Hattie’s Restaurant owners and annual Mardi Gras event founders Beth and Jasper Alexander, along with their entire staff, honorary Mardi Gras committee chairs Ron and Michele Riggi, co-chair Julie Bonacio and their committee raised $42,391 for the Saratoga Community Health Center at the 13th annual Mardi Gras party held at Canfield Casino. This year’s event has been the most successful Mardi Gras to date.
 
Saratoga Community Health Center provides high-quality, affordable primary care with complimentary medical and social services to any individual who needs it, regardless of ability to pay.

Founded in 2001 as a way to support local nonprofits, the annual Mardi Gras event has raised more than $400,000 for various charities since its inception. These nonprofits include Saratoga Bridges, Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar, Saratoga YMCA and Shelters of Saratoga. 

“Beth and I are very proud of our commitment to our community, and are grateful this event has become so popular because it has let us provide significant help to organizations important to us,” said Hattie’s chef/owner Jasper Alexander. 

Next year, the 2015 Mardi Gras recipient will be Jake’s Help from Heaven. Brian and Heather Straughter, founders of that nonprofit, were among the 460 guests who heard the announcement.

“It was thrilling to hear it officially announced,” said Heather Straughter.

Garland Nelson and Soul Session provided entertainment, along with Northeast Ballet dancers. Heather Bohm-Tallman took Mardi Gras photos from her crazy booth. Every year, Michael Panza of Fine Affairs, along with the crew from Rain or Shine Tent Rent, donate 100 percent of their time and décor to transform the Canfield Casino into the New Orleans of the North.
 
Hattie's has been a Saratoga institution since 1938. In addition to running Hattie’s original restaurant on Phila Street, the Alexanders also operate Hattie’s Track Shack at the Saratoga Race Course and a quick-service restaurant in Wilton. The restaurant has achieved national recognition with features in “The New York Times,” “Gourmet Magazine,” “Food and Wine” and other prominent publications. In 2006, Hattie’s Restaurant was featured on the Food Networks’ “Throwdown!” with Bobby Flay. 


--Jennie