Mardi Gras
19tH ANNUAL
Mardi Gras Gala
The Crown Jewels (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated in Partnership With The Links Foundation, Incorporated
DATE:
February 14, 2026 · 6:00PM – 11:00PM
LOCATION:
Le Méridien Hotel
North Tower, 555 South McDowell Street
Charlotte, NC 28204
2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
Join 700+ Charlotte area leaders for an unforgettable evening that drives real community impact. With a goal of raising over $250,000 for programming and scholarships, this Mardi Gras celebration offers sponsors powerful visibility while supporting meaningful change in our community.
Partner with us to make a difference!
19th Annual Mardi Gras Gala King and Queen
We are thrilled to announce that Hugh and Natalie Allen will serve as our 19th Annual Mardi Gras Gala King and Queen!
Hugh Allen is Executive Vice President, US Head of Commercial Real Estate at TD Bank and Natalie Frazier Allen is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Arts Empowerment Project.
Proceeds benefit The Links Foundation, Incorporated.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
NINA FORD JACKSON
JAMES C. JACKSON
GOLD donors
GOLD SPONSORS
KOBI & RON BRINSON
MR. TAYLOR MOTON
CAROLINA PANTHERS
KIMBERLY MOORE-WRIGHT
& ATIBA WRIGHT
SILVER SPONSOR
Hugh and Natalie Allen
PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR
EMERALD SPONSORS
Sydney Avent
LynNE Fuller-Andrews
MiKyle & Darius Copeland
ARLENE FEREBEE
KYLE Goodson
Erica Bryant Graham
Tierre Jeanne-Porter
Terry & Rick Reyes
Montae & Bettye Purvis Monroe
Michele Lyn Oliver
Cory & Andria Patterson Williams
Evette Beckett-Tuggle & Reggie Tuggle
EMERALD JUDICIAL FRIEND
SUPREME COURT JUDGE
KAREN EADY-WILLIAMS
Mardi Gras Gala History
The Crown Jewels (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated’s Annual Mardi Gras Gala fundraiser was first held in 2005 and was developed out of the need to provide funds for chapter programs.
It was created with the inception of ideas from four Crown Jewels (NC) Chapter members who served during that time as President Mary Foxx Johnson, Fundraising Chair Lyn Coaldwell, Vice President of Membership Cassandra Henderson, and Mary Wilson.
It began with 125 guests and continues today with more than 800 in attendance. This signature fundraising event continues to fund chapter programs and scholarships. The chapter is truly grateful for the support it receives from sponsors, donors, patrons, and guests each year.
Past Mardi Gras Gala Kings and Queens
2009 Harry & Becky Jones
2010 Anthony & Samara Foxx
2011 Mel & Eulada Watt
2012 Harvey & Cindy Gantt
2013 Lucius & Martine Johnson
2014 Herb & Felicia Gray
2015 Gerald & Linda Johnson
2016 John & Tammy Martin
2017 Jesse & Angela Cureton
2018 Steve & Cathy Crump
2019 Wil Brooks & Linda Lockman-Brooks
2023 Kieth & Serena Cockrell
2024 Malcomb & Tammy Coley
2025 Gene & LauRen Woods