Saturday, February 20th found the Knights of Columbus Hall in Lake Highlands transformed.

In honor of Highlander School's annual auction, Mardi Gras - Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler, approximately 130 people gathered and proceeded to let the good times roll!

Since 1984, this annual event has served as an important fundraiser for the school.

Carol Cabaniss, Highlander Parent Association (HPA) President, speaks to the nature and success of this year's auction.

"We had a very successful event. Fortunately, we have a generous group of families that were willing to contribute to our school, despite the current economy."

"There was also great teamwork among our Auction Chairs, Kara Kull, Jennifer Miars and Sharon Romano," says Cabaniss.

"They provided a fun evening and plenty of great items on which to bid."

The auction is the only fundraiser held by Highlander during the year, and proceeds from the event fund all the activities of the HPA, including social events like Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, and the annual school carnival.

HPA members, together with school administrators, are also working on a newly proposed project - an Outdoor Learning and Community Center that will serve all Highlander School students.

Plans for the new outdoor learning center include special nature projects, student activities centered on preservation and resource allocation, and lots of fun, educational outdoor learning opportunities.

"Our auction committee began the planning process over the summer," explains Romano, "and it was so gratifying to see all of our hard work over the months end on such a high note."

"Without the participation of each our our Highlander families, we wouldn't have been able to complete such an enormous task."

"We are grateful to everyone who had a hand in making our night a huge success."

Highlander is located at 9120 Plano Road in Lake Highlands.

For more information about the school, visit http://www.highlanderschool.com.

Lead photo (L to R): Highlander Mardi Gras revelers Michele & Demian Salmon and Suzi Parrish. Pictured below (L to R) are Auction Chairs Jennifer Miars, Kara Kull & Sharon Romano.

Photos courtesy of Lauren Brown, Versatile Imaging.