Shangri-La cancels 2011 stroll and becomes Social Club
Mary Katherine Lonatro-Tusa, Captain of the Mystic Krewe of Shangri-La, announced on July 26, 2010 that Shangri-La would cease parading in the City of New Orleans after a successful 37-year run. Mrs. Tusa stated that Shangri-La has been an integral part of the New Orleans Mardi Gras scene since 1973 and would continue as the Shangri-La Social Club.
In recounting the organization's history, Captain and Founder Tusa recalled the beginning of Shangri-La. In 1972, she gathered a few friends around her kitchen table. She shared her vision of an all-woman's Mardi Gras organization parading in St. Bernard Parish. The original members were primarily from St. Bernard Parish and the Ninth Ward of Orleans Parish. By 1982, Shangri-La was the largest woman's organization in New Orleans Mardi Gras history. At its peak, Shangri-La has a total membership of 1,083 ladies parading on 38 floats. On February 22, 2000, the Shangri-La Parade moved to and the traditional Uptown route in Orleans Parish with a membership including festive ladies and invited gentlemen from the metropolitan New Orleans area.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Shangri-La successfully kept the Krewe together through almost impossible odds and presented parades Uptown in 2007 and 2008. As the 2009 Mardi Gras season approached, the Shangri-La Board of Directors began considering the effects of reduced membership levels and the ability to present a successful parade worthy of being part of the finest New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition. To assure success, the Krewe transformed from a conventional street parade to an old-fashioned French Quarter Carriage Parade and Stroll. The members that participated in "the Stroll" had an unsurpassed experience. The 2009 event was an outstanding success as Shangri-La brought back to the French Quarter some of the ambiance of Mardi Gras from days gone by.
No year was more memorable than 2010. Shangri-La presented a 45-unit French Quarter Carriage Parade and Stroll that moved through the French Quarter on the eve of Super Bowl XLIV. Many members stayed in the Quarter on Sunday and shared in the greatest Super Bowl celebration ever seen following the New Orleans Saints win over the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 31-17.
Mrs. Tusa said that the situation today continues to degrade. The Board of Directors examined the membership, budget, contract requirements, and other commitments that are requisite to presenting a successful Stroll. They also considered the current economic climate and the unknown long-term effects of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. There was unanimous agreement to suspend the Stroll in 2011. She further stated that it was a difficult decision to recast Shangri-La as a Social Club. However, the Shangri-La Social Club will continue to hold fun-filled get-togethers and support philanthropic organizations such as the Pajama Program of Louisiana and the Kipp McDonogh #15 School for the Performing Arts. Mrs. Tusa also stated that by recasting the organization today, Shangri-La was able to reimburse members all paid 2011 Mardi Gras dues.
From the Shangri-La website
Our 2011 French Quarter Carriage Parade & Stroll has been cancelled due to upcoming event commitments that could not be confirmed prior to required deadlines. This includes the pre-stroll luncheon and after party.
Although the membership had a full court in preparation for the 2011 season, some members declined to renew because of the economy and as we all know, everyone's discretionary income is not what it used to be.
After careful consideration, The Board of Directors and myself felt that the planned events could not be supported fully by the existing membership and friends of the club. As the leadership of the club is responsible for the monies paid on behalf of all members, it became clear and imperative that we must in good faith refund all membership monies instead of taking the risk of moving forward and possibly not being able to keep our commitments as planned.
While the 2011 French Quarter Carriage Parade & Stroll has been cancelled, the philanthropic efforts of the krewe will not end!
From this day forward, the Mystic Krewe of Shangri-La will continue as the "Mystic Krewe of Shangri-La Social Club".
The mission of the club will continue its foremost effort in providing necessary fundraiser's for worthy charities. One such organization to benefit from the ongoing efforts of Shangri-La is the school known as Kipp McDonogh #15. Kipp McDonogh is very close to my heart since this is the charter school in the French Quarter with many children from Central City.
The old saying of "The Children Are Our Future", is not only true, but a worthy effort to continue to support. I invite you to also support this effort with Shangri-La, as we will continue to have Dinner Gatherings and Parties in support of such organizations.
Thanks so much to all the friends of Shangri-La who have supported our efforts over the years.
We may have to change our direction somewhat, but our mission will remain the same.
