Page 69 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

GIVING BACK much more than mardi gras Second Liners
MARDI GRAS CLUB story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Second Liners Mardi Gras Club
The Second Liners Mardi Gras Club was founded in the East Biloxi community 23 years ago. It began as a way to have a children’s Mardi Gras parade in the neighborhood. After the kids paraded with
wagons, there was a community Fun Fest free to the general public, an event that continues. The Club has a 501c (3) status and currently has 64 members.
The group is much more than a Mardi Gras Club; it’s a community service organization. “We have events about 10 months out of the year and are busy planning and strategizing the remainder of the year.” said Public Relations Director Pinkey Lewis. “We partner with other agencies, churches and the City of Biloxi to sponsor, support and provide wholesome community and outreach activities that are both youth and family friendly.”
Events sponsored by the Second Liners include an annual Senior Citizens Dinner, visits and donations to local nursing homes, donations of school supplies, an Easter Extravaganza, Operation Santa, Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaways, Breast Cancer walk, sponsor of the East Biloxi Boys & Girls Club and much more.
Longtime member and President Anthony Mitchell says there’s plenty of entertainment for the community about 12 days before Mardi Gras. “It’s show time every weekend during those days,” he said. “We kick it off with a membership meeting and have a parade and the king and queen’s formal party.”
IP Casino Resort Spa has supported this group since 2008 by hosting a champagne brunch, a party and with donations totaling more than $260,000.
TOP: Scholarship winners. ABOVE: Greenbriar Nursing visitation and donation. LEFT: King Ashante IX Lucien Brown III and Queen Zaria IX supporting Connie Rocko at Annual Supervisors Meeting.
Second Liners Mardi Gras Club
P.O. Box 635 • Biloxi MS 39533-0635
228.396.9544
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
December 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 69