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15th annual Mardi Gras Ball focuses on schools of faith

Local artist Shen took a moment with friend and event organizer Inga Causey to appreciate her live painting of Mother Teresa that was auctioned during the 15th annual Mardi Gras Ball.
Betty Ann Woodland | Special to the Daily |

EDWARDS — St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School and Vail Christian High School held the 15th annual Mardi Gras Ball at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek on Saturday evening. Festive black tie and masks were encouraged and many revelers obliged. The community’s message and theme of the event — building foundations in faith, knowledge and friendship — was not lost on this crowd. Stirring opening remarks and prayers by monsignor Bob Kinkel and head of Vail Christian High School Jeremy Lowe made for a warm welcoming and heartfelt blessing. Then it was on to the merriment and fundraising to benefit these excellent schools.

A highlight of the evening was the live painting by renowned artist Shen who created an amazing resemblance of Mother Teresa from about 5 to 8 p.m. to be auctioned off that night. Longtime local business owners Bob and Erin Boselli were the winners of the live art.

“I am so excited about this piece. Look at her eyes. Incredible,” Bob Boselli said.



The wonderful four-piece Fat City Mardi Gras Band played authentic New Orleans style music and paraded the guests into the ballroom to start the festivities. Kinkel addressed the crowd saying, “I thank you for coming tonight and for all the good work that is done throughout the year and especially tonight.”

“On behalf of all of our students, I would like to say ‘thank you,’” Lowe said. “You probably will not know the difference that you make in the lives of kids with what you do this evening. But, know that, it is a whole lot.”

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Laughter and praise of a school system based in faith ensued with high marks for the hard working Mardi Gras Ball event committee. Event chair Inga Causey said, “We had many volunteers that came out to help in every aspect of the event which was quite fantastic.”

Causey was also pleased with the fundraising: “The fund-a-need for both schools was a huge success this year,” she said.

Principal sister Marirose Rudek and Lowe led in a generous community. Gratitude for sponsors and donors was evident and all involved parties were thanked effusively and demonstratively. Until next year, when the Mardi Gras season begins again and revelers “Let the Good Times Roll” or as the French say, “Laissez les bons temp rouler,” may you be safe and well.

For more information, visit http://www.stclareparish.com or http://www.vailchristianschool.org.


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