Mardi Gras dinner dance benefits Austin's House

Staff Reports

Austin's House presents the Mardi Gras Magic dinner and dance, 6 p.m. Feb. 20, in the Shannon Ballroom at the Carson Valley Inn. The fundraiser recreates the party atmosphere of New Orleans on Fat Tuesday with music, dancing, prizes and food.

Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. Purchase a "Crocatini" and receive a commemorative Mardi Gras Magic martini glass plus an entry in the grand prize drawing for a three-day, two-night vacation at Harrah's New Orleans including airfare and some meals. The Crocatini is a martini named for Casey the Crocodile, mascot of Austin's House.

The Cajun buffet dinner features 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.

After dinner dancing music is provided by Fabrizio. Raffle prizes will be drawn every 15 minutes. The silent auction will feature donated prizes including vacations in Hawaii and Disneyland.

The ticket donation for Mardi Gras Magic to benefit Austin's House is $50. Tables of 10 are available. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Call 267-6711 to order tickets. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Austin's House is a group foster home in Douglas County that provides services and care for up to 10 children at a time between the ages of birth and 17. The children are referrals from child protective services, court referrals, homeless children and other children in crisis in need of shelter. Austin's House provides the basic living necessities including proper nutrition, hygiene, rest, nurturing, recreation, companionship and education.

The annual budget to operate Austin's House exceeds $450,000 so continued community support is needed. Information about Austin's House at 267-6711 or www.austinshouse.org