With Honorary King Chris Moore and Honorary Queen Jeannie Stone at the helm, United Way of Calvert County’s Mardi Gras is marching to a new drum. Rather than multiple candidates competing to earn the title of Mardi Gras King and Queen, for its 15th annual celebration, set for March 1 at Annmarie Garden Arts Center, United Way opted to pair up an Honorary King and Queen to lead the fundraising efforts, reminiscent of the very first Mardi Gras in 2000 hosted by longtime Calvert County residents John and Diane Smith.
Honorary King Chris Moore of Huntingtown already serves the community not only in his work as a realtor for ReMax, but as member of the Committee for Governmental Affairs with Southern Maryland Association of Realtors and Calvert County Chamber of Commerce. He volunteered to serve as Honorary Mardi Gras King because he says, “United Way is active and efficient in bringing needed services and resources to the community.” Moore has held several fundraising events at local restaurants and is kicking off a letter writing campaign to secure further support.
Although a longtime Calvert County resident and co-owner of the famous Stoney’s Restaurants, Honorary Queen Jeannie Stone actually grew up in New Orleans, making every actual Mardi Gras since the age of 4. Not only does she bring authenticity to the crown, but a strong reputation for philanthropic giving as previous chair of the Cancer Gala and through past involvement in Shop with a Cop, Wounded Warrior and Calvert Hospice. “I feel blessed to be an active part of the community,” says Stone. The past few months as Honorary Queen have kept her busy with special events like a glass painting workshop and a polar plunge. But Stone has more fun in store, bringing originality to her fundraising event planning with a lively committee of organizers that she calls her “court.” Starting on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2, Stoney’s at the Pier will host a Texas Hold’em led by former Mardi Gras King John McGuffin at 1 pm and a Super Bowl Party at 6 pm. On Friday, February 14, Stone says to forget the corny chocolates and flowers, and celebrate out with friends at an “Anti-Valentines Party,” held at Stoney’s at the Pier from 7 to 9 pm.
To lend her support to the incoming king and queen, reigning Queen of Mardi Gras Shelby Potts, is hosting the 3rd Annual Cornhole Throwdown on Sunday, February 16 at the Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille in Prince Frederick, with registration at 1 pm and bag throwing at 2 pm.
Moore and Stone are also recruiting sponsors for United Way’s Mardi Gras, with event sponsor packages that include tickets as well as advertising for print, television and web. “Longtime Mardi Gras sponsors have told us they use the event as a marketing tool and for a special way to recognize their employees,” says UWCC President & CEO Kelly Chambers. A portion of the sponsorship funds for the event are tax deductible.
Much of the Mardi Gras event costs are covered through in-kind donations. Maryland Country Caterers donates a large percentage of its catering fees, and the open bar is fully sponsored by Bob Hall – distributor of Bud Light, Running Hare Vineyard and Nick’s of Calvert. “These generous donations translate to fewer event costs and more money going back to benefit the vital non-profit programs we support in the community,” says Chambers.
To get more information about Mardi Gras sponsorship, tickets or a King and Queen fundraising event, call United Way of Calvert County at (410) 286-0100 or e-mail uwadmin@unitedwaycalvert.org.
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