Undaunted by the threat of bad weather, almost $6,000 was raised to help Hope for Healing.Org during Mardi Gras Night on February 2, 2007. The crowd of over 200 came from as far away as Morristown, Athens and Dunlap to gather at Strawberry Plains Presbyterian Church in support of this important organization.
As the only social service agency in Strawberry Plains, Hope for Healing.Org offers a free community clothing closet, gives referrals to victims of domestic violence, serves as a Restorative Justice worksite for teens performing court ordered community service, distributes Angel Food and more!
The clients are the big winners of the night. In 2006 alone over 1000 local clients came to Hope for Healing.Org for help. (This is equal to the enrollment of Carter High School and more than the enrollment at Rush Strong School.)
Music for the night was provided again by the outstanding DJ Express. They are much sought after and loved by youngsters, senior citizens and everyone in between. If you are looking for a great DJ call them. You won't be disappointed.
The Mardi Gras Night menu consisted of seafood gumbo, fried chicken, green beans, potatoes, drinks and dessert followed by luscious chocolate dipped strawberries. Dinner was served by the impressive senior high youth group from Marbledale Baptist Church.
Adorning the tables for party goers to take home were Mardi Gras beads. All beads were actually caught on the offical New Orleans Mardi Gras parade routes and shipped to Strawberry Plains just for Mardi Gras Night. For the first time, attendees were served fake champagne in official souvenir cups as another take home reminder of the fun evening.
A meal highlight was the traditional New Orleans King Cake. This is a rich cinnamon pastry that is a requirement at all Mardi Gras parties. Hidden inside the King Cake is a coin (called a doubloon). The person who finds the coin is crowned king or queen of the Mardi Gras Night and gets to help plan the next party. This year's winner was Rev. Richard Patterson and his wife Martha. Richard is the United Methodist Church District Superintendent serving the Morristown District.
More than a dozen kids scrambled for candy when the pinata was broken. Games, grab bags and balloon animals also kept the youngsters entertained.
Altogether, a dedicated team of over 50 volunteers helped make Mardi Gras a success. The official program was created by students from the Art Department of Jefferson County High School. The senior high youth group from Marbledale Baptist Church served the meal. A host of individuals gave time and expertise to cook, decorate, take tickets and work to make the event happen. Other volunteers included students from Rush Strong School, Carter High School and individual community members.
The 2007 Hope for Healing.Org Mardi Gras Night sponsors were:
Sam's Wholesale Club
Bridges Funeral Home
Auctioned off were items from:
Zuma's Family Fun Center
Eastview Memorial Gardens
John Coker Antiques
Bailey's Sports Pub & Grill
David's Carpets
Cracker Barrel
Jefferson City Parks & Recreation
Ramada Inn Four Seasons
Black Bear Jamboree
Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Aztec Fuel Center
Dollywood
Ruby Falls
Dixie Stampede
Tennessee Theater
More Than Plants
Sunshine Hands
Galloway's
Cash Saver
Advance Auto Parts, Jefferson City
Auto Zone, Jefferson City
Advance Auto Parts, Asheville Hwy.
Auto Zone, Asheville Hwy.
Ritchie Tractor
Stormer's True Value Hardware
Tom E. Solomon Furniture Company
Country Cottage Hair & Nail Salon
Donna's Boutique
Billie Parrot Jewelry
Tole Painting by Barbara Wright
River Islands Golf Club
Ocoee Outdoors
The Comedy Barn
The Edgewater Hotel
Knoxville Zoo
Hunter Museum of Art, Chattanooga
Knoxville Symphony Society
Betty Hart Insurance
Applebee's Restaurant, Kingston Pike
Food City, Asheville Hwy.
Heritage Crafts Mall
We would also like to thank the following for their support of Mardi Gras Night 2007:
Strawberry Plains Presbyterian Church
Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church
First Baptist Church of Strawberry Plains
The Hope for Healing.Org Mardi Gras Night 2008 is already being planned. Mark your calendars now for Friday, February 1, 2008.
For more information about this or the work we do please visit us online at http://www.hopeforhealing.org or call 933.8769.
Thank you for making hope happen in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee!
No comments:
Post a Comment