Cacharel Grand Ballroom will come alive in true Mardi Gras style on Feb. 9 when Arlington Great Southwest Rotary cues up its third edition of an event that is gaining in popularity, the Mardi Gras Unmasked Gala.
The gourmet food that Cacharel is famous for will provide guests with a special dining experience, and they will also enjoy live and silent auctions, a raffle and live music by the George McCullum Jazz Band playing some great Mardi Gras-style tunes.Host for the evening is Paul Geisel, an always fun and engaging emcee.Club President Viv Ann Blair along with Rotarians Phyllis Badgett, Dan Morales, Janel Holt, Martha Ragsdale and Jodie Munsie have left nothing to chance in planning the gala evening.No ordinary auction, this one offers bidders some amazing chances at some pretty spectacular travel packages. Four-night stays for two at a choice of Fairmont Hotels or Marriott Resorts along with round-trip airfare and other amenities; a Royal Caribbean cruise; a New York trip with hotel, Broadway shows and airfare; and a week's stay at a resort in Spain are just a few of the impressive things up for grabs.Funds raised benefit the Rotary projects, including the Harold Key Scholarship Endowment Fund for students at Sam Houston High School along with Oakwood Healthcare Center, local elementary school literacy programs and the Veterans Park memorial."Our auction is amazing, Paul is an incredible MC, and wine will be furnished along with a cash bar," said Munsie, adding, "We will even have our own mini Mardi Gras parade and a few other surprises."For tickets, contact Blair at 817-706-2773 or email gswmardigras@aol.com.Museum adventuresDon't forget about the weekly agenda at the Arlington Museum of Art.The remainder of the month is full of interesting opportunities for a variety of tastes.This evening at 6, catch the Ken Burns documentary on Frank Lloyd Wright. After the film, snag the video for your home collection in the museum gift shop.A lecture on Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. by Jim Richards from Townscape will cover urban design and landscape architecture inspired by Wright. Looking ahead, two mask-making workshops (perfect at Mardi Gras time) are set for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 9.Of course, check out the Wright exhibit while you attend the other events.Learn more at www.arlingtonmuseum.org or call 817-275-4600.Charity ballGroove to the music of Le Freak, which calls itself the "Greatest Disco Band in the World," at the 14th annual Mansfield Cares Charity Ball on Feb. 16.The night of dancing, gourmet dining, spirits, casino, live and silent auctions, and other fun games will run from 7:30 to midnight at Walnut Creek Country Club, 1151 Country Club Drive. Dress is black-tie optional or "Funky Formal."Ball co-chairwomen are Lisa Stewart and Debbie Koennecke, who have chosen a party theme of "Love is in the Care."Proceeds from the ball benefit The Linda Nix Family Caring Place Clinic, Feed the Kids, the Mansfield Cares food bank building, the Mansfield school district scholarship program, and voucher programs for shoes and Christmas food.The event is considered by many as the party of the year in Mansfield and the southern part of the Metroplex.Space is limited, so make reservations soon at www.mansfieldcares.org.Send your event news to freeder@arlingtoncitizen-journal.com and post them on our social media channels. To get started, "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/socialeyes.st and www.facebook.com/arlingtoncitizen-journal. Twitter: @FayeReederHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
