The Sean Memorial Foundation (SCMF) is excited to announce that the Eighth Annual Mardi Gras Ball is set for Saturday, March 7, 2009 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!

Due to the changes in the economy of the past year, we have attempted to make this year's event as cost effective as possible.  If you have already received our invitation in the mail, you have noticed the decrease in cost per ticket by $25 from previous years.  We have been working with the Marriott and many of our vendors to ensure that quality and service of this year's party is not compromised.  Our hope is to throw another great party, raise money for our preferred charities and scholarships and especially to remember Sean and the way he enjoyed every moment in life!

Those of you who are returning to our fabulous Bayou Bash know well what this night is all about - remembering Sean and enjoying 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.  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 began the evening's festivities with a video of Sean.  We showed a brief overview of the charities we support and 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.

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!  2008's winners were Amy and Kevin Esler - Congratulations to them!  This was their first Mardi Gras Ball - hopefully they'll be back next year!

Another highlight of the evening was our "live" auction of a signed football by the Super Bowl XLII Champions, the New York Giants.  This ball was generously donated by the New York Football Giants with the help of our friend Tom Quinn, NY Giants Special Teams Coach.  We are excited to say that $4,500 was raised for the SCMF thanks to huge supporters Lisa and Danny Schwartz!  At the last moment of the auction, Tom Quinn offered 2 tickets to the Giants opening game in addition to the autographed football.  The excitement in the room was simply amazing - this something Sean would have LOVED to see.

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.  The chefs have plans for a fine dining experience that includes a few specialties that will capture the unique culinary flair of New Orleans, while batenders will mix hurricanes, the signature cocktail of the Crescent City.  Entertainment for the evening will include dancing and a world class DJ playing everyone's favorite tunes.

Then, of course, there 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 chances, so come choose your favorites and keep your fingers crossed.

The SCMF raised over $30,000 at last year's Mardi Gras Ball.  Organizations within Valley Home Care, Inc., and Glen Rock High School are among the beneficiaries of our charitible 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 2009 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 dance the night away at our Eighth Annual Mardi Gras Ball!.