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Adams and Reese sponsored and produced a Starlight Ball for St. Tammany-based organization, STARC (Services • Training • Advocacy • Resources • Connection), with this year’s edition having “The Wizard of Oz” theme. The ball took place at St. Margaret Mary Gym in Slidell on Saturday, April 11th.

STARC, established 35 years ago, has helped thousands of disabled individuals maximize their potential as independent, contributing members of the community in St. Tammany, Washington, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes.

Every year at the ball, STARC members enjoy an evening of dining and dancing with friends and family. There is a court of a king and queen, and dukes and maids. The entire court is picked up and transported to the event by limo, and the court is recognized by all attending the event. They were escorted this year by their family members.

STARC members were treated to a special appearance by the characters of The Wizard of Oz as Mount Carmel Academy High School students dressed up in the costumes for their service hours. The MCA students included: Dorothy - Kaitlin Griffin; Lion - Annie Wright; Scarecrow - Savannah Chaisson; Tinman - Emily Ricalde; and Glinda - Robin Leonard.

The annual STARC Starlight Ball is coordinated by Nadine Pinell and Lisa Wallace, and the event, as always, is not possible without the Adams and Reese employees, their family members, and friends who volunteered and so graciously gave their time Saturday night.

Special thanks to: Chuck Adams; Charlie Cerise and Janis van Meerveld, and their sons Robert and Andrew; Don McKinney; Nadine and Buddy Pinell; Jadah McClelland; Lisa, Fred and Robert Wallace; Jane and  Jim Macika;  Susan Jones; Brittany Dunton; Dale Ziblich; Melissa Breaux and her son Nicholas Rivero;  Mallory and Anthony DiBenadetto; Dawn Polledo; Jamie Boudreaux; Debbie Robin; Rayinelle and Ryker Emnacee. The photography of the event was done by Tommy Santora.

In addition to volunteering for the annual STARC Starlight Ball, Adams and Reese works with STARC for Christmas by accommodating three group homes in St. Tammany Parish at Christmas time to ensure they have all they need, including gifts, a tree and food, for their Christmas party.