Katrina Fund Raiser - Hold a fund raiser with a Mardi Gras Theme for your next event

We have had hundreds of calls from our customers who want to know how they can help within their own organization. Many are thinking about their next event and function and are turning it into a fund raiser to raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Everyone everywhere loves Mardi Gras, and the love for New Orleans is just as strong. So what can you do? We have compiled a list of things you can do at your next event to raise money. Also, you can just have an event, and not purchase one thing from us. We are offering these as suggestions only.

1. Sell Beads

2. Raffle a higher priced item

Fortunately the facility where New Orleans hand painted ceramic masks escaped the wrath of Katrina. A 25 foot pine tree did fall close to the kiln, however, it has been cleaned up and they are firing! Their artists are busy painting, keeping up with a higher than usual demand of authentic New Orleans hand painted ceramic masks. Their facility is operational and many of the masks are absolutely gorgeous. A complete selection is available here.

3. Make a collection box

You can wrap a plain cardboard brown box with any color paper and place an inexpensive colorful mask on the outside of it. Handwrite Katrina Relief on the box. Many people want to help, and this is a simple thing to do. You don't even have to buy the mask!!! Just draw one.

5. Decorate your party area

6. Bead Count

Take a large glass jar and fill them with beads. Have people guess how many necklaces are in the jar. A chance to win could be $ 1.00 or $ 2.00. Whoever gets the closest to the actual count without going over, will win the beads.

7. Purple Yellow and Green

Have a party and ask everyone to wear Purple Yellow and Green. We have a complete Mardi Gras & Cajun Food Recipe Guide online. These recipes can be used when planning a Mardi Gras party or any day of the year.

8. Where do I send the money?

We are not accepting donations for relief. It is up to you to decide where to send the proceeds of your event. We suggest The Humane Society of Louisiana. In August of 2005, their modest animal shelter was destroyed by Katrina's high winds and rain. So they are in the process of rebuiding their operations and expenses are overwhelming! This is a great local organization that really really needs your help.

9. Where can I get Hurricane Katrina images?

We have compiled a great selection of images from both the media and private individuals who first hand witnessed the storm.

Thank you for supporting our city in this crisis. Every little bit helps.