FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Celebrate Mardi Gras and raise funds to support local children from families in need in finding and pursuing their passions through their participation in artistic, athletic, and educationalenrichment extracurricular activities. On Friday, February 28, Youth Advantage will host its sixth annual Mardi Gras-themed event. This year's event will again be held at the stunning and elegant 7 Vines Vineyard in Dellwood. The event features silent and live auctions, prizes and surprises all in a New Orleans-themed night of flare, food and fun! Guests will enjoy an abundance of appetizers throughout the evening. Back by popular demand is Stillwater native Lee Valsvik as emcee.

Guests will be entertained by the musical talents of Colin Bracewell. From blues to pop music, the evening will be filled with songs to dance the night away! All proceeds from the February 28th event will benefit Youth Advantage, a nonprofit organization serving families in School District 834. “Money raised at the Mardi Gras event are a significant source of funds for Youth Advantage’s primary mission of engaging youth into extracurricular activities as well as fund our tutoring and mentoring services” says Executive Director Suzanne Block.

“This year’s event will have the added excitement of Fund-a-Van where donors are encouraged to help us purchase this much-needed resource to provide access for even more children the opportunity to participate!” Live auction items include tickets to the Maroon 5 concert, a Brewery Bus Bash, a 3-hour St. Croix River yacht cruise and an amazing night out in Stillwater for 8 people! In addition, silent auction items await guests at the event including sporting and event tickets, restaurant packages, unique experiences and much more.

MARDI GRAS, AN INSPIRED BENEFIT FOR YOUTH ADVANTAGE
Friday, February 28, 2020 6:30 p.m.- midnight
7 Vines Vineyard, 101 MN Hwy 96, Dellwood, MN 55110
Ticket Prices: $75/person through Feb. 23 at www.youthadvantage.org/mardigras ; $85/person Feb. 24- 27 and on-site registration, if available.
This event is for individuals 21 years and older. Typical Friday night attire.

Youth Advantage aims to provide access to arts, athletics, and educational-enrichment experiences for children of financially challenged parents or guardians who reside in District #834 boundaries. Youth Advantage recognizes that giving children these opportunities puts young people on a path to success. Learn more at youthadvantage.org.