Media Release

New Jersey, Dec 26: The Mangalorean Catholic Association EC, Inc. (MCA-EC) held their annual Christmas Gala on December 21, at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey. It was a grand affair, with nearly 350 Mangalureans from around the East Coast in attendance to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus Christ.

Attendees entered the beautifully decorated venue and were greeted with traditional kuswar at registration. Photographer Chris Monis took their pictures as they stood against the gorgeous photobooth backdrop designed by Bernie D’Souza. They entered the hall and were greeted by a beautiful nativity display set up by Vice President Lloyd Fernandes. The delightful aromas of appetizers filled their nostrils and stomachs while a live jalebi station met the needs of their sweet teeth.

Emcees Caroline D’Souza, Susanna D’Souza and Kenneth Monteiro kept the night in order, kicking off the proceedings promptly at 7:00 pm. The event began with a Christmas carol competition, where the different vados of the organization went to head-to-head as they showcased their vocal talent and synchronized choreography. Dinesh DCosta, Kierra DCosta, Kaelyn DCosta, and Gayle Menezes of Sangatha Vado took home first place with their rendition of ‘O Holy Night’.

Santa then made a very special appearance with a sack of candy canes and chocolates for all the members in attendance. He stuck around to do a dance with the kids of MCA-EC and made sure to get a nice photo with everyone who wanted one.

Thereafter, president Clayton Monis and the executive board took to the stage to thank the many people involved in the successes of MCA-EC this year, including the many committee members, volunteers, and sponsors who make these events possible. There was a special note of appreciation for the Decennial Committee, which spent months in pulling together the MCA-EC’s last event to celebrate 10 years of the organization.

Following a series of spot prizes for attendees coordinated by the emcees, Royal Albert’s Palace put out a scrumptious assortment for dinner, complimented by dukra maas and sannas from Tony Seravo’s Mangalorean Caterers. Everyone was filled with this delicious dinner, and particularly happy about the authentic Mangalurean touch.

All these calories taken up were quickly burned off as the PRISM Dance Band accompanied by DJ Gladson Cardoza rocked the house all night. The floor was not empty for a moment as everyone danced the rest of the night away.