TOLEDO—Notre Dame Academy’s sophomore class, under the direction of Alison Tansey and Debbie Bennett, organized a Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 5 to benefit the Sisters of Notre Dame mission in Papua, New Guinea and Morry’s Camp, N.Y., a summer camp for underprivileged children — a student-selected charity.

Classes at the school were dismissed at noon and students grazed on walking tacos, pizza, popcorn, ice cream, baked goods and candy. Entertainment venues included a number of video game play stations including Wii, Guitar Hero, Dance Revolution, PlayStation III and Karaoke.

The gym was transformed into an inflatable playhouse with an obstacle course and a huge jump around trampoline. There was a dance party in the Performing Arts Center. At the end of the day, themed-gift baskets were raffled.

“It’s a great time for everyone and it gives us a chance to give back while having fun,” says Jacqueline Widman, sophomore class president.

More than $2,000 was raised during the event.