Event Hashtag: #LupusMardiGras

Details for Saturday, March 4th

The big night is almost here! Thank you to everyone who supported our 11th Annual Lupus Mardi Gras Gala and to those who will be celebrating with us this weekend. Your support helps us unmask this cruel and mysterious disease.

Please see the evening's schedule below:

7:00 Doors Open

7:30 Dinner is Served

8:15  Opening Ceremonies

8:45  Casino and Fortune Telling Opens

9:45 Announcement of Masquerade Contest Winner

10:00 Second Line Parade Celebration

10:30 Diamonds Direct Bling Ring Drawing

10:45 Auction Closes

11:15 Casino & Luxury Raffle Closes

12:00 Close of Evening

Meet our Master of Ceremonies

NATHAN RICHIE is a Charlotte based marketing and media personality. His company NR Creative Group specializes in branding, trade show displays, web design and social/digital strategies for small and mid-sized companies. A lifetime lover of just about all music and radio,he's a regular voice on iHeartRadio's 102.9 The Lake.

Wendy Wells, his partner in life for the past 15 years, is his Lupus Warrior Princess. She was officially diagnosed three years ago with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. 

UNABLE TO ATTEND? 

If you are unable to join us for this year's event, but would still like to show your support, consider making a donation to the event.

Make a gift to the gala

What happens tomorrow depends on what you do today.  

We encourage all guests to wear masks until the crowning of the King & Queen. The King & Queen will peruse the room in search for the individual with the best mask.  That person will win a one of a kind masquerade gift.

Masks have been integral park of Mardi Gras since its formation in New Orleans. Under Fresh rule, masks were the key feature of the celebration.  "Maskers" celebrate in pre-Lenten balls, on carriages, on foot, and in the street.  Click here to learn more. 

Still need to get your mask?  Present this coupon (for in-store purchases) during check-out at one of the two Morris Costumes stores to get a 20% discount. 

Auction Packages are now complete! Our King's Court has pulled together a spectacular array of Silent Auction packages that include the highly desired and rare finds.  Arrive with the items you want to bid on in mind, by checking out our Auction Listing.   Checking them out now, means you can jump right into the auction that evening. Click here to browse the Auction List. Auction Sponsored by:  Drs. Grant Campbell & Anita Sherman Test Your Luck at the Casino & Luxury Raffle There are two ways to play: Casino: Purchase your play money at registration or any of the designated Casino/Raffle sale locations. We will also have volunteers roaming the room selling tickets. Proceed to the game of your choice and the dealer will exchange your play money for chips. Then begin testing your luck at the blackjack, craps, and roulette tables. $20=$2,000 play money $100=$12,000 play money When you are ready to cash out the dealer will exchange your chips for raffle tickets to win from a list of luxury items. $2,000 play money = 1 luxury raffle ticket Raffle: Not much of a gambler? Purchase your raffle tickets at registration or any of the designated Casino/Raffle sale locations. Again, we will also have volunteer roaming the room selling tickets. 3 for $50 7 for $100 20 for $200 Single Ticket for $20 Fill out your raffle tickets and drop one half into the designated raffle bucket of your choice. Winners do not have to be present to win. Click here to browse Luxury Raffle List. Diamonds Direct Bling Ring Raffle We are excited to announce the Diamonds Direct Bling Ring Raffle is back! Try your chance at your choice of three diamond jewelry pieces valued at $4,000.  Stop by the Bling Ring Table to see the three pieces of jewelry you can choose from; items include a bracelet, earrings, and necklace. To enter, purchase up to one ring of each six colors. If you want to increase your chances, you can have a friend collect them as well. Purchase the blinking rings for our chance to be the final winner, then join us on the dance floor at 10:30 for the elimination raffle. 3 Rings for $50 6 Rings for $100 Single Ring for $20   You will need to be present to win. Entertainment Overview Entertainment sure to transform the parade-goer in you...   Fortune Telling Visit the Fortune Tellers and be prepared to be amazed by your personal tarot card or bones & dice reading. The Fortune Tellers from AR Brothers Entertainment deliver an experience like no one else!   Step & Repeat Make lifelong memories last by striking a pose for one of our Mardi Gras photographers.Stop by the Step & Repeat and have your picture taken by Dez Ebanks Photography.  Make sure to smile as you see Mackenzie Beatty Photography capturing pictures that will help you relive the evening.   Hot Sauce Band Get your dancing shoes ready! Crowd favorite,Hot Sauce, will be back at the 11th Anniversary Lupus Mardi Gras Gala celebration and is ready to get everyone on their feet! Photobooth A picture is worth a thousand words. Grab your friends and head to the Photobooth, provided by Charlotte Photobooth Fun, to make your memories last a lifetime.  Charlotte Photo Booth Fun specializes in photo booth rentals for all types of special occasions in Charlotte NC. Utilizing the most sophisticated and modern photo booths on the market, they are able to provide an awesome and fun experience for their guests, while producing the highest quality images.  Thanks to Photobooth Sponsor:  To Whet Your Appetite... Passed Hors D'oeuvres Fired Green Tomatoes served with Pimento Cheese   Cajun Mushroom Cap   Fried Oysters with Comeback Sauce Dinner Cajun Rubbed Top Round with Creamed Collard Greens and Creamy Horseradish Sauce Jambalaya Cajun Rice, Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Smothered Cajun Spiced Squash Rolls with Whipped Butter Desserts Banana Pudding Cheesecake King's Cake All proceeds benefit the LFA, North Carolina Chapter and “help unmask lupus” by raising funds for lupus research and local support services, while increasing awareness and public support for those who suffer from lupus. The LFANC is part of a national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through our programs of research, education, support, and advocacy, the LFA is leading the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Support of the Mardi Gras Gala helps makes our mission a reality.