Riverside, Ca – Top money raisers Lorna Jenkins and Dwight Tate were crowned queen and king for Riverside’s 4th annual Mardi Gras Gala fundraiser to benefit Community Connect.

Community Connect held its 4th annual Mardi Gras Gala fundraiser on March 4th in downtown Riverside. More than 200 guests enjoyed the festivities while donning stylish masks and collecting beads. Party-goers danced to the live jazz band, indulged in Louisiana style appetizers, were entertained by a roaming magician, and participated in a costume contest and a jambalaya tasting contest won by the Marriott Hotel.

The highlight of the night was the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen. Each member of this year’s royal court was selected because of their contributions and involvement in our community. The candidates included Dwight Tate, James Monk, Joseph Telezinski, Lorna Jenkins, Charlotte McKenzie, Kara Adams, and Karen Nguyen. Each of these community leaders reached out to their circle of friends, family and business associates to help raise money and awareness for Community Connect and its programs. The candidates who raised the most money received the titles of King and Queen.

All proceeds from the Mardi Gras weekend festivities benefited Community Connect. Community Connect is a nonprofit organization serving over 266,000 people each year through a multitude of social services including 211 Riverside, housing assistance, transportation assistance, advocacy and protection of the elderly, a suicide prevention hotline, volunteer matching, an alternative sentencing program, and the Nonprofit Resource Center.

Information: www.connectriverside.org