The good times rolled and bounced and jived and jiggled at the Westin Convention Center Hotel on Fat Tuesday, where the biggest and best Mardi Gras celebration north of New Orleans takes place each year. That the always sold-out evening is a benefit for the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania takes the guilt out of the weekday revelry. The heartbreaking story shared by Shannon and Joe Bursick, who lost their 7-year-old daughter to epilepsy, brought home just how precious life is to the crowd of 800.

From the chocolate martinis to the abundance of flashy necklaces, feathered masks and colorful glasses, the mood was festive and fun. A Dixieland parade, open bars all night and the infectious sounds of the John Parker Band kept the crowd occupied before and after a delicious surf and turf dinner. But the highlight was something new this year -- tables loaded with penny candy from Pittsburgh Candy Buffet and empty gift boxes to stuff, courtesy of Bayer. Its president and CEO, Greg Babe, was crowned king of Mardi Gras by the 2009 Queen, Diane Holder of UPMC Health Plan. Each year the monarch-to-be plans a distinctive entrance, and Mr. Babe was no exception. A dancing box of Bayer aspirin took care of any royal pains in the laughing crowd.

On hand to assist with the festivities were emcee and auctioneer Jim Roddey, given the tough job of trying to quiet a rowdy crowd, EFWCP board chair Denis McCarthy and dinner chairs Dr. Ken Melani, Jim Broadhurst (with Suzy) and Larry Lebowitz (with Lynn). Executive director Judy Painter wore another spectacular costume, this one very much in keeping with her duties as the Queen of Hearts. By evening's end, $350,000 had been raised to support local epilepsy services.

Mackenzie Carpenter's video program, "Omnivore," is available exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.