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Brunch with performance artists to be auctioned to benefit women's studies

In celebration of three women's studies organization anniversaries, the UA Committee on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Studies and the women's studies department are hosting a dance party and auction tonight at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

The auction will benefit the women's studies department - which is celebrating its 25th anniversary - and LGB. Funds will go toward research, student scholarships and travel stipends for faculty and graduate students.

The Southwest Institute for Research on Women and the Women's Studies Advisory Council are also celebrating anniversaries. The institute, which brings grant money to research border issues and women's policies, is observing its 20th anniversary. The advisory council is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

The auction spotlights the sale of a brunch with performance artists Holly Hughes and Marga Gomez, who are performing at University of Arizona's Centennial Hall this weekend as part of the "Voices from the Margin" series.

While event organizers are hoping for a large financial gain, they are skeptical of the actual amount they can raise.

"I'm hoping to make a couple thousand," said Julia Balen, Associate Director of Women's Studies. "We are looking at approximately $6,000 worth of items. We will be lucky to get 40 percent of that at a silent auction."

About 100 items for sale in the auction - including a trip to Disneyland, basketballs signed by the women's basketball team, books, artwork, jewelry and massages - were donated by members of the Tucson community.

University departments showed their support for the event with donations from the Center for Creative Photography, UA athletic department and the UA Main Library.

Balen said she expects about 200 people at the auction, which will feature food and dancing. Rock and blues band Betty Diamond will provide the music at the event.

Bass player Beverly Seckinger said the band will play covers of oldies, including Led Zeppelin and Lucinda Williams, as well as some original songs.

Its members also include well-known local blues guitarist Mitzi Cowell and lead singer Rebecca Horton, who Seckinger describes as a "singing powerhouse" who is like "Janis Joplin meets Melissa Etheridge."

The auction will be the inaugural event of Hotel Congress' new venue dubbed The Lounge - a 2200 square foot reception room that can hold from 100 to 200 people, depending on the event.

Cup Cafe manager Deb Dozier describes the Lounge as "airy and spacious" and "in keeping with historic look of the hotel."

The event will also feature a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. It is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., with a $10 suggested donation at the door.