The 16th annual Lakeland Elementary PTA auction, held under the theme “Mardi Gras Masquerade,” was another vibrant success this year. According to Monica Pitts, President of the LES PTA, the event raised a total of $50,524 for the elementary school. This years auction, which took place at Shelby Farm’s FedEx Event Center on February 24th, drew in more than 300 attendees, including teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
The evening was a lively affair, with a jazz band setting the mood and attendees dressed in festive Mardi Gras attire, complete with masks and beads. The event featured a New Orleans-inspired dinner catered by Humdingers, offering delicacies such as muffulettas, jambalaya, shrimp & grits, and etouffée. Two photo booths, including a 360-degree booth, added to the festivities.
The highlight of the evening was the live auction, led by auctioneer Gene Yoder, which featured a variety of exciting items, including a Memphis Grizzlies suite package, a vacation rental stay package in Seagrove, Florida, and a Memphis Tigers experience package.
Local vendors and sponsors played a significant role in the event’s success, with businesses such as Voodoo Café, Crave Sweets, Frost Bake Shop, and Papa Johns contributing to the evening. Major sponsors included Campbell Clinic, Pearcy Auto, and Smith’s Plumbing, among others.
The success of the “Mardi Gras Masquerade” auction not only showcased the generosity of the Lakeland community but also highlighted the strong sense of community spirit that still exists within Lakeland Elementary School.
