Garfield Park Academy Hosts Mardi Gras Gala Event

Willingboro, NJ– Garfield Park Academy, a private, nonprofit school serving students with learning, social, and behavioral disabilities, is proud to invite the community to attend this year’s Mardi Gras-themed Gala event. Held each year in honor of the late Eugene Morse, one of the founders of the school, the event will take place on Friday, April 12that the John F. Kennedy Center in Willingboro. All proceeds will support programs for students with disabilities.

This year’s honoree is Jonathan Jernigan, Executive Chef and Culinary Instructor from Cathedral Kitchen. The Camden-based soup kitchen has been serving those in need for over 30 years. Since 2008 under Chef Jon’s leadership, Cathedral Kitchen established a Culinary Arts Training Program, which trains unemployed individuals who lack job skills. More than 275 students have successfully graduated from the 17-week program, with 80% finding jobs following graduation.

The Gala will begin with a ‘red carpet’ celebrity-style entrance, as Brittany Harmening Photography captures arriving guests. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, a delicious buffet dinner, tricky tray baskets, a mega 50-50 raffle, and a DJ and dancing. In keeping with the Mardi Gras theme, guests can bring their own mask, or purchase a unique handmade mask artistically created by students from the school. Doors open at 6:00 pm at the Kennedy Center, 429 John F. Kennedy Way in Willingboro. Tickets are $50. For ticket information, program advertising and sponsorship opportunities please visit www.garfieldparkacademy.orgor call 609-877-4111, ext. 296.

About:Garfield Park Academy is a state-approved, private not-for-profit school that provides effective, evidence-based special education services for students in grades K-12 who have a history of learning, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The school's comprehensive services and programs are designed to wrap around each student and his or her family to ensure success. Students are placed by their local school district at no cost to parents. For more information, visit www.garfieldparkacademy.org.