By Derek Brawner
Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is known as Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” reflecting the practice of it being the last night for eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual Lenten sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season. In 2023, Mardi Gras will fall on February 21. In Springfield, IL, on Saturday, February 25, if you are looking to let loose and party, please join Health Alliance and AgeLinc (Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland) for the second annual Mardi Gras Gala.
The Gala is a fundraising event to help support AgeLinc and the numerous programs they offer to seniors in a 12-county service area in central Illinois. AgeLinc funds transportation and nutrition programs, assists with applying for discount license plates and bus passes, helps with Medicare enrollment, provides educational opportunities as well as support to caregivers and older adults who identify as LGBT+. The goal of AgeLinc is to help older adults maintain dignity, health and independent living in the 12 counties they serve. Health Alliance is proud to once again be a sponsor for the 2023 Gala. Many local community businesses that support older adults also sponsor this event for AgeLinc.
This year’s Gala takes place from 6 – 10 p.m. Saturday, February 25at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. This masquerade, cocktail, black-tie-optional event will be a great time for all. AgeLinc will crown the best-dressed (in Mardi Gras attire) king and queen of the Gala. There will also be a silent auction, a Cajun dinner and live entertainment by local DJ Troy Armstrong.
I can tell you from last year’s event, it will be another rocking good time for all that attend. Please know that seating is limited, so if you would like tickets, please contact AgeLinc either by phone (217)787-9234 or on their website.
Health Alliance, AgeLinc and I hope to see you at this year’s event. AgeLinc cannot provide the great services to older adults without the support of the local community and area businesses.
Supporting local organizations that serve the community is important to us. This is one example of ways local organizations are working together to support the needs of the communities we serve. If you know of an upcoming event that you would like us to be a part of, please reach out to your local community liaison or feel free to reach out to our team email included below.
Derek Brawner is a community and broker liaison at Health Alliance. He is a small-town guy living in the big city of Springfield, married with 2 two kids, as well as a huge “Star Wars” fan and griller extraordinaire.
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