Elizabeth Alexander, co-owner of Hattie’s Restaurant, said the date is set for the restaurant’s annual Mardi Gras fundraiser. Alexander said the seventh annual fundraiser is set for Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 at the Canfield Casino in Congress Park. The money raised will benefit the scholarship programs at the YMCA of Saratoga.

The theme is ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’, based loosely on the book by John Berendt. Alexander said the casino will be transformed into Savannah and encourages people to dress in Mardi Gras attire.

Alexander said invitations are going out in early December, but people interested in attending can also be purchased at Hattie’s at Phila St. Tickets cost $75 per person.

“Jasper is fast at work coming up with new and exciting recipes,” Alexander said of her husband and executive chef of Hattie’s.

She said Saratoga Trunk, located on Broadway, is going to donate 10 percent of gowns bought for the event to the scholarship programs too.

The previous Mardi Gras raised more than $18,000 for the Shelters of Saratoga.

“We like to keep it local,” Alexander said of the beneficiaries being from the area.

A first for the upcoming fundraiser is the whole casino will be opened up making the total number of attendees close to 500.

Alexander said they used to hold the event at Hattie’s, but outgrew the space very quickly.

“We decided to move it to January and give back to the community,” Alexander said.

Mardi Gras begins on Fat Tuesday, which is Feb. 5, 2008.

Margie Rotchford is a co-chair of the event with Alexander. Ron and Michele Riggi are honorary chairs for the fundraiser.

Alexander said there will be a silent auction; mission based live auction and other fun surprises at the fundraiser. Soul Session is going to perform.

Alexander said once the event is over, the committee takes a few months off, then its summer and they start planning again for next year. At the Mardi Gras in 2008, Alexander said they will unveil the theme and beneficiary for the eighth annual fundraiser.

“I have a great committee and they are all very excited for the event,” she said.