On January 25th, the Association of St. Augustine Alumni Atlanta Chapter (ASAAA) proudly celebrated its 20th annual Mardi Gras Ball (MGB), marking 2 decades of fellowship, fundraising, and unwavering community support. Held at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), this milestone event brought together alumni, supporters, and distinguished guests to honor the legacy of St. Augustine High School and its transformative impact on young men in New Orleans.
The Association of St. Augustine Alumni comprises a dynamic group of distinguished men who graduated from St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Their mission is to come together for the exclusive purpose of raising money and providing resources to help support education, particularly the educational efforts of St. Augustine High School, located in their hometown of New Orleans.
ASAAA members are all from New Orleans. However, they have made Atlanta their home, forming a strong, vibrant community dedicated to giving back. Their commitment to supporting education and fostering brotherhood continues to thrive in their adopted city.
This year's Mardi Gras Ball was graced by the presence of the Honorable Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, who served as the Grand Marshal. His wife, Michelle Miller, an award-winning journalist and co-host of “CBS Saturday Morning,” accompanied him. Their participation added prestige to an evening celebrating education, community, and tradition. The event was hosted by Tom Jones, a well-respected reporter from WSB-TV, who ensured the evening was both engaging and memorable.
Since its humble beginnings in 2005 with just 100 guests at The Hall on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., the MGB has grown significantly. By 2007, the event moved to the Kappa Omega Center, allowing an expanded audience of 450 guests. In 2011, thanks to the invaluable support of Mercedes Miller, then assistant director of the GICC, the ball found its long-term home at this premier venue, where it has flourished for 14 years.
The success of the Mardi Gras Ball is a testament to the dedicated leadership of ASAAA members, particularly the four chairmen who have guided its growth over the years: Lucien Parfaite, Oyd Craddock, Hal Paisant, and Rod Batiste. Alongside Vernon Martin, Jr., and an incredible team of volunteers, they have worked tirelessly to make this event a premier social and fundraising occasion.
This Mardi Gras Ball is more than just a night of celebration. It is ASAAA's signature fundraiser, supporting three major commitments to St. Augustine High School: the student scholarship endowment, financial aid assistance, and the annual college visit trip to Atlanta for St. Augustine seniors. This initiative allows students to tour Atlanta-area colleges and universities while fostering mentorship through a partnership with Morehouse College seniors. To date, ASAAA has raised over $800,000 to give back to the school.
In addition to the Mardi Gras Ball, ASAAA hosts an annual golf tournament and a white party, further strengthening their fundraising efforts and community engagement.
ASAAA extends its deepest gratitude to the South Fulton community, dedicated sponsors, and all who have contributed to the success of the Mardi Gras Ball over the past 2 decades. "South Fulton has been a tremendous supporter of our mission, and we are incredibly grateful for their continuous support," said Deron Mobley, the current president of ASAAA and an 18-year resident of South Fulton. "Your generosity has made a lasting impact on the students of St. Augustine High School, ensuring that the legacy of excellence, leadership, and brotherhood continues for generations to come."
For more information about St. Augustine High School, visit https://www.staugnola.org/. To learn more about ASAAA and our mission, visit https://purple-knights.org/.
Here's to 20 years of tradition—and many more to come!