Today's Mardi Gras celebrations won't be limited just to New Orleans.  Although the events in the Big Easy will get most of the attention, cities across the country will be holding their own celebrations.  At one such event in Buffalo, N.Y., some nonprofits will be the recipients of much more than beads.

The Buffalo Business First reported today that the city's 17th annual Artvoice Mardi Gras celebration will be expanded this year.  Events will take place from Buffalo all the way to Southtowns, with money from each celebration going to individual nonprofits.  The money will come from the sale of $5 bracelets, which get attendees into participating establishments.  Some 46 restaurants and bars will be involved in the festivities this year.

One organization that benefited from last year's celebration is Give for Greatness.  The organization was only a campaign last year, but Artvoice helped transform it into a full-fledged nonprofit with 57 beneficiaries (up from 48 last year).  Mardi Gras activities in four Buffalo-area nonprofits will support Give for Greatness this year.

The charitable giving for Give for Greatness doesn't end with the Mardi Gras celebrations.  Fundraising activities for the organization are expected to run through Cinco de Mayo.

You can read the full article in The Buffalo Business First.