Update 2/20/15: A record of more than 1,000 people paid and more than 800 attended Methodist Hospital‘s annual Mardi Gras fundraiser in Sirona’s at Santa Anita Park last night, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. In addition, a whopping $202,000 was raised in support of the Rehabilitation Unit Campaign at Methodist Hospital led by a record number of Mardi Gras Grand Sponsors: Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., Soyfoods of America and Congress Orthopaedic Associates.
Thirty-two local restaurants participated, most of which were secured by volunteer extraordinaire Mari Claveran, also a longtime volunteer for the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. Most of the restaurants will also be seen once again this year at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Arcadia on Sept. 28, featuring more than 40 food and beverage vendors and 1,500 attendees. The offerings at Mardi Gras were eclectic, varied, and delicious, from several different kind of sushi at Benihana‘s to macaroni from Dave & Buster’s and several good dessert options as well. Chamber members DoubleTree by Hilton won the restaurant decorating contest with Villa Catrina winning second place.
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Dozens of silent auction items were on display, including the Chamber’s basket of wine with two tickets to Taste of Arcadia.
Attendees also enjoyed a Mardi Gras parade of costumed dancers marching through the crowd that also joined in, and dancing to live band Soulville. Dr. Andrew Lee was declared this year’s King of Mardi Gras by hospital President and CEO Dan Ausman after they led the parade march to the stage with members of the Arcadia High School band playing “When the Saints Come Marching In” followed by the USC Fight song in honor of Lee’s alma mater..
Among the other Chamber member restaurants participating were 38 Degrees Ale House, Bella Serra Tratoria, BJ’s Restaurant, Cabrera’s Mexican Cuisine, City Cafe, The Derby, DoubleTree by Hilton, Frontrunner Restaurant, Hai Di Lao Hot Pot, Hot N Sweet Chicken, La Luna Negra, Matt Denny’s Ale House, Olive Garden, Opera, Paco’s, Red Robin, Sena on Myrtle, Twohey’s, and Villa Catrina.
Winners of the Mardi Gras costume contest were Dr. Richard Cole 1st place, David Chan 2nd place. Winner of the $1,000 opportunity drawing was Dr. and Mrs. Ben Stafford.
Special thanks to co-Chairs Evelyn Greathouse, Patty Soldo and Sherry Wang led their committee of 24 volunteers. They recognized their committee during program and also gave a special recognition to Sherry Taylor for her work in managing the bar, Janet Hanson for her work in managing the silent auction.