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attend Mardi Gras event
The Cottonwood Community Center bore a striking resemblance to New Orleans last Saturday evening for the 1st Annual St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation Mardi Gras. Party goers were given masks in the traditional colors and there were plenty of beads to add to the ambiance. Each table had a custom made cake by Stephanie Burnside decorated with edible gold, purple and green decorations. 
“Everyone I talked to told me they had a great time and were already looking forward to next year,” said Jim May, SMHC Development Director. “There was something for everyone between the dinner, the excellent live big band music, the auctions, the Casino and the lively dancing. Judging from the smiles, I’d say this year’s event was a big winner.” “We’re fortunate to have the highest quality healthcare right here in our own community,” said Mayor Denis Duman before introducing Dr. Andrew Gilbert who then introduced the SMHC medical staff. During the dinner of cordon bleu and jambalaya and between numbers by the Swing Notes, Shane Arnzen auctioned five donated items. Gary and Lisa McEwen were the highest bidders on the NAIA season tickets; Casey and Michael Meza won the BBQ Dinner for six prepared by Dr. Jeremy Ostrander; Stephanie and Gary Wagner bought the 50 gallons of fuel oil donated by Jacobs Oil Company; Derrick Oxnam bid the highest on the night at the Reflections Inn coupled with a white water raft trip on the Lochsha River and Dr. Jeremy Ostrander bid the most for the six foot wind gong made by Ernie Jennings. High bidders on the silent auction items were announced by Chinh Ostrander and Misty Johnson. “We won’t know how much money we raised for the hospital until our expenditures are calculated, but we already know it was a financial success. But, more importantly, it gave the community an opportunity to show their support for our local healthcare while having a good time,” said Johnson, one of this year’s planners. All proceeds are designated for the SMHC Foundation endowment fund which will be used to purchase equipment and make future capital improvements. Organizers included Chinh Le Ostrander, Misty Johnson, Shelli Schumacher, Stephanie Forsmann, Cheri Holthaus and Jim May.
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