Fundraiser allows Studio Down Low owner to acquire new space

It was a night of dancing, shopping, appetizers and even a few tears; most importantly, it was a night of success.

Almost precisely the amount of money needed by Studio Down Low owner Maggie Brazelton to secure a new studio space was raised during a silent auction Saturday at the Monroe Boys & Girls Club.

The goal amount was $3,300, and the event raised approximately $3,200. Along with additional donations that came in, event co-organizer Cami Peacock said Brazelton will be able to pay all the necessary fees and deposits required to move into her new space at 112 W. Main St. in downtown Monroe.

Brazelton's clients rallied around her when she was locked out of her former studio on Lewis Street. They created a GoFundMe page called "A Home for Studio Down Low,GÇ¥ and began collecting items for the fundraiser auction.

They had T-shirts made in time for the event that said, "Strong Women Lift Each Other Up.GÇ¥

Brazelton has been temporarily holding classes at the East County Senior Center, but she said she missed having her own space.

Numerous local businesses and individuals stepped up to donate. The auction included everything from original art to dinners at local restaurants and pet supplies. The eclectic mix also included items not typically offered during auctions, such as personal training sessions by Brazelton and the opportunity to have a child drawn as a Disney princess by Disney artist Pamela Mathues, who worked on the Lion King.

A small drawing by Mathues of Simba, the main character in the Lion King, was auctioned off for $75.-á -á

For more information on Studio Down Low, visit www.facebook.com/Studio-Down-Low-603730269728951/?fref=ts.