The Sean Caton Memorial Foundation (SCMF) is excited to announce that the Tenth Annual Mardi Gras Ball is set for Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Park Ridge Marriott in Park Ridge, New Jersey.  Yet again, we have 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, fine cuisine with a Cajun flair, and much, much more.

It’s hard to believe that this will be our 10th Annual Mardi Gras Ball.  It’s also hard to believe that the 10 year anniversary of 9/11/01 will take place later this year.  What can we say?  The events of that horrible day have changed us.  We hope for the better.  We hope we have “lived” a little more each day.  We hope we have not taken for granted “the little things”.  We hope we have been more understanding and compassionate when hard times come our way.  Most importantly, we hope we have not forgotten how we felt on September 11th, 2001.

Sean lived life for the “little things”, for the special memories and especially for his friends, his family and for a great sunny day at the beach in Manasquan.  Sean wanted everyone to enjoy life and “party on”, and that is what we hope to do at this year’s Mardi Gras Ball. 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.  That is something Sean did every day.  So for this evening we encourage you to put on your party shoes and enter the Mardi Gras Ball for the time of your life.

Over the past 9 years we have been entertained by the Harlem Gospel Choir, the William Paterson University Chamber Singers, Sigi’s Belly Dancers, and Jason Nazzaro, a well-known, local Frank Sinatra impersonator. We have also been surprised by a full-fledged Mardi Gras parade, complete with a marching band, filled with colorful beads, court jesters on tricycles, and even a Mardi Gras King and Queen.  In 2003 we were presented with an American flag that was flown over Afghanistan/Iraq in Sean’s memory. 

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.  As always, the essence of Mardi Gras will be present throughout the night.  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 bartenders will mix hurricanes, the signature cocktail of the Crescent City. 

Entertainment for the evening this year will include an amazing Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band, “Tramps Like Us”.  We are sure this will add to the excitement and thrill of the night.  In addition to, as always, people will be dancing the night away to a world class DJ spinning everyone's favorite tunes.

Be sure not to miss the 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 SCMF rose 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 charitable donations.  Since our first Ball in 2002 we have donated over $180,000 to Valley Home Care, Inc. and have assisted 18 Glen Rock High School seniors with their college expenses with donations in the amount of $45,000.  The SCMF is extremely proud of these accomplishments.Home Car

 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 Tenth Annual Mardi Gras Ball!

 Laissez les bons temps rouler,

 Your Friends at The Sean Caton Memorial Foundation