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On Friday, Twin Cedars’ annual Twelfth Night celebration took place. During the event, candidates running for King and Queen of the Mask officially introduced themselves to the community.

Cochran Gallery hosted candidates and their loved ones as they celebrated their nomination and worked to garner support for their campaigns.

The annual fundraiser provides funding for Twin Cedars, which in turn helps children and families in Troup County. 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 such as the Children’s Tree House, the Troup County Prevention Coalition and the Safe Families for Children program.

“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,” said Sheri Cody executive director of Twin Cedars.. “Our royal court, who are ambassadors, go out into the community, tell people 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 during the Mardi Gras Ball at Del’Avant Event Center.

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.

Lane of D. Lane Agency Inc. said he is running for King of the Mask to give back to the community and help children in difficult situations.

“Growing up I didn’t have access to the resources and opportunities kids have now, but now as an adult, with my own platform and brand, I want to help kids and put them in a position where they can be successful,” Lane said.

Hill, a candidate for Queen of the Mask, said she is running to bring attention to Twin Cedars and its programs.

“I have been involved with Twin Cedars since I was 23, and I believe in everything that they do,” Hill said. “The programs, the children and families they serve need the assistance, and I think this is an amazing way to get them the resources that they need.”

BeeTV’s April Ross said she is running for Queen of the Mask as a way to use her platform to help children and families in need.

“I am running to bring awareness to what Twin Cedars is doing for the community,” Ross said. “I love to use my platform for the good of this community, and I felt like this was a way for me to give back”

Michael Cooley, a candidate for King of the Mask, said he is running to give back to the community.

“I grew up in LaGrange and I’ve always heard really good stories about Twin Cedars,” Cooley said. “This is a great organization to raise money for kids that otherwise wouldn’t have the help they need.”

As the candidates spoke on their reasons for running, a common cause was to give recognition to Twin Cedars and what it does for children and families.

Voting for queen and king is already underway. To vote for one of the candidates or learn more about them, visit https://www.twincedars.org/behind-the-mask-candidates-2023