Hattie’s 13th Mardi Gras Raises $42,391

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Annual Hattie’s Mardi Gras event, held last Saturday, January 25 at the Historic Canfield Casino in Congress Park, raised $42,391.00 for The Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center. Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center provides high-quality, affordable primary care with complimentary medical and social services to any individual, regardless of ability to pay. Founded by Hattie’s owners Jasper and Beth Alexander in 2001 as a way to support local nonprofits, the annual Mardi Gras event has raised over $400,000 for various charities since its inception. Previous beneficiaries include Shelters of Saratoga, Saratoga YMCA, Saratoga Hospital, Bridges of Saratoga, Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar and SPAC. “Beth and I are very proud of our commitment to our community and are grateful that this event has become so popular because it has allowed us to provide significant help to organizations that are important to us,” said Chef/Owner Jasper Alexander. The 2015 Mardi Gras recipient will be Jake’s Help from Heaven. Brian and Heather Straughter were among the 460 guests who heard the announcement. “It was thrilling to hear it officially announced,” states JHFH founder, Heather Straughter Garland Nelson and Soul Session provided entertainment, along with the dancers from Northeast Ballet. Heather Bohm-Tallman was on hand for Mardi Gras photos with her crazy booth. Once again, Michael Panza of Fine Affairs, along with the crew from Rain or Shine tent rentals donates 100 percent of their time and décor to transform the Casino into “New Orleans of the North”. Hattie’s has been a Saratoga institution since 1938. In addition to Hattie¹s original restaurant on Phila Street in Saratoga Springs, the Alexander’s also operate Hattie’s Track Shack at the Saratoga Race Course and a quick service restaurant in Wilton.