The Colley Senior Complex in Troy is upping its game this year with exciting changes for its annual Mardi Gras Gala set for February 11 at Cattleman Park.

Catherine Jordan, complex director, said the Gala is always a great event and to make sure that it remains “the party of the year,” it can’t be repetitive.

“We’re making a few changes that will up our game and make the Mardi Gras Gala even more fun,” Jordan said. “We always have great bands and we have contracted with a new band this year, City Heat from Atlanta. The band plays every kind of music, from R&B and jazz to country and swing. City Heat will get the party started and keep it going until the end of the night.”

A change in the Mardi Gras Gala fundraiser will also up the game in 2017, Jordan said.

“The Jeep give-away has been very successful for us but, we have noticed that the winners have been senior adults. As you get older, it’s not easy to get in and out of a jeep. The winners of the jeep usually didn’t need or want a jeep. So, we thought that a cash drawdown would be a better fundraiser. Who can’t use $10,000?”

And, there will be an option for the winner.

“The winner can take the cash or get a voucher for that amount to be used for a big trip to Paris or somewhere equally exciting or for several small trips throughout the year,” Jordan said.

There will be several chances to win in the cash drawdown. The first name drawn will get his or her $100 back and the last five names in the drawing will have the option to split the cash and go home with $2,000 in their pockets.

“The drawdown will be a lot of fun and a great fundraiser in support of the many programs at the Colley Senior Complex,” Jordan said.

Another change for the 2017 Mardi Gras Gala is the elimination of the silent auction.

“We want everyone to come and have a good time and not have to keep an eye on the action table,” Jordan said. “The photo booth was new last year and it was a lot of fun so we’ll bring it back. We’ll have a few other little changes to make the Gala even more fun.

“The Gala makes it possible for us to continue the outstanding programs we have at the Colley Senior Complex and add new programs as well. The Colley Senior Complex is growing as more people are retiring and at young ages. They are active and want to stay involved. We have something for just about every interest. If we don’t have it, we’ll try our best to get it.”

Tickets for the 2017 Mardi Gras Gala drawdown are $100 each and are available at the Colley Senior Complex on Elm Street in Troy. If you don’t have a ticket, you can’t win so Jordan said get a ticket and have a chance.

“We’ll only have 300 tickets in the drawing and that’s a pretty good chance of winning,” she said.