hitchens, who sweetened the deals with items from his own personal collection, including a Bette Midler record, a deck of cat playing cards and a bag of Thanksgiving gourds.
Art Attack is in its fourth year at Buddies, although the team has been hosting an auction-style fundraiser every year since 1991.