By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — King Kenny Bolden and Queen Jessica Gatalas reigned as royalty as the St. John Parish ARC celebrated its sixth annual Krewe D’Arc at a Carnival Ball this month.

First Duke Marty Fernandez, First Maid Jazmine Chenier, Second Duke Dwayne Fleming, Second Maid Cheryl Trosclair, Third Duke Ricky Townsand and Third Maid Priscilla Joseph also comprised the court.

Krewe D’Arc is the annual Mardi Gras celebration for the St. John ARC, a non-profit organization that serves as a “home-away-from-home” for 61 clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ARC officials said throughout the year, clients hold fundraisers, snack sales and accept donations to make the night possible, and this year friends of the ARC donated dresses, shoes and jewelry to the ARC’s female clients to help them prepare for the special night.

Other people, organizers said, gave financial donations to provide manicures and pedicures for the ladies of the court.

Jodi Bleakley, the mother of Queen Jessica Gatalas, said she greatly appreciates all of the hard work people put into throwing the event.

“It was a wonderful experience for Jessica and our family,” Bleakley said, adding Jessica loves participating in all of the social opportunities the ARC provides.