Mardi Gras dinner dance benefits Austin's House

Staff Reports

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Minden on Feb. 12 to benefit Austin's House. The second annual Mardi Gras Magic dinner and dance in the Shannon Ballroom at the Carson Valley Inn recreates the party atmosphere of New Orleans on Fat Tuesday with outstanding music, dancing, prizes and great food.

The evening starts at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour. Sip on the very unique and exotic Crocatini, a martini named for Casey the Crocodile, the mascot of Austin's House. Dinner is a Cajun buffet featuring peel and eat shrimp, chicken gumbo, blackened fish, Louisiana hot links steamed in beer, shrimp etouffee and smoked rib eye roast with all the trimmings.

Dance music for the Mardi Gras Magic party provided by Fabrizio. A silent auction features donated prizes from local businesses and raffle prizes will be drawn every 15 minutes.

Cost of the Mardi Gras Magic dinner dance to benefit Austin's House is $50, with 200 tickets available. Tables of 10 are available for $500. Call 267-6676 to order tickets. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Austin's House is the only emergency children's shelter in rural Northern Nevada and provides services and care for up to 10 children at a time from infants to age 18. The children are placed at Austin's House after being removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. These children have no place else to go. Austin's House provides the basic living necessities including proper nutrition, hygiene, rest, nurturing, recreation, companionship, education and life skills training.

The current recession has greatly affected Austin's House and continued support from the community is needed to keep the doors open. Information about making a donation to Austin's House at 267-6711 or www.austinshouse.org

"Nurturing Today's Child for a Better Tomorrow." Austin's House is a 501(c)(3) corporation, tax ID No. 03-0533503.