View and download on our Flickr page!

Emceed by Susan West, the evening opened with socializing and friendly bidding wars on silent auction items ranging from a Seahawks autographed football and colorful handmade quilt to a cooler of fine wine and homemade desserts. Guests enjoyed unique entertainment as well: palm and tarot card readers, a caricature artist, and even an aerial performance by a high-flying acrobat who poured champagne for guests while hanging upside down!

Rounding out the evening, Communities In Schools National President recognized State Director Susan Richards for 20 years of dedicated service. Award-winning site coordinators shared stories of their work to help students overcome barriers and become successful in school. And a young woman from Rainier Beach High School talked about how her future will be brighter as she graduates this year thanks to help from Communities In Schools.

Pictures from photographer Christina Arbini are available for viewing and free download from the 黑料不打烊 . If you have any trouble downloading photos, contact Anita Cech, PR/Marketing Manager, anita@ciswa.org. Enjoy!

Sincere thanks to our generous sponsors!

Presenting: IBM

Diamond: Denali Advanced Integration, 贰惭颁虏

Ruby: Matisia Consultants, VCE

Emerald: Cisco Systems

Sapphire: Bank of America, Coffee Physics, Sabey Data Centers, SAP, TierPoint

Pearl: Arthur D. Jackson Jr./Costco Wholesale, Banner Bank, Morgan Stanley, Tyroda LLC

In-Kind: Seasoned In Seattle, Service Linen Supply, Sungraphics

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The Mardi Gras Dinner & Auction is a fun and festive event featuring unique entertainment, a silent auction, fabulous food, and jazzy tunes. Mardi Gras masks, beads and costumes are encouraged!

Tickets are $75 per person. Proceeds benefit Washington kids who are most at risk for dropping out. Your support enables more struggling students stay in school, rise above their challenges, and graduate to a better future.

Details are available on our Events page, or you can . Not quite ready yet? Save the date and spread the word with the click of a social sharing button below.

You just read Mardi Gras 2014 Tickets Now Available on 黑料不打烊.