Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northeast Alabama celebrated Mardi Gras with a fundraising party at 210 at the Tracks in Gadsden on Saturday, Feb. 3.
The event included a mask decorating contest and the crowning of a Mardi Gras king and queen. The king was Michael Whorton and the queen was Shaliyah Glass.
The party was to raise money for the organization and its mission to pair local youths with adult mentors throughout Etowah County.
Gold sponsors for the event were City of Gadsden, Gadsden Regional, Rainbow City Mayor Joe Taylor, Humble Hemp Shack, Modern Woodman, Congressman Mike Rogers, Carolyn Richards and Learning Well Child Development.
Silver Sponsors were Glenn Williams and Brian Satterfield with Team One Chevy; Exchange Bank; Tracy Mason, Brandy Barber, Tracey Bailey and Patty Beal with Long’s Furniture; Valerie Pugliese and Dr. Pugliese; Cynthia Campbell; River Bank Trust; Brittney Parnell; and Brenda Parrish.
Photography was provided by Missy Peterson Photography and food was catered by JP & Son. Music was provided by the Gadsden State Community College Show Band, directed by Desmond Mitchell.
Nicki Elliott Pylant provided balloon arches and entrance column decorations.
Kandi Phillips, executive assistant with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, expressed special thanks to all the sponsors and providers for the event, as well as to King’s Bar Service owner Michael and Gadsden Police Department, specifically Hank Wells and Ryan Preston.
Photos courtesy of Missy Peterson Photography.