The Andalusia Ballet Association’s fundraisers last weekend generated $20,000 for the group’s operations this year.

The group held its annual auction benefit dinner at the Andalusia Country Club on Saturday night, and held its first 5K earlier in the day.

“We are very thankful for the support of Andalusia Ballet’s Auction Benefit Dinner and 5K by everyone in the community,” artistic director Meryane Murphy said. “This money will help Andalusia Ballet to continue to provide performances, outreach, and training opportunities to the youth of our area.

“We are especially grateful for the leadership of Gina Kerr and Shan Burkhardt,” she said. “Gina is a wonderful supporter of the ballet who graciously volunteers her time year-round to insure the success of the auction. Shan is also a great supporter of the ballet who made the first Andalusia Ballet 5K a tremendous success.”

The theme of this year’s event was Cabaret. Students of the Andalusia Ballet trained under Marcus Alford of Atlanta’s Jazz on Tap during the week leading up to the auction, and performed choreography set by Mr. Alford at the auction.

Look for more photographs from the event in the fall edition of South Alabama Living.