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In the upcoming months, Twin Cedars will be hosting its 10th annual Behind the Mask.

Sheri Cody, executive director of Twin Cedars, said besides having a tie with Mardi Gras the mask serves a dual purpose as it represents a way for people to unmask Twin Cedars’ main purpose — to help children.

“Behind the Mask is a way for us to unmask the purpose of Twin Cedars and the programs that we provide to children in our community,” Cody said. “Our royal court, who are ambassadors, go out into the community, tell people about us, tell them they’re running for king or queen, and get our message out.”

The Royal Court is made up of community leaders who make a difference in the lives of children in the community by inviting their friends to cast “votes” for them. Every dollar donated to the candidate equals one vote for them. Whoever rallies the most support gets crowned on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, during the Mardi Gras Ball at Del’Avant Event Center.

“Behind the Mask is it’s a great way for the community to help vulnerable children and youth by participating in something that’s fun and helping their friends or coworkers,” Cody said.

This year, the royal court will consist of four men and six women — Mickena Kendricks, Greta Cork, April Ross, Anna Campbell, Mandy Hill, Tara Ormsby, Irisha Goodman, Michael Cooley, Donte Lane, Tim Smith and Mikquez Berry.

Last year, the royal court raised $101,207 of the event’s total of $127,496. The money raised will be used to fund the organizations that operate under Twin Cedars.

“Everybody always has a good time at the Behind the Mask party,” Cody said. “It’s been an annual event for 10 years and gotten better every year.”

Twin Cedars is a nonprofit organization based out of Georgia and Alabama that helps the youth with a variety of topics such as providing quality care to victims of abuse and neglect. The programs range from prevention, advocacy and oversight of residential programs.

Twin Cedars operates in three communities in Georgia and one in Alabama. Programs include the Bradfield Center, Therapeutic Foster Care, Team Building, Circle of Care, Darkness 2 Light, Troup County Children’s Advocacy Center and Safe Families for Children West Georgia.

Cody said those looking to vote for a candidate can do so now by visiting https://www.twincedars.org/behind-the-mask-candidates-2023.