For Immediate Release                                   
November 24, 2008

Opelousas Mayor Donald Cravins & Patricia Cravins Announce
Third Annual Gala

(Opelousas, LA) – Opelousas Mayor Donald Cravins and Patricia Cravins are announcing that the annual New Years Charity Gala, which raises funds to assist the elderly and disabled throughout St. Landry Parish cope with high, unbearable energy bills, is scheduled to take place Saturday, Dec.27th at the Opelousas Yambilee Building from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight.

This fun-filled event brings people together from all around the community and surrounding areas to help make the lives of others in need a little better. Last years Gala event raised over 30-thousand dollars which has currently provided assistance to nearly 300 households.  Since 2007, funds have provided relief for over 500 families from around the parish. 

Although this is the Mayors third annual New Years Charity Gala, each year the need for assistance becomes greater than before.  "This has been a challenging year due to damaging hurricane winds and soaring food costs, creating an even more burden on the elderly and less fortunate," said Patricia Cravins, Chairman of the event. 

This year's festivities will include entertainment by the R&B group, BRW, a delicious catered meal, silent auction and cash bar.  "As always our objective for the gala is to create a comfortable atmosphere filled with joy and excellence in which the spirit of giving can be celebrated," said Patricia Cravins.  "Because our Dancin' with the Starz contest was such a hit last year, we‘ve decided to bring it back," she added. 

The dance contest is a great opportunity for five couples to show off their dancing skills with a traditional Cajun two-step or Zydeco dance as well as a style of dance of their choice for the second number.  The winners of the contest will earn the right to display the winning trophy in their place of business or office for the upcoming year.  This is definitely an evening of fun and excitement and all for a worthy cause. Tickets for the Charity Gala are reasonably priced at $30 per person.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

For more information on the dance contest, please contact Patricia Cravins at (337) 789-5048.  For tickets and general information, please contact Eva Noel at (337) 331-0700.