More Than a Dance! Sundance Auction is Labor Day Highlight
While some people only think of Sundance as a chance to experience New York City club atmosphere, lights, and sounds in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, that’s only half of the legendary two-day event. The first night (August 31, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) is the Sundance Auction. On that night, participants will enjoy a silent auction, live auction with auctioneer Lorne Crawford, and an all-evening cocktail buffet and open bar. Up for bid will be a dazzling array of enticing items, including art, trips, gifts, sports memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind opportunities.
Sundance 2019—Rainbow XXXII: Ultraviolet Disco Day-Glo Sunrise promises to be the biggest and best Sundance ever. The funds raised support the health of the local community and the fair and equitable treatment of everyone, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2018 alone, CAMP Rehoboth outreach programs served over 6,500 individuals and its health and wellness programs served nearly 10,000.
“
If you are looking for a gift for a special someone, or a simple way to pamper yourself, chances are you will find it at the Sundance Auction,” says Tara Sheldon, president of VegRehoboth and a CAMP Rehoboth board member. “It truly has something for everyone.”
Each year, auction attendees are astonished by the quality and selection of items up for bid. It’s certainly not the typical array of gift certificates and baskets. For example, this year, some lucky bidder will win a five-piece fire pit chat set with Sunbrella fabric, a perfect setting for summer entertaining.
The Sundance Auction typically has 450 or more items. “You never know what the next item will be,” says Glen Pruitt, one of the volunteers who puts together the descriptions of the auction items. “It might be a Barbra Streisand Collector Barbie Doll (which was the subject of a bidding war one year between two determined bidders), a hand-painted shirt, a piece of gorgeous jewelry, or a selection of artisan chocolates. I can hardly wait to see what wild and wonderful items we have this year!”
The Sundance Auction is also known for its unique offerings. “I will never forget when we auctioned off a quilt that someone made from Sundance T-shirts,” says Mark Purpura, president of Equality Delaware Foundation and a CAMP Rehoboth board member. “It exemplified not only the dedication of our volunteers in terms of the sheer number of hours it must have taken to make the quilt, but also the value bidders placed on the historical memories of Sundance within that quilt.”
A highlight of the auction each year is the exciting travel opportunities. This year, Accent on Travel and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are donating a seven-night cruise worth up to $5,600, depending on the departure date and itinerary the winning bidder selects. The winner can choose from seven European itineraries and travel any time through December 2020. The package includes accommodations, meals, and daily excursions. The best part is that 100 percent of the bid will be donated to CAMP Rehoboth. Also up for bid is a trip for two in the Vista suite on Olivia’s Pacific Coastal Cruise, April 23-29, 2020 (a value of nearly $6,000). The trip includes stops in San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Astoria, Seattle, and Vancouver.
Sundance offers two nights of fun. The second night (September 1) is the two-for-one Sundance, which includes the Sundance Disco Twilight Tea (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) featuring DJ legend Robbie Leslie, and the traditional Sundance (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.) with music by DJ/Remixer Joe Gauthreaux and lights by Paul Turner.
Participants can attend either or both nights of the event (tickets are $50 for one night, $90 for both). ▼
All About the Dance!
The second night of Sundance (Sunday, September 1) is all about the dance. The night kicks off with the Sundance Disco Twilight Tea, featuring DJ legend Robbie Leslie. “We added this Disco Twilight Tea last year,” says Sundance Founder and Chair Murray Archibald. “It was a huge success! Thirty minutes after the doors opened at 7 p.m., the dancefloor was packed—and it stayed that way all night long. Come early! Stay late!,” he advises, “That’s the best way to enjoy the night.”
DJ Robbie Leslie is best known for his work at Studio 54 and The Saint in NYC (and famous for his Saint White Parties) but has also had a long career beginning on Fire Island and including 12 West and Palladium. A true legend in the music industry, Leslie has been in the nightclub business for 40 years and is considered the prototype of the modern circuit party DJ. He is currently a Studio 54 radio DJ on Sirius XM radio, and continues to play parties all over the world.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. for the Sundance Disco Twilight Tea, which will last until 10 p.m., when international DJ/Remixer Joe Gauthreaux takes over the booth to lift the room right into his signature club sound.
Joe has been the Sundance Main DJ since 2015. He is one of the most sought-after DJs and producers in the industry, and has a resume full of club appearances and main events that spans the last 15 years. He has played almost every major circuit event in the world, including Winter Party Festival, Black Party, White Party Miami, Song Kran Bangkok, New Year’s Rio at The Week, and Atlantis Cruises, among others. A staple at major clubs across North America, Brazil, and Asia, Joe packs dancefloors around the world. ▼
Joe Gauthreaux Summer 2019 Playlist
- “Dance Like Nobody’s Watching” (Joe Gauthreaux & Leanh Remix) Saara Aalto
- “Nails, Hair, Hips Heels” (Sagi Kariv Remix) Todrick Hall
- “Thirsty” Joe Gauthreaux & James Hurr, featuring MItch Amtr@k
- “Work It If You Want It” Inaya Day, Bruno Knauer, & Joe Gauthreaux
- “Proud” (Joe Gauthreaux & Leanh Freedom Remix) Heather Small