The Sean Caton Memorial Foundation (SCMF) is excited to announce that the Sixth Annual Mardi Gras Ball is set for Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the Park Ridge Marriott in Park Ridge, New Jersey.  We have yet another wonderful night of fun and surprises in store.  In the spirit of Mardi Gras, guests will once again be transported to a place filled with live music, beads, masks, trinkets, fine cuisine with a Cajun flair, hurricane drinks and much, much more!

Those of you returning to our fabulous Bayou Bash know well what this night is all about - to remember Sean and enjoy life to the fullest.  There is some added sentiment to the Sixth Annual Ball in that this past November marked what would have been Sean's 40th birthday.  Sean preached about life's many little moments and urged us not to miss an opportunity to create a distinct moment, and then savor each and every one of them.  So for this evening we encourage you to leave life's hassles and problems behind and enter the Mardi Gras Ball for the time of your life.

If you have yet to experience one of our Mardi Gras Balls, now is the time to jump on the bandwagon and come see how we liven things up one Ball to the next.  Last year, guests were treated to an extravagant Mardi Gras "krewe" parade to open the evening's festivities.  A Mardi Gras King was carried on a throne into the ballroom led by a full marching band and masqueraders.

There were Jesters, clowns on tricycles, Mardi Gras and Carnival girls, Uncle Sam with Miss Sam, and even a giant crawfish.  The festive party prelude was capped off with the coronation of a new Royal Highness.  A fortunate young lady was randomly selected to be Queen for a day and was awarded the opening ceremonies prize of an LCD TV complete with a surround sound package!  (See photos inside for more details).

The essence of Mardi Gras will be present throughout the night.  The grand ballroom will be elegantly decorated in Carnival fashion featuring the classic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold.  But that's just the tip of the iceberg.  Our venue, The Park Ridge Marriott is a four-star hotel/banquet facility.  Their chefs have plans for a fine dining experience that includes a few specialties that will capture the unique culinary flair of New Orleans, while bartenders will mix hurricanes, the signature cocktail of the Crescent City.  Entertainment for the evening will open with an authentic jazz ensemble during cocktail hour, followed by dancing to a live band and a world class DJ playing everyone's favorite tunes. 

Then, of course, is our ever-popular raffle filled with tantilizing prizes for all ages.  Broadway show tickets, fine jewelry, golf outings, tickets to sporting events, sports memorabilia and ladies handbags are just some of the items we will have on display for auction.  The more raffle entries you have for an item, the better your chances, so come choose your favorites and keep your fingers crossed.

The SCMF raised over $35,000 at last year's Mardi Gras Ball.  We were so happy to be able to bring smiles and aid to those in need.  Organizations within Valley Home Care, Inc. and Glen Rock High School are among the beneficiaries of our charitable donations.  The SCMF also tries to assist other local foundations and organizations that are near and dear to our hearts.  Please learn about the others as you peruse this newsletter.

We realize that none of this would be possible without the help of you, the friends and family of the SCMF.  We truly appreciate your on-going support and generosity year after year.  The number one goal of our Foundation is to keep the spirit of Sean alive.  Enjoying a night with good friends and family is what Sean loved the most, so come on out and live up to his memory and most importantly his spirit. 

Support a great cause and danced the night away at our Sixth Annual Mardi Gras Ball!