Dragon on the Ice Gala set for March 12

Warming up winter with the success of last summer’s Dragon on the Lake Festival, the Orion Art Center announces its annual gala fund-raiser, now called Dragon on the Ice.
The event is set for on Saturday, March 12, and takes place at the historic Addison Oaks Ballroom.
Formerly known as the Snowflake Ball, Dragon on the Ice is a what Orion Art Center Director Reggie Harrison describes as a ‘glamorous event that has wowed patrons for years.?
The evening, she said, includes a cocktail reception, gourmet meal, open premium bar, dessert extravaganza, live and silent auctions, entertainment by the George Brothers band, dancing and much more.
All inclusive tickets are $100 per person, with tables of 10 available for $750.
‘So gather up a group of friends, support the Orion Art Center and its community offerings while realizing a $250 discount,? said Harrison.
New for 2011 is an exclusive pre-event wine challenge featuring ‘The Judgment of Paris? with sommelier Michael Cregar, who will re-enact the 1976 French-American wine challenge that put California on the wine map.
The pre-event starts at 5:30 p.m. for an additional $25 per person with only 50 tickets available.
For an individual, couple or a group, this is an opportunity to ‘dress to the nines and have a great time while supporting art and culture in the Orion/Oxford area,? Harrison said.
‘The auction will have fantastic trips, weekend getaways, event and sport tickets, great restaurant and service packages, as well as awesome art to bid on.
‘There will truly be something for everyone,? said Dianne Goff, Dragon on the Ice committee co-chair. ‘The George Brothers were the headliners at Dragon on the Lake this summer, so we are happy to bring them back to town for Dragon on the Ice.?
Honorary chairs are Sandy and Pam Mabery, longtime Orion Art Center supporters and major sponsors of the 2010 Dragon boat races.
Artist of the Year is Clarkston artist Michael Hendrix, who created the award winning ‘Dragon on Lake Orion? oil painting .
The Orion Art Center also honors a tireless volunteer who goes beyond the call of duty for the sake of the art center.
The 2011 Patron of the Arts will be awarded to Sue Willick, who has worked fervently for the past decade on the Community Guide and the gala.
‘Sue is a dynamo who is very deserving of this award,? Harrison said.
Dragon on the Ice supports the Orion Art Center and all its offerings, including classes, summer camps, art exhibitions and festivals including the 2011 Dragon on the Lake festival (slated for August 26-28, 2011) which features the kick-off lighted boat parade, dragon boat races, several art components, an adult beverage tent with entertainment, performance art, food and art vendors and much more.
Reserve tickets for Dragon on the Ice by calling 248-693-4986 or by visiting www.orionartcenter.org
Sponsorship opportunities are available and donations are still being accepted.