The fifth annual Mardi Gras fundraiser to benefit Austin’s House, the only emergency children’s shelter in rural Northern Nevada, has a new twist this year — a cowboy Mardi Gras party, scheduled for Feb. 8 at the Carson Valley Inn in Minden. “Put on your jeans and celebrate the party atmosphere of Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday with great food, music, dancing, fun games, raffle prizes, and a silent auction,” organizers said in a press release.The party starts at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by a western barbecue buffet featuring pulled pork and mesquite-rubbed chicken with all the trimmings. Wine is included with dinner. Beer and cocktails are also available.After dinner, the Cowboy Mardi Gras party hits full stride with music, dancing and games. Raffle prizes will be drawn every 15 minutes. The silent auction features donated prizes from local businesses.Tickets for the Cowboy Mardi Gras dinner and party are $50. Tables of 10 are available for $500. Only 200 tickets will be sold. To order tickets, call Austin's House at 267-6711. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.Austin’s House provides services and care for up to 10 children, from infants to age 18. The children are placed at the shelter after being removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Austin’s House provides the basic living necessities, including proper nutrition, hygiene, rest, nurturing, recreation, companionship, life skills training and education. The facility depends on continued support from the community to keep the doors open. For more information or to make a donation to Austin’s House, call the shelter or visit www.austinshouse.org.
