Hattie’s Mardi Gras: Bons moments – garantis, mon ami!
Photos provided by Heather Bohm-Tallman Photography (http://hbtphoto.com/) –Thanks, Heather!
SARATOGA SPRINGS – It’s that time of the year again, when the Canfield Casino will be transformed into Bourbon Street – all in the name of charity.
The Hattie’s 19th Annual Mardi Gras Soiree` will be held next Saturday, January 13th, from 6-10 pm, snow or shine (don’t worry – there is valet parking).
If you like to feast of ribs and po-boys, dance to the sound of Garland Nelson and Soul Session and bid on one of a kind silent auction items, then you may proceed right now, go Right HERE and purchase your tickets.
Here’s some history of this 19 year-old event.
Hattie’s annual Mardi Gras was created in honor of the original owner, Miss Hattie Moseley Austin. This event was dreamt up in the hopes to carry out Miss Hattie’s legacy of charitable giving.
Those that have chosen to attend this event have helped to raise over $700,000.
Each year a different local non-for–profit organization is chosen to be the recipient of the proceeds from Hattie’s Mardi Gras Soiree` and this year, AIM Services, Inc. will be the deserving organization.
AIM Services, Inc. has been providing “power of potential” to individuals with developmental disability and Traumatic Brain Injuries for almost 40 years. AIM services looks at each person individually, helping to empower them by providing the support and opportunities they need to achieve a sense of self-confidence and independence.
Walt Adams, AIM’s Director of Public Relations, stated that “…we try to never say no, and always say how. Each individual has their own dreams and desires, we at AIM believe anything is possible and all dreams are achievable.”
The Mardi Gras Event will be AIM’s largest fundraiser to date. Walt noted. “This fundraiser is so well known, well attended and people come with a giving heart. This is our chance to step up and tell our story.” He said.
Previous AIM fundraisers (such as their not-to-be-missed summer Croquet on the Green – see: https://www.saratoga.com/daily-planet-arthur/2017/08/croquet-on-the-green-not-just-any-tuesday-afternoon/ ) have helped countless individuals in various situations, such as helping a young woman with Traumatic Brain Injury increase her dignity by providing grab bars in her bathroom so she could independently use her restroom without assistance.
AIM was able to purchase an adaptive van which allowed individuals with wheelchairs to be able to go out and experience things in their community that they otherwise couldn’t get to.
AIM also provides respite care for elementary aged children and their parents, job training, residential care facilities, countless life experiences, transportation and so much more.
So much more that Walt has a radio show called “The Power of Potential” which airs every Sunday on 106.1 the X. This program highlights AIM assisted individuals and their success stories. A young man in AIMs videos stated, “We have disabilities, but we can do what everyone else can do given the right support”.
I can’t think of a better way to embrace AIM and all the individuals’ lives they have helped, and continue to enrich, then attending the Hattie’s Mardi Gras Gala.
And yes, there’s even more, mon ami!
The cocktail hour will be held in the parlor which will be decked out in traditional New Orleans colors and flair thanks to generous donations from Michael Panza and Geriann Eddy of Fine Affairs, and Rain or Shine Tent Rental Company. As you sip your complimentary cocktail hour drink, a Tito’s Mardi Gras Mule, you will be delighted by the jazz sounds of the Dylan Perillo Orchestra.
Passed hors d’oerves will be served as you mingle and peruse some tantalizing silent auction items, including: Private Pilates lessons, A tequila tasting for six, and an up close meet and greet with fashion designer Nicole Miller. There are weekend getaways, tickets to other premier Saratoga Galas, a six-month family membership to the YMCA and regular delivery of flowers throughout 2018.
As you enter for the first hour of this four-hour event, there is a psychic and a Heather Bohm-Tallman Photo Booth complete with Mardi Gras themed props.
After the cocktail hour, party goers will be welcomed into the ballroom to eat and dance.
I can promise you will not go away hungry! An extensive Hattie’s buffet will be waiting along with an abundant raw bar. There will be food choices for every dietary preference including gluten free and vegetarian options.
If you still have room for a hurricane or Sazerac, there is a cash bar all night long.
I hope to see you all there, dancing and indulging while embracing AIM and all the individuals’ lives they have helped and continue to enrich.
(I’ll be the one decked out in beads, at the dessert table in search of the lucky piece of King Cake.)
Mandy Mittler
January 6, 2018
Cyber AIM: https://www.aimservicesinc.org/
Cyber Hatties: http://hattiesrestaurant.com/
