The Sean Memorial Foundation (SCMF) is excited to announce that the Seventh Annual Mardi Gras Ball is set for Saturday, March 1, 2008 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 who are returning to our fabulous Bayou Bash know well what this night is all about - to remember Sean and enjoy life to the fullest.  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, we thought it would be helpful to outline for our guests the highlights we had accomplished over our first five years as an organization.  The night began with a short video highlighting the different organizations we have donated money to year after year.  Each individual we portrayed was extremely appreciative of the SCMF and the assistance we have provided.

The video concluded with a short montage of Sean - for those who knew Sean it brought back some amazing memories - and for those who never had the pleasure of meeting him, they got a good dose of what Sean was all about.  There was not a dry eye in the house.

Guests were next entertained by Sigi's Belly Dancers.  Three beautiful women dressed in true "bedlah" costume danced and shimmied for a very enthusiastic audience!

The festive party prelude was capped off with the announcement of our "Cocktail Party Raffle".  Once again, a fortunate party guest was randomly selected and was awarded the opening ceremonies prize of an LCD TV complete with a surround sound package!  Can you believe John van Kueren, the Mayor of Glen Rock won?

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 a world class DJ playing everyone's favorite tunes.

Then, of course is our ever-popular raffle filled with tantalizing 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 changes, so come choose your favorites and keep your fingers crossed.

The SCMF raised over $30,000 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 our 2008 Newsletter.

We realize that none of this would be possible without the help of you - the friends and family of 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 dance the night away at our Seventh Annual Mardi Gras Ball!