Cabaret fun to raise funds

Belly dancing and body painting and palm reading — oh my!

All of this and much more can be experienced tonight at Shadowbox Cabaret's fourth annual Fall Fireball Fundraiser 2K2.

This year's event is being sponsored by Outlook News and hosted by casts of the Shadowbox Cabaret, 2Co's Cabaret and Shadowbox Cabaret South. It is the nightclub's single most important fund-raiser of the year, said Katy Psenicka, special events director.

"The success of the Fireball Fundraiser is directly related to maintaining the quality and success of the efforts at all three of our theaters," Psenicka said. "We consider ourselves a 'grant-free zone,' meaning that we do not accept any funds or grants from the federal government. That way, none of the people's tax dollars go toward our performances."

All proceeds from the fund-raiser will benefit Shadowbox's two non-profit theaters, 2Co's Cabaret located in Columbus' Short North district and Shadowbox Cabaret South in Newport, Ky.

"The non-profit theaters rely solely on ticket sales and patron support," said Shadowbox spokeswoman Pam Callahan, "so they need all the money they can get."

The Fall Fireball Fundraiser is a combination of live and silent auctions accompanied by a carnival and dance party with music provided by BillWho?, Shadowbox Cabaret's house band.

Another great aspect of the fund-raiser is that tonight is the only time this year when all three of the theater's casts come together.

"Yes, it's a fund-raiser, but it's Shadowbox style," Psenicka said. "It's a fund-raiser for people who are fund-raiser deficient. We don't want people to be bored and leave, so we have a very full evening planned for our guests."

Shadowbox decided to include one of last year's big hits — the carnival. In addition to bidding on trips, sports memorabilia, artwork, photography, clothing and jewelry, patrons can watch belly dancers and magicians while they get their tarot cards, palms and birth charts read. On-site body painting, airbrushing and henna tattooing will also be available.

"We expanded on what we did last year because people loved it so much," Callahan said. "So this year we have new attractions along with some of the favorites of last year, but now we just have more of them so people don't have to wait in line."

Secret Treasures' administration assistant Sheri McLane said her store is proud to support and contribute to the fund-raiser. Secret Treasures regularly supports Shadowbox and donated gift baskets to the auction.

"I think that our store goes along with Shadowbox's way of thinking. We love that they are so artistic and deeply admire their contribution policy," McLane said. "As an adult-oriented store, we try to fit into niches that compliment our company and we found the creative and outgoing attitudes of Shadowbox to do so very well."

More than 400 wildly decked-out patrons are expected to be in attendance tonight, and Shadowbox promises that the Fall Fundraiser will surpass any anticipations.

"This will be a party like no other," Psenicka said.

Doors will open when the first silent auction begins tonight at 7 p.m. in the Valley Dale Ballroom. Tickets cost $25 per person and can be purchased by calling 416-7625.