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Mardi Gras ball to benefit area children
The Mountain Mardi Gras to benefit children, sponsored by the regional Carolina Mountain Trust for Children, will be held at the Balsam Mountain Inn on Saturday, Feb. 5.
Sylva pediatrician Tom Dill and Murphy child care pioneer Iris DeRosa have been chosen as this year's king and queen.
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Dill
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DeRosa
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The Carolina Mountain Trust for Children is an endowment fund supported by the Region A Partnership for Children to benefit children and youth in the seven westernmost counties of the state, including the Qualla Boundary. The Trust, funded entirely by local contributions, uses income from the fund to support the goals of America's Promise to Youth, which include a healthy start in life, quality early childhood education, an educational experience that prepares youth for a productive career, access to a caring mentor, and the opportunity to give back to the community through community service.
The Trust makes yearly grants to innovative children's programs in the western counties and offers awards to one adult and one young person who exemplify excellence in service to children.
Dill and DeRosa succeed last year's king and queen, Lee and Marsha Crites of Sylva, whose service as child advocates and community organizers over the last 22 years has brought more than $52 million to children and family services and made an important difference in services offered to young people in Region A.
Dill was educated at the Medical College of Georgia. After an internship at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, he completed his pediatric residency at Emory University Hospital. Dr. Dill came to Sylva in 1976 and founded Sylva Pediatrics with Dr. Carol Hagberg.
DeRosa holds a master's degree in childhood education/child development and has been involved in early childhood education since 1970. She served as an elementary school teacher for 12 years and became director of an after-school program in Hayesville after moving to North Carolina. She established the model Tri-County Community College Child Development Center and Lab School in 1998 and still serves as its director.
Reservations are now being accepted for this year's 7 p.m. Feb. 5 ball at the Balsam Mountain Inn. Tickets are $35 a person and $65 a couple and include a Cajun dinner with dessert, dancing to the Caribbean Cowboys band, and an opportunity to stay at the Balsam Mountain Inn for $85. Dress is costume or cocktail attire.
For more information, call 586-8745. To reserve space at the Inn, call (828) 456-9498.
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