Altadena Chamber’s ‘Altadena Auction’ Supports Eliot Arts Magnet Academy’s Arts Conservatory

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association is hosting an event on Friday, March 22, that not only promises an evening of entertainment but also aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of young artists.

This event, the “Altadena Auction,” is an important fundraiser for the Eliot Arts Magnet Academy and will leverage both silent and live auction formats to entertain the audience while raising essential funds for the school’s diverse Arts Conservatory program, which spans visual art, dance, theater, and music.

Karen Anderson, Arts Enrichment Coordinator at Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), said the support of the local community is crucial in advancing arts education goals within the district.

“Parents groups are always super important in supporting any kind of programs in our schools,” Anderson said. “It’s always nice to have a balance of buy-in from the community, from our parent groups, and from the district funding so that different needs can be met and different goals can be achieved in the arts.”

Anderson said the funds generated from this auction are directed towards specific enhancements for Eliot Arts Magnet Academy.

“For this particular auction, it’s the annual fund which a parents group puts together. They usually have a specific goal of things that they want to purchase with the money to support the school,” she said.

This year, the focus is on purchasing stage pieces that are portable and versatile, catering to both indoor and outdoor performances and allowing for more creativity in staging productions.

Eliot Arts Magnet Principal Lanisha McKenzie said the annual Altadena Auction supports the purchase of big-ticket items and materials not covered by grants or other funding sources. This year’s proceeds will contribute towards acquiring a stage deck, facilitating broader student participation in performances and events like “Fauxchella” on May 4, 2024.

The Altadena Auction also fosters community engagement and support for PUSD schools, Anderson explained.