WHEELING, W.Va.—Catholic Charities West Virginia’s (CCWVa) fifth annual Mardi Gras Gala is set for Feb. 14 this year, offering attendees a great way to spend Valentine’s Day while helping to support the programs and services the organization brings to those in need, said CCWVa Executive Director Mark Sliter-Hays.
The gala will be hosted by Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, and Wheeling Hospital and will be held at Wheeling Park’s White Palace from 6:30-10:30 p.m.
“We are excited to be at a larger venue, the White Palace, as previous Mardi Gras have been filled to capacity,” Sliter-Hays said. “This year’s Mardi Gras coincides with Valentine’s Day, which makes a wonderful date for couples or groups of single individuals to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a festive environment while supporting Catholic Charities West Virginia. Proceeds will help support successful programs that assist families in meeting their basic needs and provide opportunities for families to become more self-sufficient.”
Returning to the gala will be the Dave Banks Big Band, a 17-piece band that features big band, Jazz, Salsa and contemporary music. Chef Rocco Basil will also be returning and preparing a menu that includes a selection of Cajun food as well as Bananas Foster and more.
“We are excited,” said Patti Phillips, director of Development and Marketing for CCWVa. “We think it’s going to be a really good time with good food.”
Tickets for the gala are at a discounted price of $75 per person.
The gala is one of CCWVa’s largest annual fundraisers. Funds raised through the gala will support the organization’s programs and services in the northern part of the state, which includes the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in Wheeling and emergency assistance and Case Management Services in Brooke and Hancock counties. It will also provide funding for statewide programs such as the Child Care Resource Center, a program that assists families who are working or going to school with the cost of child care; the Child Care Food Program that assists in-home child care providers with serving healthy, fulfilling meals to the children in their care; Homemaker and Case Management Services, which provide comprehensive services to the elderly and people with disabilities in their home; and Migration and Refugee Services, which provide refugee resettlement assistance and immigration services.
Those who would like to attend the gala may register by calling (304) 905-9860, ext. 2024, or by visiting the CCWVa website at www.ccwva.org.