Over 300 guests attended the fourth annual Cocktails and King Cakes fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 10 at the G. Smith Motorsports on Airline Highway in St. Rose. The event included cocktails, king cake, live music, raffles, and a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses and community supporters.
Cera Jewell, founder of the event fundraiser, said this year’s event included a few new elements, including The Eletrix band for live music, upgraded lighting and a Plinko casino game setup.
“[Plinko] became a highlight of the night and raised over $800 on its own,” Jewell said. “These additions helped elevate the overall experience and contributed to another successful year.”
Jewell, a nurse, is the wife of Parish President Matthew Jewell. She founded the Mardi Gras- themed fundraiser to make a positive impact on St. Charles Parish, and the event raises money each year for the Special Olympics of St. Charles Parish. Last year, the event raised over $63,000.
The funds raised help cover competition fees, uniforms, equipment, transportation, awards and essential technology for events. They also help fund the Healthy Athletes program, which provides on-site health screenings by specialized providers – offering services such as vision care, podiatry support, fitness guidance, and referrals for follow-up care.
Jewell’s connection to the Special Olympics is rooted in a long history of working with individuals of differing abilities.
“Over the past 11 years as a nurse, I have cared for both children and adults with a wide range of physical and developmental challenges – such as cerebral palsy, congenital heart defects, Down syndrome, and other genetic conditions,” Jewell said. “Because of this background, choosing the Special Olympics of St. Charles as the beneficiary of my fundraising efforts felt like a natural and meaningful fit. The organization provides athletes with opportunities to learn, compete and grow – opportunities they may not otherwise have.”
Organizers expanded their outreach last year, partnering with the United Way of St. Charles and Dr. Eliza Eugene’s Blessed to Be a Blessing, to provide 300 families in the parish with complete Thanksgiving meals. Each box included staples such as macaroni, rice, vegetables, dessert, drinks, and a turkey. St. Charles Parish Hospital, managed by Ochsner, donated 100 hams, allowing the first 100 families to receive more.
Jewell said the fundraiser saw significant growth in social media engagement and overall awareness of the event over the last year, which helped broaden its reach within the community.
“What stood out to me most this year – just as it has every year – was the incredible willingness of our community to give,” Jewell said. “Whether through financial donations, in-kind contributions, or volunteering their time, there is a genuine eagerness among our residents to help others. People aren’t just willing to participate—they’re excited to be part of something that makes a real difference.”
