Celebrate Mardi Gras - And Feel Good the Next Day
2007 Beads for Needs Event - Presented by Myers Park Mortgage - to Benefit A Child's Place of Charlotte, Inc.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 19, 2006

Who: Beads for Needs is a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for underprivileged children in the Charlotte area. Each year, Beads for Needs presents Charlotte's premier Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser - an event by young professionals for young professionals. The 2007 event will benefit A Child's Place of Charlotte, Inc. Working in collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, A Child's Place provides educational support and advocacy services to children and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. A Child's Place ensures that these children have a stable school environment, meets needs such as clothing, school supplies and medical care which are necessary or impact their ability to learn, and helps their parents make the family's period of homelessness as brief as possible. For more information on A Child's Place of Charlotte, visit www.achildsplace.org.

What: For the sixth consecutive year, more than 1,500 young professionals will converge on the Wachovia Atrium for a Mardi Gras celebration that includes a re-creation of Bourbon Street, food from area restaurants (including Fuel Pizza, Groucho's Deli, and Jolinas Mexican), live music, and THOUSANDS of beads, boas and masks. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For ticket information, visit www.beadsforneeds.org.

When: 6-11 p.m., Thursday, February 15, 2007

Where: Wachovia Atrium, 301 S. Tryon Street

Photo Opportunities: Mardi Gras decorations, including masks, boas, street signs and beads. Costumed performers, a live band with brass instruments, oversized Mardi Gras masks, a large wall façade of Bourbon Street, lamp posts with authentic street names. Décor features authentic Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold). The Voltage Brothers in bright silver suits, and dozens of strands of beads for all attendees (and media guests!)

Interview Opportunities:
Callie Glass, Heather Griffith
Co-Presidents
Beads for Needs, Inc.
calliemglass@yahoo.com
704-578-6365
heather.griffith@crva.com

Laurie Schwartz
Development Director
A Child’s Place of Charlotte
704-343-3790


Donation Opportunities: Beads for Needs continues to grow with the generous support and donations from both private individuals and local businesses. Contact Callie Glass if you would like to contribute services or make a monetary donation.