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WHETSTONE — Two local residents displayed what it really means to “fair la fete,” or let the good times roll.
Kathryn and Carson Waite of Whetstone threw a Mardi Gras party at their home on Saturday to keep victims of Hurricane Katrina in their hearts.
“We are just trying to make people aware that there is still a problem out there,” Kathryn Waite said. “Some people lost everything. They don’t know where to start.”
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Like many other Louisiana natives, the Waites saw displaced family and friends suffer from the aftermath of the hurricane in 2005.
“My sister and mother are still living in FEMA trailers,” Kathryn Waite said.
Although media attention focuses on the rebuilding efforts, Kathryn Waite said many Louisiana and Mississippi residents, especially in rural areas, are still waiting for their help to come.
“The media isn’t showing the trailers, the trash, the smells that people are still living with,” she said. “There is still a major clean-up operation needed.”
Waite hails from Slidell, La., which was destroyed after a 32-foot title surge hit the small town north of New Orleans. Her mother, sister and son lost their homes due to hurricane damage.
“My sister Theresa received a six-month extension on the FEMA trailer, but she is still fighting the system,” Kathryn Waite said.
Although her home was buried in 6 feet of mud and marsh, Waite’s sister must bring what is left standing of her home up to code before she is eligible for grants.
“She is now hoping for Operation Blessing to bring students in to help,” Kathryn Waite said. Operation Blessing is a non-profit organization that sends college students to individuals’ homes.
But, Kathryn Waite added, waiting for private organizations is not enough.
To help, she used Saturday’s party as a fundraiser in the hopes of helping her sister receive the permits needed to rebuild.
The Waites expected a turnout of at least 50 people, many of whom attended their previous fundraiser in 2005, held at the Fireside Lounge in Whetstone.
“This party isn’t for our friends, but because of our friends. We wanted to give back,” Kathryn Waite said. The festivities featured loads of traditional Cajun food, including Jambalaya with shrimp, and crawfish, muffalatas and Andouille.
The Waites held a costume contest in honor of the holiday’s traditional side.
Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a Christian holiday celebrating the day before the liturgical season of lent. It is often associated with Carnival, similar to the American Halloween holiday.
“The best thing about this is being with friends who know what we’ve been through, and what our family has been through. It’s for the benefit of those who have truly helped us,” Kathryn Waite said.
HERALD/REVIEW reporter Fiona de Young can be reached at 515-4682 or by e-mail at fiona.deyoung@svherald.com.
shuni wrote on Apr 18, 2008 12:11 AM: