Benches on Parade to Benefit Arts Center

August 4, 2009

Today, Benches on Parade, presented by Nazareth College, was announced and will hit Rochester neighborhoods in the spring of 2010. Benches on Parade is a momentous community arts project that will bring functional art across the Rochester region featuring local and national artists.

In 2001, Horses on Parade raised more than $1 million for local nonprofits. Nazareth College is building on that success with Benches on Parade. Produced by Dixon Schwabl, Benches on Parade prompts businesses and community members to get involved by purchasing a full-sized bench and team up with a local or national artist of choice to bring the bench to life.

“Nazareth College is proud to bring the community together with Benches on Parade,” said Daan Braveman, president of Nazareth College. “We are thrilled to provide the spark that will ignite that spirit and pride throughout our region.

Beginning the spring of 2010, fun-filled, designed benches will be on display across the area, from businesses to parks. A plaque will be attached to each bench recognizing the bench sponsor, the artist, and bench name. This event is expected to draw families from around the area to tour all bench locations, discovering local artists as they visit the businesses and organizations that made it all possible. Additionally, each bench will be featured in a commemorative coffee table book and will be apart of drawing thousands of visitors to our region.

“This truly will be the benchmark community arts event of the year,” said Lauren Dixon, CEO of Dixon Schwabl. “Benches on Parade will provide functional pieces around our community that will highlight the best our region has to offer, while supporting our fabulous nonprofits along the way.”

After the benches have been on parade through the Greater Rochester area the benches will be auctioned off. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Nazareth College Arts Center, the Rochester City Ballet, the New York Wine & Culinary Center and an additional nonprofit of the winner’s choice.

Benches on Parade is kicking off with full community support and the following businesses and individuals have committed to being bench sponsors: Al Sigl Community of Agencies, Auction Direct USA; Banners Childcare; Bob Johnson Chevrolet; Camille’s Sidewalk Café; Clear Channel; Constellation Brands; County of Monroe IDA; Democrat & Chronicle; Dixon Schwabl; DPI of Rochester; Employee Relations Associates; Encompass: Resources for Learning; English Road Pediatrics; Entercom Group; Mann’s Jewelers; Max of Rochester; Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co.; Merrill Lynch; Nazareth College; Parkleigh; Rochester Business Alliance; St. John Fisher College; The DiMarco Group; Time Warner Cable; VisitRochester; Wegmans Food Markets; and Wisteria Flowers & Gifts Inc; WHAM 13; WHEC 10; WROC 8. Also, the following are the proud media partners of Benches on Parade: Clear Channel; Democrat & Chronicle; DPI of Rochester; Entercom Group; Time Warner Cable; WHAM 13; WHEC 10; WROC 8.

For more information about Benches on Parade or to participate and become a sponsor, please visit www.benchesonparade.com.

About Benches on Parade
Presented by Nazareth College, Benches on Parade is a community arts project produced by Dixon Schwabl that will provide fun, funky and functional art, designed by local artists. The benches will be on parade across the Greater Rochester area and then auctioned off to the highest bidder. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Nazareth College Arts Center, the Rochester City Ballet, the New York Wine and Culinary Center and an additional 501(c)3 nonprofit of the highest bidder’s choice.

Founded in 1924, Nazareth College is a coeducational college with undergraduate and graduate studies in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in health and human services, education, and management. The College is located on 150 scenic acres near Rochester, New York, and currently enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students. Nazareth has a strong commitment to experience-based learning and civic engagement. In the past decade, Nazareth has produced 18 Fulbright recipients and two Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowships. For more information on the College, visit www.naz.edu

 

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