| Mardi
Gras event deemed a success
The St. Mary’s Hospital Mardi Gras event which was held on February 25th was deemed a success. “I have to admit I was a little worried, our ticket sales were a little slow; but at the end we had a good group and those who were there had a great time,” commented Development Coordinator, Cheri Holthaus. The proceeds from this event will go towards the purchase of new equipment such as; birthing beds, hospital beds, tourniquets, cardiac rehab telemetry units and a hematology analyzer for the lab. “We won’t know how much money we raised for the new equipment until all our expenditures are calculated, but we already know it was a financial success,” said Holthaus. “Once we have a final amount the foundation will present a check to the hospital to help purchase the new equipment.” After a dinner of salad, chicken in wine sauce, garlic potatoes, beans, rolls and dessert a game of Heads or Tails was played; each participant paid $5.00 for a chance to win a hot air balloon ride. The players had to guess if they thought the flip of a coin would be head or tails and if they guessed right they were allowed to stay in the game. The final player standing was Tracy Hood. “I’m scared of heights, so I think I will probably let me husband go on the balloon ride,” said Tracy. “I think he would enjoy it more than I would.” The proceeds from the game will be donated to the Bruno family to help offset expenses at the ‘Neighbors House’. There was also a silent and live auction; auctioneer Dennis Rowland kept the crowd engaged while he auctioned off a cedar chest, wine, 4-wheel tires, raft trip and much more. The silent auction included everything from BB guns to beauty products to rolls. The evening continued with dancing and casino games. “Congratulations on the successful Mardi Gras! What a fabulous event for the community,” commented Jim Church, one of the guests at the Mardi Gras. Committee members included Shelli Schumacher, Misty Johnson, Tara Rowland, Brenda Kaschmitter, Collette Schaeffer, Debbie Schumacher, Leianne Everett and Ashlee Behler. 
The crowd at the Hospital’s Mardi Gras event waits for auctioneer Dennis Rowland to auction off the next item 
Fr. Meinrad shows off his “Mardi Gras” attire. |
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