Monster Mash

Photos and Story by Debbie Glover

The annual Monster Mash benefiting The Parenting Center of St. Tammany Parish Hospital was a smash hit with the younger set raising more than $100,000 for programs for parents and their children.

Bogue Falaya Park and most of downtown Covington was invaded by witches, Snow Whites, pirates and pumpkins as families participated in the fun of trick or treating, scavenger hunts, climbing walls for older and younger kids, and entertainment galore by Papillion, Johnette Downing, Shad Weathersby and Soul Revival provided music for all ages.

In addition, there was a shopping village with Halloween-themed arts and crafts and a wall of inflatables, including a maze, provided activities for the whole family.

The Parenting Center promotes confidence and competence in parenting, encourages optimal child development and enhances the well being of the entire family. The center is for parents who want to build on their parenting skills while developing positive self-esteem in their children. Proceeds from Monster Mash enable the Parenting Center to provide a variety of services to parents and children in the area.

Monster Mash is the major fundraiser of the year and provides an opportunity for families to have Halloween fun and support a great cause.

Co-chairs this year were Eugenie Suggs and Susan James of Covington.

Nicole Suhre, spokesperson for the event, said that 250 VIP tickets were sold and attendance at the event was about 5,000. Title sponsor for the event was Statewide Bank. Other sponsors of the event included Capital One Bank, Ochsner Hospital, NOLA Lending Corporation and McMath Construction.