- November 23, 2024
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The only thing missing was an organized parade at the Goodwill Manasota Mardi Gras Gala on Feb. 28, but guests made their own show of merriment by parading around in their best Fat Tuesday-appropriate attire.
Festivities commenced with cocktail hour in the Michael’s On East atrium, during which event-goers browsed the silent auction table and mingling with their masked counterparts. Silent auction items ranged from a family portrait session at De Soto National Memorial to a Dyna-Glo four burner open cart LP gas grill.
The party — which was conceived by Michael’s On East co-proprietor Philip Mancini — then moved to the ballroom, where longtime Goodwill Manasota supporter Gloria Moss was crowned Mardi Gras Queen. When asked to make a speech, Moss said she didn’t know why everyone wanted to hear her speak.
“We’re all here for Goodwill!” Moss exclaimed before a roar of applause.
Guests dined on Cajun cuisine such as shrimp étouffée, crab cakes and jambalaya before spending the rest of the night dancing to the sounds of the Big Easy.