It definitely won’t resemble the more famous New Orleans Lenten bacchanalia, and it won’t look like the previous six events, but Comtrea is going ahead with plans to hold its Mardi Gras St. Louis fundraiser.
The event, which benefits the organization’s A Safe Place domestic violence shelter, will be held later in the year than usual and as a virtual, rather than live, event, but it will take place this year.
The virtual auction will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, June 11, and close at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 19.
“Earlier this year, it didn’t look like we would be able to do it,” said Kim Elbl, vice president of fundraising and development for Comtrea, which runs the shelter as well as the Mary’s House of Hope transitional housing complex.
“We pushed it into June, hoping things would change, but it doesn’t look like it’s a wise decision to have a live event yet.”
Last year’s event, which was live, was squeezed in right before COVID-19 resulted in the cancellation of almost all live events.
“It was our last live event, held the first weekend of February,” Elbl said. “It brought in $76,000 last year, but we’re not going to have a room full of 360 people this year. That was the largest crowd we’ve ever had.
“But we’re still hoping to do well this year.”
Links to the event will be available at comtrea.org/events.
The highlight of the event will be an hour-long video at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 19, that will feature a domestic violence survivor’s story, as well as messages from Barb Tenholder, director of A Safe Place; Sue Curfman, Comtrea president and CEO; Jerry Rogers, president of Comtrea’s board; Norinee Thomas, manager of therapeutic services; and Elbl.
A virtual silent auction of more than 100 items will be held throughout the event and will include personal care baskets, children’s toy baskets, entertainment tickets, gift cards, hotel nights and mystery auctions.
Participants also may make donations toward a remodel of the shelter’s kitchen.
The project, estimated to cost $25,000, will include new cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, cookware, dishes and utensils. The shelter’s staff members have recorded a funny video demonstrating the need for updates in the kitchen.
All residents at A Safe Place share the kitchen, along with the living room, dining room and restrooms. Up to six families are provided a private bedroom at the emergency shelter.
Donations of auction items and sponsorships are still available.
For information about the event or how to donate, call Elbl at 636-232-2339 or send an email to kelbl@comtrea.org.
Domestic violence hotlines
Comtrea officials advise those who experience domestic violence to call the agency’s A Safe Place hotline at 636-232-2301 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for help. Both lines are open around the clock. Calls are confidential.