Glitter, Grants, and Giving Back: Combining Mardi Gras Magic with Fundraising Power

Fat Tuesday is a few weeks away, the Mardi Gras? celebrations are already in full swing! Walking parades, crafting parties, Mardi Gras luncheons, and, of course, endless king cakes—it's a time of celebration and community. As a busy fundraiser, working hard to raise money in a complicated world, I feel incredibly blessed to be able to use my fundraising superpowers for joy and service. It’s an opportunity to combine my passion for making a difference with the excitement of this vibrant season.

Many of my fellow fundraisers are also involved in Mardi Gras, both riders and dancers walking krewes, where we come together as a community to have fun while contributing to meaningful causes. It’s always inspiring to see how we bring the same dedication to our service in both our professional and personal lives, making Mardi Gras celebrations a beautiful reflection of the values we hold dear.

And let’s be honest—glittering and crafting are a great stress release in between those grant applications and reports! There’s something magical about getting together with friends to make beautiful creations for the parade, all while sharing laughs and stories. It's a great way to recharge and be reminded of the joy we create in our work, both personally and professionally.

As the founding president of Camelot Nation, the 501(c)(3) and philanthropic arm of the Krewe of King Arthur, I’m thrilled to work alongside a dedicated and talented group of float lieutenants, riders, volunteers?and friends. Together, we are giving back in meaningful ways to support the causes that matter to the Krewe and its 2000+ riders, all while fostering inclusivity and diversity in our community.

This year, all the funds we raise will go directly to the Camelot Nation Arts Scholarship, with a focus on supporting the marching bands in King Arthur. These amazing bands set the tone and energy for the entire parade, and the scholarship will provide funding for instruments, uniforms, and other important needs. It’s an honor to be able to contribute to their growth and success.

One of our biggest fundraising initiatives is our “Thanks-A-Lot” event, where we’ll be selling flowers to decorate Float #17—my float! When someone purchases a flower, they’ll have the chance to write a message of thanks, appreciation, or positive energy. We’ll display these flowers and heartfelt notes in alphabetical order on the float, adding a beautiful, personal touch to the parade.

In addition to that, we’re hosting the Grail Raffle, where each float lieutenant submits a decorated grail that reflects their float theme. The winning entry will receive 24 wrapped and ready-to-throw grails. This fundraiser was a huge success last year, and I’m confident this year’s raffle will be even better!

As a Jewish professional, as we approach Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish New Year for trees, a time to reflect on gratitude for all that sustains us, I’m reminded of how important it is to nurture and give back to our community. The joy we experience through Mardi Gras and the positive energy we generate through our work are aligned with the same principles of gratitude and intentionality that Tu B'Shvat encourages. This season is all about appreciating what we have and giving back, and I am truly grateful for the many ways I have the privilege to contribute to this cycle of growth and service.

It’s truly incredible to be part of a group that combines creativity, fun, and fundraising to make a real impact in our community. Let’s continue working together to create lasting change and spread joy! Want to ride with me in King Arthur? Or want to learn more about Camelot Nation or join in on some glitter-filled fun? Reach out! #CamelotNation #KreweofKingArthur #Paradewithapurpose #CFREAmbassador #StressReliefThroughCrafting