A Mardi Gras event benefiting Martha’s Task will take place from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Feb. 10 at St. John’s Father Lynch Hall, 8th St. and Keeler Ave., in downtown Bartlesville.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the party will include a Cajun dinner, drinks, dancing, raffle prizes and loads of entertainment. Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased by calling the organization at 918-336-8275.
Executive Director Laura Walton talks more about the fundraiser and how Martha’s Task, 718 S. Johnstone Ave., has been serving the economically disadvantaged.
1 What is the best thing about the Mardi Gras fundraiser?
The best thing about Mardi Gras is the relaxed fun atmosphere. It has a long tradition in the community as a favorite party each year. It’s both an evening among friends having lots of laughs, as well as an event with an air of expectancy that anything could happen next.
2 How does Martha’s Task assist women in poverty?
Martha’s Task offers economically disadvantaged women in the Bartlesville area unique work training opportunities providing sewing instruction, product marketing, financial support and advocacy. We also offer an emergency assistance program where low income women can earn immediate cash for a prescription or bill or crisis need.
3 How do women become a part of your program?
Come by our office at 718 S. Johnstone Ave. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 918-336-8275 to learn about our emergency assistance program and our seamstress training program. Women with an income at poverty level or below qualify to participate.
4 If a community member is not able to attend Mardi Gras, what other ways can one assist Martha’s Task?
One of the most fun ways to assist Martha’s Task is by shopping in our store at 718 S. Johnstone Ave., where we sell all sorts of delightful creations made by our seamstresses. We also welcome donations of fabric, sewing notions, sewing machines and cash. Volunteers are welcome as well.
5 What do you believe are the reasons for the increased need for assistance?
Martha’s Task assisted 92 women through our programs in the last year. Some are coming to us for the only income they have, while others are still living in poverty despite working part-time or full-time jobs elsewhere. When you live on the edge financially, it doesn’t take long to find yourself in desperation. A sudden price increase for medication, a spouse who loses a job, a child who needs new shoes – any of these can send you scrambling to find more dollars as there is no wiggle room in the budgets for our clients.
— Emily Droege