Mardi Gras ball comes to Agoura Hills

LAURA STARKS/Special to The Acorn FUNNY FRIEND- A giant jester visits with Carol Martino, principal of Sumac Elementary School, and two kindergarten students in preparation for the Mardi Gras Masquerade. The benefit will be on March 1 at the Agoura Renaissance Hotel. For ticket information, visit www.sumacelementary.org.

Mardi Gras Masquerade, a dinner, dance and auction to benefit Sumac Elementary School, will be Sat., March 1 at the Agoura Renaissance Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills.

Silent auction and cocktails begin at 6 p.m., followed by a champagne reception, live jazz music, award-winning Central Coast wines, a Creolestyle catered dinner and live auction.

Other highlights will include the coronation of a Mardi Gras Royal Court and the Best Mask award.

Jeff Reinhardt, former City Council member and mayor of Agoura Hills, is the guest master of ceremonies and auctioneer.

Auction items include an exclusive private tour of Opus One Winery in Napa and accommodations for travel and golf to Sedona, Palm Springs and Hawaii.

The public is invited to a preview of auction items and opportunity drawings during Mardi Gras Madness Week from Feb. 25 through 29 in the school's multipurpose auditorium at 6050 Calmfield Ave., Agoura Hills.

Tickets to the masquerade will not be available at the door and may be ordered through Feb. 27 either at the school or via www.sumacelementary.org.