Twin Cedars Executive Director Mike Angstadt and his wife Jan were all smiles as the evening unfolded to be one of LaGrange’s most popular events.

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To support the many programs of Twin Cedars, Dean and Shirley Thompson arrived dressed for the occasion and ready to have a good time.

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The band, the Mudcats, made a grand entrance playing “When the Saints Come Marching In,” which set the tone for an upbeat evening with people up on their feet dancing well into the night.

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The center’s programs were highlighted with a creative and colorful flare.

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Jeannie and Charles Smith took advantage of the event’s live entertainment.

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Proprietors of the LaGrange Grocery, the presenting sponsor for Saturday’s event, were able to join in on the Twin Cedars’ Mardi Gras fun. The Zachry family Alice, James and their son Al, center, who is also a member of the Twin Cedars’ Board of Directors, all had a splendid time.

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John and Kim Asbell were pleased to have an opportunity to support Twin Cedars while having a special evening together.

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Before the dancing started, from left to right, Joe Ragland, Rob and Liz Grear, Tina Ragland and Ginger Zachry, all took the opportunity to catch up with each other.

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During the evening’s festivities, Wanda Lowe and Ken Gordon had an opportunity to admire each other’s Mardi Gras attire.

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At Twin Cedars’ Saturday night Mardi Gras fundraiser it was difficult at times to identify individuals with all the masks and beads they were wearing, but what they all had in common were the smiles that they wore as they enjoyed themselves at the event.

“This is exceeding our expectations,” Mike Angstadt, executive director of Twin Cedars said. “Twin Cedars has literally been behind the mask because the services that we offer are not known or sought out unless there is a crisis. We wanted the community to have an opportunity to see what we do for the children and their families in their time of need.”

Del’avant was beautifully decorated, and typical Mardi Gras dishes were prepared by C’sons. The live music was provided by the Atlantic-based blues band, the Mudcats. Guests had a chance to visit with each other, enjoy a drink and start their dinner before the band made their grand entrance down the venue’s winding stairway and getting everyone up on their feet. The night was a delightful blend of drink, flavors, music and fun, all for the support of community-based Twin Cedars.

John and Kim Asbell, while enjoying the evening together, were delighted to be able to have an opportunity to offer their support for the many programs of Twin Cedars.

“We are so fortunate in how Twin Cedars serves the community, the youth and their families in particular,” John Asbell said. “Their programs and their focus are always to benefit our community.”

Local artists created colorful ornate masks that became part of a silent auction. The masks were made to represent the different programs that Twin Cedars developed and offer to meet the needs of community members.

Many of Twin Cedars’ staff members were also at the event and moved through the crowd easily making sure everyone was having a great time. Lisa Wicker, grants and marketing coordinator, and Sheri Cody, deputy director, both also manged to enjoy the evening as they, too, were obviously delighted in the evening’s turnout.

“Its been especially fun putting this night together and we have had a great committee to work with,” Wicker said. “We had close to 200 people buying tickets, and it looks like most everyone came, this is a great night.”

The LaGrange Grocery, owned by the Zachrys, were the event’s presenting sponsor, but they were joined by a number of other establishments and individuals who generously gave to help so many others. The Twin Cedars’ inaugural event seemed to be enjoyed by all.