Magnolia Community Services gathered a crowd on Nov. 7 who were there to celebrate and raise funds at its Magnolia Moonlight Fais Do-Do.
The event leaned into its Cajun theme by featuring music from the Prends Courage Cajun Band and cuisine by Pigeon Catering.
Some Magnolia clients greeted and mingled with guests, while some bused tables. Emcee Margaret Orr lead on-site donations for a lift-assisted van to transport clients with an anonymous donor offering to match $15,000.
Raising even more funds was a silent auction of more than 290 items, with the top bids going to a painting, “Bird’s Nest,” by Patti Lapeyre, two Krewe of Tucks full membership rides and post-parade ball tickets, and a week in a cabin in the Smokey Mountains. A wine pull and a mystery bag pull added even more ways to win and raise funds for Magnolia.
“The Moonlight Fais Do-Do was a wonderful way to engage and celebrate with our families, clients and the community,” said Executive Director Jennifer Conrad. “We were proud to honor the Arbour family and their oldest sister Kinta, who has called Magnolia home for over 42 years.”
Event co-chairs were Jeanne Gallo, Karen Oertling; vice-chairs were Margie Fell and Maureen Guste.
Fun Fact: The event commemorated Magnolia’s 90th year of serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
