CAC Hosts Annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser February 29

Monday, January 13, 2020 at 9:53 AM

By Children's Advocacy Center, news release

The annual fundraiser begins at the Lawrenceburg Event Center supports abused, neglected and maltreated children in southeastern Indiana.

Dearborn County's Casey Knigga and Toni Minning were crowned the 2019 CAC Mardi Gras Ball King & Queen. Photo by Mike Perleberg, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana is excited to once again be hosting Mardi Gras on February 29 at the The Lawrenceburg Event Center. This annual fundraiser begins at 5:30 p.m. and supports abused, neglected and maltreated children.

“We help over 500 kids and their families every year after an allegation of abuse. All of the proceeds from Mardi Gras benefit CACSEI and help fund our three regional locations throughout the year. We use this money to cover education and community outreach programs, provide forensic interviews and further our mission of helping children heal after an allegation of abuse,” says CACSEI Executive Director Stephanie Back.

Sponsored in part by CalComm Indiana, the event includes a King and Queen contest with contestants from six area counties competing for top honors. A live and silent auction will be held with coveted items like an Alaskan cruise and collector’s firearms. Dozens more gifts, experiences, food, crafts, and memorabilia are up for bid as well.

The Naked Karate Girls will play live music along with food, drinks, and dancing throughout the night. Plus, Mardi Gras wouldn’t be complete without king cakes from DJ’s Bakery in Aurora!

“For all of us at Mardi Gras, it’ll be a fun night with great memories. However, the money that comes from it serves a much higher purpose for children and families who have a very different set of memories after trauma,” says CACSEI Development Coordinator Shannon Perry.

A bead and mask sponsorship are still available for interested groups and businesses. Valued at $3,000 each, they both include six guest tickets as well as additional event recognition and details. Call CACSEI at 812-432-3200 to reserve one of these spots.

Tickets are on sale now through the CAC website or calling the office. To learn more or make an individual donation, visit www.cacsoutheast.org/mardi-gras.