Delaware Tech’s Mardi Gras Fundraiser Tops $110,000 Raised

From left to right: Delaware Tech Assistant Campus Director Dr. Lora Johnson, Delaware Tech President Dr. Mark Brainard, Christiana Care Health System CEO and President Dr. Janice Nevin and her husband Dr.
Charles Pohl, Delaware Tech Vice President and Campus Director Dr. Kathy Janvier

The Stanton and George Campuses’ 14th annual Mardi Gras gala, held March 3, 2018, drew nearly 500 guests and raised more than $110,000 to support student scholarships. The funds bring the event’s 14-year total to more than $1.4 million, which is used to help students in need pay for tuition, books, and other essentials while attending Delaware Tech.

Guests were treated to exceptional New Orleans style music, entertainment and food as well as music from The Blind Date Band, wine and beer glass painting, tarot card readings, dueling pianos and line dancing. The event also featured a large silent auction.

“Every year, our crew of more than 200 staff and community volunteers comes together to create a fabulous event for our guests,” said Dr. Kathy A. Janvier, vice president and campus director of the Stanton and George Campuses. “We hear often that our Mardi Gras is the best party in town, and we love to see guests return year after year to help us meet our fundraising goal for our students.”

Students like Vivian Fields, a drug and alcohol counseling major at the George Campus in Wilmington, have benefited directly from the Mardi Gras fundraiser. Fields is a non-traditional student who has faced many challenges in her life. With the help of a Delaware Tech scholarship, she was able to refocus on her education. “With education, communication, and the right tools, I can now help others in my community, as well as my own children,” said Vivian. Vivian is an active member of the campus community, as a member of the veteran’s club and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and vice president of the Human Services Club. “When I was at a crossroads in life, I chose the right path, and I am so grateful for the support of others to help me meet my goals in life.”