940157f8-62c1-4cae-87c9-1e9c25a782e7.jfif

Unveiling the Magic of Mardi Gras:

Join Us for a Night of Purpose and Celebration!

Get ready to immerse yourself in a night of unparalleled enchantment at the Association of St. Augustine Alumni – DFW Chapter's Annual Mardi Gras Ball! Step into a world of glamour and goodwill as we invite you to join us on January 30th, 2027, from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM at the exquisite Hurst Conference Center – 1601 Campus Dr, Hurst, TX 76054.

Embark on an evening that transcends the ordinary, where every moment is infused with the spirit of New Orleans. Our gala isn't just an event; it's a celebration of a 70-year legacy of educating and empowering deserving young black men in the vibrant city of New Orleans.

Prepare to be captivated by the rhythm and soul of New Orleans traditions, featuring captivating performances by Carnival Indians, and a dynamic Brass Band.

This "must-attend" affair isn't just about glitz and glamour; it's about making a difference. The Mardi Gras Ball is our flagship fundraising gala, focusing on raising awareness and support to further St. Aug's mission. Your presence and support will play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of students and their families. Indulge in five hours of New Orleans hospitality, delectable cuisine, and the infectious joy that defines Mardi Gras.

This is more than an event; it's an opportunity to become part of something extraordinary. Mark your calendar, rally your friends, and join us for a night where purpose meets celebration! Together, let's make the 2027 Mardi Gras Ball an unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of New Orleans.

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Sunday Brunch on Janurary 31, 2027, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM also hosted at the beautiful Hurst Conference Center. This special gathering will be a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal and connect with fellow guests in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you there for a delightful Sunday experience!

The Event Venue

Hurst Conference Center

1601 Campus Dr, Hurst, TX 76054

Click to Purchase Ball Tickets Today!

Your Entertainment

Soulful Soundz Band

George Mccullum

Unfaded Brass Band

D.J. Professor Breez

Why Sponsor?

Elevate Your Brand by Sponsoring an Exclusive Mardi Gras Experience!

Partner with us for a premier sponsorship opportunity that puts your brand, products, or services in front of influential professionals from across the DFW area and major cities nationwide. Our event is an exclusive, high-energy celebration with a purpose—bringing together a dynamic audience eager to engage with businesses like yours.

To ensure an unforgettable experience, we are capping attendance at 500 this year, but demand is soaring! Over the next few years, we anticipate expanding to welcome over 1,200 distinguished guests. This means your brand has the chance to grow alongside one of the most sought-after Mardi Gras celebrations in the region.

Our attendees represent a diverse range of industries, backgrounds, and consumer interests—making this a prime opportunity to connect with decision-makers and tastemakers alike. Join us in supporting this ‘party with a cause’ and position your business at the forefront of an event that blends tradition, culture, and networking in a way only Mardi Gras can.

Secure your sponsorship today and grow with us!

Photo of Grammy Award Winning Artiste Jon Batiste Class of 2004. Musician for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

The entire 2022 Graduating Class achieved a 100% college

acceptance and received $9.2 million in tuition scholarships.

Black and white photograph of

St. Augustine High School

basketball team located in

the National Museum

of African American History and

Culture, Washington, D.C.

501c3 Information sent upon request

2027 Mardi Gras Ball - Sponsorship Packages

2027 Mardi Gras Ball - Ad Specifications
Ad Sizes Available - Width x Height in Inches

Click Here to Become a Sponsor

501c3 Information sent upon request

Our 2027 Grand Marshal

Coach Darren Dixon
Class of 1980

Darren Dixon, a proud member of the St. Augustine High School Class of 1980, served as

the Purple Knights' standout quarterback from 1977 through 1979, helping lead one of the most

successful eras in the school's rich football tradition.

As the leader of Coach Otis Washington's offense, Darren played during a golden age of Purple Knights

football. Under Coach Washington's legendary leadership, St. Augustine established itself as one of

Louisiana's premier high school football programs, capturing consecutive LHSAA State Championships

in 1978 and 1979. Those championship teams became a lasting symbol of discipline, excellence, and brotherhood that continues to inspire Purple Knights today.

The quarterback position demands leadership, poise, and the ability to unite a team, and Darren embodied those qualities throughout his playing career. His leadership on the field helped define one of the most celebrated chapters in St. Augustine football history, including the historic 1978 state championship victory in the Louisiana Superdome.

Beyond his accomplishments as a student-athlete, Darren has remained deeply committed to his alma mater. He continues to serve the St. Augustine community with the same dedication and passion that marked his playing days, investing in future generations of Purple Knights and preserving the school's proud legacy of excellence.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to St. Augustine, and lasting impact on the Purple Knight Brotherhood, the St. Augustine High School Alumni Association of Dallas–Fort Worth is proud to honor Darren Dixon '80 as the Grand Marshal of the 2027 Mardi Gras Ball. This distinction celebrates not only his athletic achievements but also his continued service, character, and devotion to the St. Augustine family.

