Epilepsy Association Mardi Gras Gala

The 26th annual Mardi Gras Gala to benefit the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA crowned Eat’n Park CEO Jeff Broadhurst as king. An arch of balloons and a ceiling covered in even more balloons greeted the nearly 680 guests who came to celebrate Fat Tuesday on Feb. 25 at the Westin Convention Center, Downtown.

“Being King of Mardi Gras has been a real privilege, especially being involved with such a great organization that changes so many people’s lives,” said Mr. Broadhurst, who was with his wife, Sheryl.

Plenty of sweets and treats were passed around during the cocktail hour, including chocolate martinis. The traditional New

Orleans musical second-line parade led everyone into the ballroom for the main event, which included dancing to the music of the John Parker Band.

The festivities raised over $485,000, and they are still receiving donations that are expected to meet, or exceed, the goal of $500,000. Emcee Bob Pompeani with his wife, Lisa, welcomed everyone to the decadence before the deprivation.

#SEEN: Dinner chairs Toni Murphy and Tim O’Brien, EAWCP board chair Joyce Bender and Bill, CEO EAWCP Peggy Beem Jelley and Charles, Charlie and Latasha Wilson-Batch, Dr. Loren and Ellen Roth, Gus and Annie Hanna Engel, Phil and Patty Lee, Mike and Dr. Lisa Turzai, and Doris Carson Williams and James Williams.

#SpreadYourWings: The National Aviary’s Passport to Paradise: Escape to the Islands party for the 21-plus crowd had nearly 300 bird lovers checking out their feathered friends Friday night. The tropical-themed event featured a grand prize of an overnight staycation at the Marriott Pittsburgh City Center. Guests had their passports stamped at six stations throughout the Aviary, including Tree Tops, Penguin Point, The Tropical Rainforest and the Wetlands, where Teri Grendzinski talked about her trip to South Africa to help care for orphaned flamingo chicks. Atria’s provided the light bites and Penn Brewery and Wigle Whiskey helped with libations and tropical drinks. DJ Joel Lindsay put everyone in a dancing mood as they mingled in the atrium. Some lucky partygoers were able to feed the Rainbow Lorikeets inside the Canary’s Call exhibit, but everyone could roam through the Aviary and stop to make a flower headpiece or a treat for the birds, many of which are active at night.

#SEEN: Lanae Wallace, Philip Dietel, Katie Hilands, Alex Campbell and Nisha Shet, and Brittany Hetzell with Nick Barker.

Peggy Beem Jelley, left, CEO of the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA, and Joyce Bender, the EAWCP board chair.

Emily Matthews/Post-Gazette photos Dinner chairs Toni Murphy and Tim O’Brien.

Jeff Broadhurst sits on his throne after being crowned the King of Mardi Gras.

Entertainers make their way through a crowd.

Doris Carson Williams and James Williams.

Patty and Phil Lee.

Stephanie Strasburg/Post-Gazette photos Lanae Wallace, left, Philip Dietel and Katie Hilands.

Nick Barker and Brittany Hetzell look at the penguins.

Sydney Black and Hubi McCarthy feed the birds.

Alex Campbell and Nisha Sheth with a scarlet macaw.