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The Mardi Gras Ball
by Cassandra Feltrop The Junior Auxiliary of Searcy is a non-profit organization of more than 50 women working together on a variety of projects benefiting many children throughout White County. You'll find Junior Auxilliary members working on projects that benefit the Sunshine School. They make Christmas wishes come true through their annual Angel Tree project and other projects like Crown Club, Covering Kids, and Child Lures are JA driven. Each year in February, the Junior Auxiliary of Searcy raises money for these projects and others with fund raisers focused around a Mardi Gras theme. There's a Chili Cook-Off, Talent Show, Mardi Gras Parade and their extroadinary Mardi Gras Ball and Auction. This major fundraiser provides the JA members with the necessary means to bring their projects to life. "Each of the projects brings joy to the participants," said President Sara Koehler. "This joy comes to both the ones who give and the ones who receive. These women work together towards a common goal which makes life better for the children." Members of the community and local businesses and organizations also play a part in these projects by sponsoring or participating in the Mardi Gras events. Anyone wishing to become a sponsor of the Mardi Gras Ball may see any Junior Auxiliary member for the details. This year the ball will be held Saturday, February 18, at the White County Fairgrounds in Searcy. The Merchant Exhibit Buildings are transformed into a New Orleans style "Hot Spot." The black tie affair offers lots of Mardi Gras decor, delicious food, music, Mardi Gras royalty and too much fun! Most of the projects led by the Junior Auxiliary occur annually. However, the Sunshine School is a project that the women help with all year long like hosting a Halloween Carnival and Easter Party for the children. Members also assist with the Sunshine School Flea Market Fundraiser, Special Olympics, Summer camp at Camp Wyldewood and other activities throughout the year. "This project is very special to us," said Sunshine School Committee Chairperson, Connie Treat. "The kids are what Junior Auxiliary is all about. Members of the Junior Auxiliary of Searcy helped to fund and start the Sunshine School in 1961, and it is just as special to us today." The Junior Auxiliary of Searcy is a non-profit organization of more than 50 women working together on a variety of projects benefiting many children throughout White County. You'll find Junior Auxilliary members working on projects that benefit the Sunshine School. They make Christmas wishes come true through their annual Angel Tree project and other projects like Crown Club, Covering Kids, and Child Lures are JA driven. Each year in February, the Junior Auxiliary of Searcy raises money for these projects and others with fund raisers focused around a Mardi Gras theme. There's a Chili Cook-Off, Talent Show, Mardi Gras Parade and their extroadinary Mardi Gras Ball and Auction. This major fundraiser provides the JA members with the necessary means to bring their projects to life. "Each of the projects brings joy to the participants," said President Sara Koehler. "This joy comes to both the ones who give and the ones who receive. These women work together towards a common goal which makes life better for the children.” Members of the community and local businesses and organizations also play a part in these projects by sponsoring or participating in the Mardi Gras events. Anyone wishing to become a sponsor of the Mardi Gras Ball may see any Junior Auxiliary member for the details. This year the ball will be held Saturday, February 18, at the White County Fairgrounds in Searcy. The Merchant Exhibit Buildings are transformed into a New Orleans style "Hot Spot." The black tie affair offers lots of Mardi Gras decor, delicious food, music, Mardi Gras royalty and too much fun! Most of the projects led by the Junior Auxiliary occur annually. However, the Sunshine School is a project that the women help with all year long like hosting a Halloween Carnival and Easter Party for the children. Members also assist with the Sunshine School Flea Market Fundraiser, Special Olympics, Summer camp at Camp Wyldewood and other activities throughout the year. "This project is very special to us," said Sunshine School Committee Chairperson, Connie Treat. "The kids are what Junior Auxiliary is all about. Members of the Junior Auxiliary of Searcy helped to fund and start the Sunshine School in 1961, and it is just as special to us today." |
