| Mardi
Gras to celebrate community
What will brighten the winter blahs? Who is interested in planning a fund and a friend raiser? Why sponsor an event with the community in mind? The answer? The St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation is hosting the 1st Mardi Gras Celebration on Saturday, February 6th and everyone is invited. 
“Our foremost goal is to initiate an annual community event to thank the communities we serve for their continuing support. We have a lot to celebrate and much to be proud of. Our partnership with the people in the area is a huge factor in St. Mary’s success. We are thankful that people trust us with their health care and we’d like to show our appreciation,” said Jim May, SMHC Foundation Director. “Of course, the second reason for our event is to help raise money for and awareness of our endowment fund which will help us purchase equipment and make capital improvements so St Mary’s will be here for our children and our grandchildren.” The evening event will be the Grand Opening of the refurbished Cottonwood Community Center. It will feature a catered dinner with entertainment provided by the Swing Notes; silent and oral auctions; a no host bar; a Funny Money Casino and dancing to Keith Havens, a popular DJ from Lewiston. “We’ve ordered items and will decorate to capitalize on the Mardi Gras theme,” said Shelli Schumacher, one of the planners. “It will be a very festive atmosphere and a great opportunity to connect with people and support the hospital at the same time. Our aim is to imitate the gaiety associated with a Mardi Gras festival. Of course, you must be 21 years of age. We’re hoping people will join us for this celebration of community.” Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. A social hour will precede the 7:00 dinner. The Swing Notes will play at both the dinner and social hour. At 8:30 p.m. the Casino and DJ’d dancing will begin. Ticket prices are $25/person and $45/couple. Only 250 advance tickets will be sold for the evening’s event. They can be purchased at the reception desk at SMH; each of the SMH clinics in Cottonwood, Nezperce, Kamiah and Craigmont; US Bank, Cottonwood Branch; and the Cottonwood Community Credit Union. Tickets can also be reserved by calling 962-2327 or 962-8052. Credit Card payments will be accepted by phone. Ticket requests and checks may also be mailed to SMHC Foundation, PO Box 137, Cottonwood, ID 83522 For those who want to join the celebration a bit later in the evening $10 tickets can be purchased at the door after 8:30 p.m. for the dancing and casino. “People have asked if they should come in a Mardi Gras costume. The answer to that is ‘no,’ costumes are not necessary, but we’re hoping to make this a bit more formal than usual. It will be fun to dress up, but we certainly don’t want to discourage any one from attending and having a good time,” said Cheri Holthaus, Planner. |
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