MIDLAND, MICH. (February 11, 2014) – The Legacy Center for Community Success is hosting its annual fundraiser, the World’s Greatest Mardi Gras Feast, on March 4, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Great Hall Banquet & Convention Center. This fundraiser comprises the best of TLC’s previous fundraiser – The World’s Greatest Dessert Party – and much, much more!

“Most of us can’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, so we decided to bring the event to Midland,” says Jennifer Heronema, TLC’s president and chief executive officer. “We’ve been working hard to create an event that will appeal to a broader audience – not just those who love desserts!”

The Kadenza Jazz Trio will set the mood as guests sample a selection of Mardi Gras-inspired entrees and desserts from 14 of the area’s finest restaurants. Some of the more noteworthy chefs participating in the event include Jeremy Lacreuse, pastry chef at The H Hotel; Tony Gojcaj, executive chef/owner of The Willow Tree Restaurant; and Shari Rae Smith, executive chef/owner of Shari at the Willard Hillton. There also will be a silent auction and limited cash bar.

“The Legacy Center’s effort to reduce barriers to learning and development through its early childhood, literacy and youth programs has improved the outcomes for countless people in our community,” said Neil and Annmarie Hawkins, honorary chairs of the World’s Greatest Mardi Gras Feast. “We are honored to be part of this event, which will raise funds to sustain and accelerate these programs.”

The TLC Board of Directors and Staff are humbled by the support local businesses have shown for the Mardi Gras Feast. Midland Daily News has signed on as Presenting Sponsor, Chemical Bank and Dow Corning as Leadership Sponsors, Roth Cleaners as Supporting Sponsor and 10 more organizations as Community Sponsors.

About The Legacy Center

The Legacy Center for Community Success (TLC) was established in 2004 to identify outside-the-classroom barriers to learning and development and to collaborate with other organizations to provide interventions that allow all children, youth and families to flourish and thrive. TLC has four organizational units, including Literacy Services, Early Childhood Development, Youth Development and Healthy Families. TLC also specializes in the evaluation of program outcomes. For more information about TLC, visit our website at www.tlc4cs.org.