On February 23, members of the Trinity Episcopal Church parish, together with members of the Newtown community, gathered for a Mardi Gras gala.

The event kicked off the church’s celebration of 150 years in its current worship space at 36 Main Street. Beyond that, according to Trinity Curate Rev Matthew Babcock, “It highlighted the amazing gift it is to be a member of the Newtown community!”

Following a delicious Cajun buffet, guests participated in a live auction to raise funds for the church’s youth pilgrimage.

“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity by local vendors and restaurants that provided items for our auction,” Rev Babcock said. “We are thankful for the generosity of each of those businesses, as they helped us to generate over $5,000 for our youth pilgrimage.”

Organizers were grateful, Rev Babcock added, for support from Señor Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant, Camp Washington, photographer Macho Butler, Nouveau Monde, Nina’s Nail Salon, Reverie Brewing Company, Oak Barrel Wine & Spirits, Caraluzzi’s Market, Big Y, The Pasta Shop, Starbucks, Newtown Hardware, The Dana-Holcombe House, Panificio Navona, Barnwood Grill, Figs, Blue Colony Diner, My Place, and Market Place Tavern.