Elizabeth and Jasper Alexander, owners of Hattie’s Restaurant, said their seventh annual Mardi Gras fundraiser was tremendous.
“We raised $46,000 for the scholarship programs at the YMCA of Saratoga,” Elizabeth said. “It was just fantastic.”
What started as a rather small gettogether of around 80 people at the Phila Street restaurant has grown to attract more than 250 people at the Canfield Casino.
“I’m very excited the community has embraced this event,” she said.
Last year’s event raised $15,000 for the Shelters of Saratoga, so raising as much as they did this year, Alexander said she is still taking it all in.
Alexander said “Sam the Bugler” made an appearance which boosted people’s spirits, especially with the future on racing still uncertain.
Next year’s recipient is going to be the Franklin Community Center. The non-profit human service agency, located at 10 Franklin St., has been providing basic needs and services to less fortunate individuals and families in our area for more than 20 years, according to it’s Web site, www.franklincommunitycenter.org.
“We want to keep our momentum going for next year,” Alexander said.
Alexander said the 2010 recipient will be Saratoga Care and Saratoga Bridges in 2011.
She said holding the event in January plays a role in how much they raise.
“It is the first big party of the year,” she said. “It’s nice to get the positive feedback. It makes all the planning and preparation worth it.”
Alexander said Garland Nelson (who performed at the event) was great, keeping people dancing all night, and the food was tremendous.
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