Supporting the Special Olympics is a cause that’s long been close to Cera Jewell’s heart.
When she was growing up, her mother was a substitute teacher for special education classes, and would sometimes bring Jewell with her. Jewell went on to volunteer at Louisiana Lion’s Camp during her senior year of high school and worked with children with disabilities, some with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy – this was an experience that helped solidify her decision to go to school to become a nurse.
For the past two years, Jewell has hosted Cocktails and Candy Canes, a fundraiser benefitting the Special Olympics of St. Charles Parish. The third annual edition of the event is set for Jan. 11 – with a few changes.
This year’s fundraiser is Cocktails and King Cakes, the event’s theme Mardi Gras-centered due to its later date this time around – the previous events were held in December and thus had a Christmas theme. Jewell partners with the United Way of St. Charles for the fundraiser.
“(In the past two years) we’ve held it at a really busy time for everyone,” Jewell said. “So many people said they wanted to go but had work Christmas parties or their spouse’s work Christmas party. Destrehan (football) was in the playoffs and people were busy with that … so we figured let’s do January. It’s the Saturday after King’s Day and we’ll do king cake. My hope is it can be the event that kind of kicks off Mardi Gras season for everyone.”
The events have been a success, and thus Jewell has set her goals higher for it each year. The first event raised approximately $10,000. Last year eclipsed $30,000. Jewell said her goal this time is to raise $60,000.
“We’re growing. And the Special Olympics are growing as well,” Jewell said. “It’s a great organization that has so much to offer for these athletes.”
This year’s event will be held at G. Smith Motorsports in St. Rose. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The Sunny Side Jazz Band will provide the music once again – a popular act with eventgoers last time around.
“Glen and Gary Smith have been so gracious in offering that location … the Sunny Side Jazz Band were phenomenal. They have such great energy and everyone loved them,” Jewell said.
Jewell said attendees can expect some great food as well – and, of course, some delicious king cake.
Five alcoholic beverages are included in the ticket purchase.
There will be a raffle table set up and there will be a silent auction as well. Among the items included for auction will be a New Orleans Saints Cam Jordan jersey signed by the star defensive end himself, a handmade wooden glider, a jambalaya pot and more.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun and a nice night for people who are able to get out for it,” Jewell said.
Jewell noted that all of the proceeds will go directly to covering annual costs for Special Olympics sports.
“Rental fees, equipment, jerseys, even small things like award ribbons … that organization covers it all themselves. They pay for those costs because they don’t want the athletes to have to pay money toward it,” said Jewell.
Tickets can be purchased through eventbrite.com (CocktailsKingCakes25.eventbrite.com).
