Celebrate Mardi Gras at dinner dance

Staff Reports

Don't miss the best party of the year. Get your tickets now for the second annual Mardi Gras Magic Dinner & Dance to benefit Austin's House 6 p.m. Friday the Shannon Ballroom of the Carson Valley Inn. This festive fundraiser transports you to Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday with music, dancing, food and prizes.

The evening starts at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour. Purchase a special "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 the 4-Star Harrah's New Orleans including dinner for two at Besh Steakhouse, tickets to the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas and Entergy IMAX theater, plus $500 toward airfare.

The authentic 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 of trimmings.

The Mardi Gras Magic party hits full stride with dancing music provided by Fabrizio. The silent auction features donated prizes including vacations at Disneyland and Lake Tahoe, Reno Aces tickets, golf packages, ski passes and gift baskets. There will also be three raffle drawings. It is a terrific evening of fun for a great cause.

The tickets are $50 for the Mardi Gras Magic Dinner & Dance to benefit Austin's House. This fundraiser is limited to 200 and only a few tickets are remaining. Call (775) 267-6676 to order your tickets. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Austin's House is the only emergency children's shelter in rural Northern Nevada. 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. Austin's House has cared for more than 100 children since opening in September 2007.

Austin's House relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations that care deeply about the welfare of children. If you would like more information about making a donation to Austin's House, call 267-6711 or go to www.austinshouse.org

"Nurturing Today's Child for a Better Tomorrow." A 501(c)(3) Corporation, Tax ID #03-0533503.

Holly and Mike Anderson celebrate at the 2009 Mardi Gras Magic Dinner & Dance to benefit Austin's House. Join the festivities this Friday at the Carson Valley Inn.