Darren Dixon exemplifies the values that define every Purple Knight—faith, scholarship, leadership, brotherhood, and service. His journey from championship quarterback to respected alumnus and community leader is a testament to the enduring legacy of St. Augustine High School, making him a truly deserving Grand Marshal for this special celebration.

Our 2027 King Elect

Kevin William Sr. Class of 1985

Kevin Williams is a man whose life reflects strength, leadership, perseverance, faith,

family, and service. Throughout every chapter of his journey, he has remained

committed to uplifting others, serving his community, and building a meaningful

legacy.

Kevin is a proud 1985 graduate of St. Augustine High School in New Orleans,

Louisiana. Duringthe three years he attended St. Augustine, Kevin lettered in both

football and baseball. His years as astudent-athlete helped develop the discipline,

teamwork, determination, and leadership that would continue to guide him throughout

his life. Kevin followed in the footsteps of his late father, Donald T. Williams Sr., who

was a proud 1959 graduate of St. Augustine.

Following graduation, Kevin continued his education at Louisiana State University

(LSU), where he majored in engineering and earned the opportunity to walk on as a

quarterback for the LSU football program. In 1988, Kevin became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

For the past 38 years, he has exemplified the fraternity's four Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship,
Perseverance, and Uplift through faithful service to his fraternity and the communities it serves. Kevin is
also a District Life Member and an International Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Incorporated.

Kevin began his professional career in Asset Protection Management, holding leadership positions
with Kmart, Marshalls, and Lowe's. As his career continued to grow, Kevin and his family relocated to
Texas and California before eventually returning to New Orleans. Shortly after their return, Hurricane
Katrina devastated the city, leading the Williams family to relocate permanently to Texas.
Kevin's passion for athletics continued beyond his years as a student-athlete. He dedicated many
years to officiating both football and baseball games, helping promote discipline, fairness, teamwork,
sportsmanship, and positive development among young athletes.

Kevin established his family with his late wife and is the proud father of six children and twelve
grandchildren. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, commitment, and perseverance.
Kevin experienced tremendous loss with the passing of his wife, but he continued moving forward with
strength, faith, and devotion to his family.

Kevin also survived a horrific motorcycle accident that could have ended his life. Through
determination, resilience, prayer, and the support of those who loved him, he overcame the physical and
emotional challenges that followed.

God later blessed Kevin with another beautiful chapter of love. On September 21, Kevin married his
beautiful blushing bride, Sarah, joining two lives, two families, and two legacies together. Through his
marriage to Sarah, Kevin also gained four additional children, a mother, grandmother, and new brothers
and sisters.

Kevin's journey is a testimony of endurance, restoration, and divine connection. From his
accomplishments in education, athletics, professional leadership, fraternity service, and family life to his
survival through tragedy and loss, Kevin continues to demonstrate what it means to live with courage,
loyalty, perseverance, and purpose.

ARTIST BIO

Don O’Bannon is a self-taught artist whose work, primarily in oil on canvas,

explores the African American experience, capturing both its historical richness

and contemporary relevance. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, his ar

t seeks to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans in

the diaspora while reflecting universal themes that resonate with people of all

backgrounds.

O'Bannon’s paintings delve into the social, political, and personal aspects of life,

offering a unique perspective that speaks to his worldview while inviting viewers

to connect with the broader human experience. His art is driven by a fascination with people and the distinctive traits that make humanity so compelling. He strives to portray not only likenesses but the essence of the individuals in moments captured in time that he depicts.

Inspired by life, beauty, and the challenge of rendering a three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface, O’Bannon’s creative process is intuitive and organic. He allows the spirit of each image to emerge gradually, working with the canvas to bring forth a visual narrative that is both personal and universal. Through his work, Don O’Bannon continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, offering a compelling visual exploration of identity, culture, and the human spirit.

He credits his wife Marva O’Bannon and his mentor Frank Frazier for playing an important role in his artistic journey.
O’Bannon’s work has been featured in prestigious venues, including the African American Museum in Dallas, and exhibited at galleries and festivals across the United States, such as the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Art Basel Miami, the Red River Revel in Louisiana, the Texas and Neighbors Art Show, and the Harlem Fine Arts Show. His achievements include multiple awards in juried art competitions, including Second Place in Oil Painting and Best in Show Runner-Up at the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society’s annual exhibition. Mr. O’Bannon was recently awarded the 2024 Best Historic Depiction for an oil on canvas piece in the 2024 Juneteenth National Art Juried Competition.

O’Bannon is honored as the St. Augustine High School DFW Alumni

Chapter’s first-ever Scholarship Benefit Artist, a role that reflects both

his generosity and his commitment to supporting educational opportunities

for young men in the Purple Knight community.

As the SADFW Alumni Chapter’s inaugural Scholarship Benefit Artist,

O’Bannon proudly donates a portion of the proceeds from his featured

works sold at the 2026 Mardi Gras Ball Silent Auction will directly support

scholarships for students attending St. Augustine High School,

further extending the impact of his art into the lives of future leaders.

Currently, his artwork is on display at the Eye of the Beholder Art Gallery in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. O’Bannon’s work can be viewed at www.obannonstudios.com.