What is Ursuline Academy?
Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women in grades 9-12. Educating students for more than 130 years, the Academy is the oldest continuously operating school in Dallas.

Today, enrollment at Ursuline Academy totals 800 young women. Consistent with its mission, the Academy seeks to provide opportunity and a welcoming environment for students of widely varied ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ursuline Academy has been an important part of the Dallas community in many ways. The Ursuline motto is Serviam, Latin for "I will serve." A key goal is for students to embrace a lifelong commitment to community service. Ursuline alumnae have earned an excellent reputation for service to the community, not just as students but also later in life.

What is the Mardi Gras Ball?
The Mardi Gras Ball, held each year on the Saturday before Lent begins, is Ursuline’s annual event held to benefit student scholarships and to recognize the student and faculty endowment gifts. All students benefit when scholarships are awarded to qualified young women. Over $810,000 in financial assistance and academic scholarships were awarded to 20% of the students in 2009-2010 school year. Since its beginning in 1991, the Mardi Gras Ball has raised over $5,576,000, enabling over 20% of the student body to receive financial aid in some way every year.

The Mardi Gras Ball is an exciting, fun-filled evening complete with dinner, entertainment, car raffle, and big board, live and silent auctions. The Mardi Gras committee is comprised entirely of volunteers, which include parents, alumnae, parents of alumnae and friends of Ursuline Academy. Our students also volunteer their time preparing, decorating, and contributing gifts.

Where Do the Auction Items Come From?
Local merchants and businesses, parents, students, alumnae, parents of alumnae and friends of Ursuline Academy donate items for the Auction.

How Do Donors and Advertisers Benefit?
All donations are tax deductible because the Mardi Gras Auction is designated by the IRS as a 501c3 charity and non-profit organization. Approximately 1000 people attend or participate in the Mardi Gras Ball each year. Those who attend receive our program that offers a wide range of exposure for donors and advertisers. It also provides recognition to all who support the Auction. Through our program, advertisers are able to promote their business at a nominal cost.