Tri-Valley gala set

Friday, January 11, 2013

New Orleans will come to Fort Scott in February to help benefit clients of Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

The eighth annual Mardi Gras Celebration, sponsored by the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Liberty Theater, in downtown Fort Scott. The staff of Tri-Valley Developmental Services is planning on rolling out the red carpet to all attendees.

Proceeds will help the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation build homes for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The foundation has completed five houses which are currently home to 17 developmental disabled individuals, two of which are in Fort Scott. More homes are planned as funds become available.

"The goal is to raise $20,000 at this year's event," stated Aimee Banks, Director of Public Relations. "We are excited to be able to host the event in Fort Scott again and are looking forward to a big crowd. This will be the third year the event has been held in Fort Scott and the community has welcomed it with open arms. We are so fortunate to have the support in the communities we serve."

The Mardi Gras Celebration is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people in the community, a news release said. Fort Scottian Pat Harry will provide the musical entertainment for the evening. A complimentary photo will be taken by Chris's Photography of Pittsburg, and Mark McCoy of Fort Scott will be emcee along with a surprise emcee to be announced later, the release said.

A silent auction of items donated by Hollywood celebrities, athletes, authors, artists, universities and colleges, as well as area businesses throughout Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 6 p.m.

The evening will feature a live auction that will include a vacation trip to Breckenridge, Colo., Branson, Mo., a basketball signed by the 2012 University of Kansas men's basketball team and a football signed by Kansas State University football coach Bill Snyder.

"We also plan to have a few surprises as well," said Tri-Valley Executive Director Tim Cunningham. "It will be a fantastic evening, great entertainment and I hope everyone will be able to attend."

The Liberty Theater is located at 113 S. Main St. Once again this year, Tri-Valley will be offering bus service from Chanute and Iola to Fort Scott at no additional charge. Cost to participate in the entire evening is $35 per person or tables of six for $220.

The meal is being provided by the Liberty Theater chef and will be served by Tri-Valley employees. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Reservations are needed and limited to the first 200 and may be made in Chanute by calling Aimee Banks at (620) 431-7401, ext. 230, or in Fort Scott by calling (620) 223-3990, ext. 0, or 205 and should be made by Friday, Jan. 25.