A Mardi Gras Celebration Benefiting Citizen Schools

“Laissez les bon temps rouler!” was the rallying cry on March 3 as over 300 guests gathered at Andrew Blair’s in Charlotte to don masks, toss beads, and boogie down at the annual Beads for Needs Mardi Gras Celebration benefitting Citizen Schools North Carolina. At the event, hosted by Presenting Sponsor Myers Park Mortgage, guests enjoyed music by Rubberband, sumptuous fare provided by local restaurants, live magic by Hannibal, unlimited festive beverages, and countless strands of bling. Partygoers purchased chances to win iPads, iPod shuffles, autographed Carolina Panthers posters, and more through a charity raffle, also benefitting the night’s cause. This year, Beads for Needs raised $10,000 to support Citizen Schools North Carolina’s evidence-based program that combines intensive academic support curricula, 21st-Century skill-building activities, and hands-on learning projects led by volunteer professionals to set struggling middle school students on paths to success in school and life.

Beads for Needs’ mission is to contribute to the intellectual, social and psychological development of underprivileged children in the Charlotte community by raising funds and awareness for nonprofits that provide positive developmental opportunities through effective programs and initiatives. To find out more about Beads for Needs, visit http://www.beadsforneeds.org