October 11th, 2012 
(Photo Credit: ACBA)
If you’ve seen the posters in shops around town or on the back of Charleston Bike Taxis zooming across the city, you know it’s time once again for the most talked about fall fundraiser in Charleston, The Red Party, which benefits the American College of the Building Arts. Recently named a “Hero of the New South” by Southern Living magazine, this niche college is the only one in the U.S. dedicated to the classic building trades. The Red Party is the college’s preeminent pre-Halloween party and fundraiser and hosts more than 600 people at the Old City Jail each year.
This year’s theme centers on all things Wizard of Oz. The event designer, and party chair, Cortney Bishop has big plans to turn the Jail into Oz giving guests a chance to travel the yellow brick road and party under the rainbow. Food will include Muchkin Burgers from HoM, Straw Fries from Jack’s Cosmic Dogs and a Bubbly Brew amuse bouche by chef Robert Carter. The VIP Emerald City will once again have food from Oak Steakhouse and O-Ku and specialty cocktails from the Cocktail Club plus exclusive gift bags with items from Larceny Bourbon, Charleston Magazine, and green confections from Sweet Juleps. The V-Tones will kick off the evening until the live auction at 8:30 p.m. then DJ C-Nile takes to the turntables until 11 p.m.
Auctioneer Tom Crawford gets bids on a Jill Hooper painting at the 2011 Red Party (Photo Credit: ACBA)
Local TV personality and professional benefit auctioneer Tom Crawford will host the live auction with some exciting items up for grabs including pro-am golf in Pebble Beach, an astronaut weekend at Cape Canaveral and a condo in San Miguel while the silent auction has art, health and spa packages, theater tickets, outdoor sports, fine dining and more.
(Photo Credit: ACBA)
Guests are encouraged to wear Wizard of Oz inspired costumes or Red cocktail attire (and don’t forget there’s more than just the Wicked Witch or Dorothy and her traveling companions). If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the dozens of local shops who will be getting into the red spirit with a window decorating contest on King Street starting the week of October 15. Party goers can vote on Facebook for their favorites until October 19.
WHEN: Thursday, October 25, 2012, 7-11 p.m.
VIP auction preview at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Old City Jail
21 Magazine Street
Charleston, SC 29401
TICKETS: General Admission: $65 in advance, $85 at the door; VIP: $150, includes specialty cocktails, VIP grab bags, premiere appetizers. Purchase your tickets here.
PARKING: Discount parking available at the Majestic Garage
