On Thursday, Oct. 29, the United Way of Calvert County officially unveiled its candidates for the 2010 race for King and Queen of Mardi Gras at their Annual Candidate Reception, held at the United Way House in Prince Frederick. United Way President & CEO, Kelly Chambers, boasted many exciting surprises to commemorate the tenth year of Mardi Gras magic and memories.
The royal candidates are as follows for King: Dwayne Crawford, Lt. Colonel Tom Hejl, and Dr. Mark Frazer; and Candidates for Queen are Linda Fadely, Pat Broach and Maria Welch. At the Candidate Reception, the candidates showcased their spirit for this year’s race, while posing alongside a sleek Mercedes Benz SLK Convertible. One lucky Grand Prize winner of the Mercedes Convertible & Cash Raffle, will take home the keys to the car at the 2010 Mardi Gras, scheduled for Saturday, March 13 at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.
In the months leading to Mardi Gras, Candidates will sell raffle tickets to support United Way at $20 each, with only 1,000 available. The Mercedes Convertible & Cash Raffle was made possible due to the generous donation of Family Auto Care in Owings.
Every year, Mardi Gras candidates hold special fundraising events and come up with inventive ways to reach out to family, friends, and neighbors in their quest for King or Queen. Chambers hopes this will be a banner year for United Way of Calvert County’s annual fundraiser, with the goal of raising $100,000 to benefit United Way partner programs that improve lives in Calvert County. She was ecstatic to announce a new headlining act at this year’s event, WAMMY Award-winning Tom Principato Band, to perform New Orleans-style R&B and dance music.
The band will be accompanied by the revelry and excitement of stiltwalkers and magicians, a rousing cocktail reception, the Bourbon Street Live and Silent Auction featuring original artwork, trips and spa packages, the Razzle Dazzle Jewelry Raffle, authentic New Orleans cuisine by Maryland Country Caterers, and a costume and mask contest.
To find out more about the experience of Mardi Gras or to cast your vote for your favorite King and Queen visit www.UnitedWayMardiGras.com. Don’t miss the King and Queen crowning ceremony, along with the infamous masquerade of entertainment, mayhem, and culinary pleasure at the 2010 Mardi Gras, scheduled for Saturday, March 13 at The Show Place Arena. For event sponsorship and ticket information or to purchase Mercedes Convertible & Cash raffle tickets, contact the United Way of Calvert County at (410) 286-0100.
