Partying for funds

Although they fell a little short of their goal, Orange County Catholic Charities leaders were cheered Monday by the amount of money collected at their annual Mardi Gras Ball fundraiser.

Catholic Charities officials hoped to surpass the $350,000 they raised at last year’s black-tie gala, but were nevertheless pleased they collected about $300,000 in such a tough economy.

“We still have checks coming in today,” said Kim Neuhauser, chairwoman of Orange County Catholic Charities. “But I think we were able to gross $300,000. I feel pretty good about that considering the economy.”

The big question of the night was whether the “reverse auction” — in which bidders aren’t really trying to acquire anything, but just top each other — would meet the $40,000 goal. In the past, Catholic Charities has used that money on some sort of capital expense that’s needed like a refrigerator or van, but this year, because donations have dropped, organizers wanted to raise the money just to keep the food pantry full.

“We raised $45,000,” Neuhauser said. “This is a community that understands and wants to make a difference.”

Aside from the charity, the Mardi Gras was also an opportunity for fun socializing, Neuhauser said. And on that note it was a big success for the 400 some guests. That was especially so for Terry and Mary Ann Gilmore, who were named King and Queen of the ball for their efforts to help the poor in Orange County.